Crystals are one of nature’s most incredible and beautiful creations. Their intricate patterns and stunning colors make them fascinating to behold, and the process of finding them can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Connecticut may be a small state, but it’s packed with an impressive array of crystals waiting to be discovered. With the right guide, you can embark on a successful crystal hunting journey here.
We’ve compiled a list of the top spots to find crystals in Connecticut, including Long Hill Mine in the Old Mine Park, Bantam Lake, Roncari Quarry, Collins Hill, and Pine Rock Quarry. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, our guide will help make your journey as a crystal hunter truly worth it!
- The extensive local experience and understanding of our team
- Input from multiple local crystal hunters and crystal collecting groups
- The accessibility of the crystal mining locations
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Private and public locations
- A desire to include locations for both experienced crystal hunters and those who are just starting out
Using these weights we think we’ve put together the best list out there for those who love finding new crystals for our collections!
The Types of Connecticut Crystals You Can Find
Connecticut is home to a diverse range of crystals because of its geology that’s rich in mineral deposits. That’s why there are plenty of opportunities to find crystals in our state. And if you’d like to take this opportunity, here’s what you can find here:
Rare crystals found in Connecticut
- Amazonite
- Amethyst
- Aventurine
- Bismuth
- Citrine
- Danburite
- Iolite
- Kunzite
- Morganite
- Prehnite
- Topaz
More common crystals found here
- Agate
- Apatite
- Aquamarine
- Aragonite
- Azurite
- Calcite
- Chalcopyrite
- Chrysocolla
- Copper
- Epidote
- Fluorite
- Galena
- Garnet
- Kyanite
- Malachite
- Moonstone
- Muscovite
- Quartz (Clear, Rose, Smoky)
- Pyrite
- Serpentine
- Tourmaline
The Best Locations For Crystal Mining in Connecticut
Here are the top 5 crystal mining places that we’d recommend you put on top of your to-visit list, too.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Long Hill Mine in Old Mine Park is Our Favorite Crystal Mine in Connecticut
Trumbull, Fairfield County, CT
The Long Hill Mine in Old Mine Park was a major source of mica and feldspar in the 1800s and early 1900s. It was active for over 60 years, and during that time, it produced some of the finest quality minerals in the country. In fact, some of the minerals found here are still highly sought after by collectors today.
Old Mine Park, where Long Hill Mine is situated, is located on a ridge of metamorphic rock. The rocks in this area, being over 400 million years old, are rich in minerals that have been exposed to weathering and erosion over time, resulting in a rich deposit of crystals just waiting to be uncovered.
Long Hill Mine has a reputation for producing some of the most diverse, beautiful, and high-quality crystals in our state. Since it’s easily accessible, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced collectors. If these reasons are not enough to justify this mine’s place in our top recommendations, Long Hill Mine is also a great spot for gem mining in Connecticut.
Where we found crystals at Long Hill Mine at Old Mine Park
If you’re here to find crystals, go 1 mile south of railroad station where you will find Calcite, Fluorite, Pyrite (cubes), Topaz (blue), and other crystals.
The tools every crystal hunter will need
When you're out looking for crystals having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced crystal miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding supplies guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The crystal-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Bantam Lake
Litchfield County, CT
Bantam Lake was formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. It was a vital resource for the indigenous people who lived in the area, and artifacts from their settlements have been found nearby. In the 1800s, the lake became a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to fish, hunt, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Located in the Litchfield Hills, which are part of the Appalachian Mountain range, Bantam Lake is rich in metamorphic rock that has been subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. This has resulted in a variety of crystals here.
The lake is surrounded by numerous hiking trails and is easily accessible, making it a perfect spot for rockhounding.
Where we found crystals at Bantam Lake
We recommend exploring the south side of Bantam Lake for some of the prettiest samples of Rose Quartz crystals in our state. To get you more excited in exploring here, know more about crystal prices in this article.
Roncari Quarry
East Granby, Hartford County, CT
Roncari Quarry was an active quarry for over 70 years, producing high-quality limestone and other materials. It was closed in the early 2000s, but the area is still a popular spot for rockhounding and other outdoor activities.
The Connecticut River Valley, where Roncari Quarry is located, is known for its unique geological features. It’s rich in metamorphic rock that has been subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years, producing a variety of crystals in the area.
What’s interesting and unique about exploring here is that the quarry walls offer a unique opportunity to see the layers of rock and crystal deposits up close.
Where we found crystals at Roncari Quarry
Being a quarry, this location abounds in various kinds of crystals that can be found in its different parts. You can get your hands on fascinating specimens of Aragonite, Calcite, Epidote, Fluorite, Galena, Prehnite, and Quartz crystals, among others.
Collins Hill
Collins Hill Rd., Portland, CT
Collins Hill was named after Samuel Collins, who was one of the early settlers in the area. It’s known for its granite quarries, which were in operation in the 19th century. Today, the area is a popular destination for rockhounding.
Collins Hill is made up of a unique rock formation known as the Collins Hill dike, which is made up of pinkish-gray granite. This granite contains a variety of minerals and is known for producing stunning specimens of Smoky Quartz.
So why is Collins Hill such a great place to find crystals? Well, the area is known for producing some of the most beautiful Smoky Quartz crystals in the world. The crystals found here are often large and well-formed, making them a must-have for any crystal collector.
Where we found crystals at Collins Hill
You can go northeast for 2½ miles on the west side of Collins Hill near its summit to find beautiful samples of Apatite, Aquamarine, Citrine, Quartz (rose, smoky, clear), and Tourmaline crystals.
Pine Rock Quarry
Hamden, New Haven County, CT
Pine Rock Quarry is packed with interesting geological features and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in rockhounding. This place dates back to the 1800s when it was primarily used for mining granite. In the mid-20th century, it was converted to a landfill and later closed— but not for rockhounding!
The area of the quarry is rich in pegmatites, which are geological formations that can contain a wide variety of minerals. These pegmatites have produced a stunning array of different crystals.
Pine Rock Quarry is known for producing some truly impressive crystal specimens. Additionally, it’s accessible and relatively easy to navigate, making it a great spot for beginners and experienced rockhounds alike.
Where we found crystals at Pine Rock Quarry
Explore the different nooks and crannies of Pine Rock Quarry, because if you’re here, chances are you’re already near one or two of the following crystals: Calcite, Prehnite, Serpentine, and many others!
Our Other Favorite Places For Crystal Hunting
Like we said, Connecticut may be small, but it’s definitely brimming with crystals! So it’s no surprise that aside from the top 5 places that we recommended above, there are still plenty other sure spots where you can find crystals here. In fact, many of these are also great spots to find Connecticut geodes.
Where you can find crystals for free in Connecticut
We’ll share first the free-to-search areas here in case you’re not interested in paying a fee for your crystal hunting trip.
| County | Location |
| Fairfield | Quarry and dumps at Ridgefield area |
| Hartford | Case Quarries at Glastonbury area |
| Litchfield | At the Flanders Quarry |
| Middlesex | At the Rock Landing Quarry |
| New Haven | At the Cinque Quarry behind the Weeping Willow Restaurant on Laurel Street |
| New London | Along beach on west side of point toward Long Island Sound |
| Tolland | Area schist exposures of Stafford, Tolland, and Vernon |
| Windham | Area pegmatite outcrops of Willimatic |
If you’re having difficulty telling different crystals apart (especially those that are just too similar to easily distinguish), you can use these guides that we created:
Other great places to dig for crystals
If you don’t mind paying a fee to find the next batch of crystals to add to your collection, here are the sure spots that you can visit. Make sure to call and reach out to the area first before visiting because the fees may vary depending on the season. Who knows, it might be free by the time of your visit!
| County | Location |
| Hartford | At the Simsbury Mine in Granby |
| Litchfield | At the Roebling Mine (aka Merryll Mine) |
| Middlesex | Turkey Hill Mine in Haddam area |
How to find crystals in Connecticut
Since a handful of our recommended places cover wide areas, we’ll help you narrow down and focus your search on the surest spots where crystals are usually found. We recommend visiting these spots first when you go here:
Mines and Mine Dumps
Searching for crystals in mines and mine dumps can be an incredibly fruitful experience. Mines are locations where minerals are extracted from the earth, and mine dumps are the piles of rock and debris left over from the mining process. These dumps can contain a variety of highly-concentrated minerals and crystals that were unearthed during the mining process, giving you a better chance of finding something amazing. Additionally, mines and mine dumps can be great spots to find rare and unique specimens that you may not find elsewhere.
Quarries
Quarries are locations where large amounts of rock are excavated for building materials, landscaping, and other purposes. They can contain a wide variety of minerals and crystals that were formed deep in the earth and brought to the surface during the excavation process. These minerals and crystals can range from common to rare, making quarry hunting an exciting and rewarding experience.
Pay-to-Dig Mines
Pay-to-dig Mines, where you pay a fee to enter and collect specimens, offer the certainty of finding crystals in a controlled and supervised environment. Unlike natural rockhounding locations where there’s no guarantee of finding anything, pay-to-dig mines have been specifically chosen for their high mineral content. They often have well-maintained areas that have been specifically designed for crystal hunting.
In most cases, pay-to-dig mines provide tools and equipment to help you extract crystals from the ground. They also often have experts on-site to help you identify specimens and provide guidance on proper extraction techniques. This can be especially helpful for beginners who are new to crystal hunting.
Connecticut Crystal Mining Laws And Regulations
If you follow all our state laws on crystal mining, you’ll have no legal concerns exploring Connecticut for its crystal reserves. This is specially for guidelines imposed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection which regulates the activity here. Always make sure to obtain any necessary permits or permissions from concerned public and private offices and individuals, depending on the kind of land you plan on exploring. Also, be mindful of any regulations that aim to protect the environment and biodiversity of our state. At the end of the day, respecting these laws will allow crystal mining to remain a legal and sustainable activity here.
The Best Crystal Shops In Connecticut
With the abundant crystal reserves that are spread throughout different spots in our state, it can be incredibly overwhelming for anybody who just wants to take home something special for their collection. If you’re open to spending a few bucks in exchange of seeing all these variety of crystals in one place, then you might want to visit the local crystal shops here. Some of the best ones are the following:
- Polaris Crystals – 438 Howe Ave, Shelton, CT 06484
- The Little Crystal Shop – 27 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801
- Lunastry – 268 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT 06801
- New Insights Metaphysical Boutique – 111 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, CT 06482
- Curious Goods New Age Shop – 417 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516
- Kelly’s Crystals – 83 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790
- Mother Earth Gallery – 449 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT 06776
- StellaLuna – 264 Queen St Suite B, Southington, CT 06489, United States
- Rock Garden – 17 S Main St, Branford, CT 06405
- Mystify – 445 Colony St, Meriden, CT 06451
Additional places to find crystals in nearby states
If you’ve already tried all of our recommendations above or are planning a trip out of the state, you should check out our guides for neighboring states:
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered, please leave them in the comments below!
