Have you ever seen the way light refracts and reflects off of a crystal’s multifaceted surface? It’s truly a breathtaking sight! No wonder why we’re drawn to their beauty.
Georgia is known for having some great places to find crystals, but without the proper guidance, it can be difficult to uncover them. That’s why we went all over our state to find the best spots to find crystals: Hogg Mine, Tallapoosa River, Tallulah Falls, Lake Chatuge, and Graves Mountain. We pulled our recommendations from our own experiences as well as from recommendations of other experienced collectors and enthusiasts.
Are you ready to embark on the exciting and rewarding journey of crystal hunting in Georgia? Let’s go!
- 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 Georgia Crystals You Can Find
Georgia doesn’t run short of crystals— in fact, it’s known for having some of the best places in the country to find them. The crystals you can find here are often unique and stunning, with a range of colors including clear, smoky, purple, pink, and even black. Truly, there’s no shortage of beauty to be found within Georgia crystals!
Rare crystals found in Georgia
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Calcite
- Emerald
- Garnet
- Moonstone
- Pyrite
- Rutile
More common crystals found here
- Agate
- Black Tourmaline
- Carnelian
- Citrine
- Chalcopyrite
- Diamond
- Epidote
- Fluorite
- Galena
- Hematite
- Jasper
- Kyanite
- Muscovite
- Quartz (Blue, Clear, Milky, Rose, Smoky)
- Ruby
- Selenite
- Serpentine
- Tektite
- Topaz
The Best Locations For Crystal Mining in Georgia
We’ll share with you our top 5 recommended places where you are guaranteed to have a fun and successful crystal hunting experience. How do we know? Because we experienced it ourselves when we went to these places!
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.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Hogg Mine is Our Favorite Crystal Mine in Georgia
4098 Whitesville Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240
Hogg Mine in LaGrange is not only one of the best places to find gems in Georgia, it’s also an excellent spot to find beautiful crystals. The mine has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when gold was first discovered in the area. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s that it began to produce Quartz crystals as well.
Located in the Piedmont region of our state, the Hogg Mine is situated on a hillside and covers over 70 acres. Its geology includes shale, granite, and quartz veins, which are prime locations for crystal formation. The mine is known for producing high-quality Clear and Smoky Quartz crystals, as well as the occasional Amethyst and Citrine.
One of the reasons why the Hogg Mine is such a great place to hunt for crystals is its accessibility. Unlike some other mines that require a long hike or special permits, this mine is easily accessible by car and open to the public for a small fee. You’ll also find that it’s well-maintained and regularly excavated, making it easier to find crystals than some other locations.
Where we found crystals at Hogg Mine
When you’re at Hogg Mine, wherever you stand, you’re probably close to a crystal. You can find fascinating samples of Amethyst, Aquamarine, Garnet, Quartz, Tourmaline, and many other crystals here.
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 equipment 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
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern 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.
Tallapoosa River
Paulding County, GA
Tallapoosa River stretches over 200 miles and covers a vast area, making it a prime location for crystal mining. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when gold was first discovered here. Over the years, it has also become known for its abundant deposits of other crystals.
The geology of this river is ideal for crystal formation. It’s composed of various types of rock, including granite and schist, which are known for producing high-quality crystals. The river itself is also known for its clear waters, which make it easier to spot crystals on the riverbed.
When you visit here, make sure you come prepared. Bring gloves, sturdy shoes, and tools such as hammers and chisels that you can use to extract crystals from the riverbed. It’s also important to respect the river’s rules and regulations, which include not disturbing the riverbed or using heavy equipment.
Where we found crystals at Tallapoosa River
The most well-known crystal that you can find here is the mesmerizing Ruby. You can explore the gravels, upstream and down along both sides of the river for them. You can also refer to our complete guide if you’re wondering how much crystal is worth.
Tallulah Falls
Between Rabun and Habersham Counties, GA
Tallulah Falls is one of the most picturesque locations in Georgia to find beautiful crystals. Just look at its breathtaking photo! The falls stretch over 2 miles and cover a vast area, making it a prime location for crystal hunting.
Because of its geology, crystals are formed here. The area is composed of various types of rock, including gneiss, where high-quality crystals are formed. The falls themselves also create pockets where crystals can form and be found.
This spot is easily accessible by car and there are plenty of spots to park and explore so visiting here wouldn’t be so hard. What’s more is that the breathtaking beauty of Tallulah Falls offer a unique and stunning backdrop for crystal hunting, making it a truly memorable experience for you.
Where we found crystals around Tallulah Falls
Some of the amazing crystals you can find here are Citrine, Clear Quartz, and Smoky Quartz. If you want to get your hands on them, you should explore the area creeks of Tallulah Falls.
Lake Chatuge
Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Lake Chatuge’s history dates back to the 1940s when the Tennessee Valley Authority created the lake as part of a hydroelectric project. Since then, the area has become a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. However, many people don’t know that Lake Chatuge is also a great place to find crystals.
The geography and geology of Lake Chatuge make it a prime location for crystal formation. The lake’s waters have helped create unique rock formations where crystals can form and be found.
If you want to go here, you should know that there are plenty of spots along the shoreline where you can easily access the rocks and search for crystals. Just be sure to follow the area’s rules and regulations, which include not disturbing the natural environment or using heavy equipment in your exploration.
Where we found crystals at Lake Chatuge
There is no specific spot where crystals group together here, so your best chance of finding one is to explore the different parts of this beautiful lake. You can find Garnet, Kyanite, Quartz crystals, and Rutile here.
Graves Mountain
Graves Mountain is named after the Graves family, who were among the first settlers in the area. In the early 1900s, it became known for its deposits of kyanite, a crystal used in the production of refractory materials.
The mountain is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are known to contain high concentrations of minerals. The area’s geological history has also created pockets of crystals throughout the mountain. One of the most popular spots for crystal hunting at Graves Mountain is the old quarry site, which is easily accessible and is a great spot for beginners and experienced rockhounds alike.
With its unique geology, accessibility, and stunning natural beauty, Graves Mountain is a great place to spend a day or weekend exploring and finding beautiful crystals.
Where we found crystals at Graves Mountain
You can find highly-sought after samples of deep red Rutile when you explore west for 6 miles on Rte. 378 of the Graves Mountain.
Our Other Favorite Places For Crystal Hunting
The locations we shared above are not the only places you can visit if you want to find crystals in Georgia. There are TONS more! Our state boasts of plenty spots that abound with amazing natural wonders. In fact, you can even find Georgia geodes! Following this are lists of more sites that you can checkout for crystal hunting:
Where you can find crystals for free in Georgia
While most of the great places where you can find crystals usually require fees, there are still a number of other sites that you can explore for free.
| County | Location |
| Barrow | Northeast on SR-11 to 1.5 miles from the Jackson County border |
| Bartow | Downstream and south along Etowah River |
| Burke | Along the Georgia side of the South Carolina border in Savannah River |
| Catoosa | Southeast 1½ mi. in Knox dolomite exposed in an abandoned quarry |
| Clarke | In a field along Alps Road across from the airport |
| Cobb | 0.25 mile southeast of Belmont Hills area |
| De Kalb | On north side of Arabia Mountain in the Rock Chapel Quarry |
| Fayette | Loose in field soil of the Homer Kellin farm |
| Floyd | West on Rte. 20 to the Rice Springs Farms |
| Gwinnett | On Addison Lowe farm |
| Jasper | Area road cuts of Hillsboro |
| Meriweather | ½ miles distant at the Ernest Stozier farm |
| Spalding | In fields of the J.T. Allen farm |
| Washington | At the Hugh Taubutton farm |
Other great places to dig for crystals
If you’re willing to pay some fees to find crystal, below are some of the best places that you can visit. Take note that the fees vary depending on the season, so make sure to contact them first before visiting.
| County | Location |
| Cherokee | 4.8 miles south-southwest at the Cagle Mine (aka Dunsmore Mine) |
| Cherokke-Pickens | The 300 square-mile region surrounding this town contains many pegmatite dike mines |
| Clayton | At the Laurel Creek Mine |
| Dawson | Dawsonville area mines |
| Elbert | 4.5 miles northeast, on the northside of Coldwater Creek at Chapman Mine |
| Hall | Northwest 1½ mi. via Grape Street, the Old Hope or Merck Mine |
| Haralson | Northwest 4 miles at the Waldrop Copper Mine near the Polk County line |
| Lamar | East on US-41 at the Early Vaughn Mine |
| Lumpkin | Northeast 9½ miles at the William Mica Mine |
| Wilkes | At the Magruder Mica Mine |
How to find crystals in Georgia
A few of our suggested places cover expansive areas, so to help you focus your search, we provided the particular locations where you can concentrate your crystal mining efforts:
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are fantastic locations to find crystal as they are natural waterways that carry minerals from their source and deposit them along their path. As the water flows, it gradually erodes the surrounding rocks and soil, leaving behind an array of minerals and crystals.
Mines and Mine Dumps
Mines and mine dumps are locations where minerals and crystals were extracted from the earth. As a result, these areas can be incredibly rich in crystal formations that have been left behind or discarded during the mining process.You can even find crystals that are of higher quality or rarer than what you might find in other locations. This is because the crystals in these areas were often untouched by natural weathering or erosion, making them more pristine and valuable.
Quarries
Quarries are a fantastic location for rockhounds to search for crystals in Georgia. A quarry is a place where minerals and rocks are extracted from the earth’s surface through excavation. This makes it an ideal location to find crystals as they can often be found within the rocks that are excavated. And one of the great advantages of searching for crystals in quarries is that they are often open to the public for collecting.
Georgia Crystal Mining Laws And Regulations
It’s perfectly legal to engage in crystal mining in Georgia for as long as you comply with all the state and local collecting laws, particularly those from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Primarily, you would need to obtain required permits and permissions from concerned government offices and landowners, if applicable. Some of the locations we shared above may also have regulations and restrictions for environmental and wildlife protection. By respecting and abiding by these rules, you are helping ensure the sustainability of responsible crystal hunting in Georgia.
The Best Crystal Shops In Georgia
If you don’t have much time or energy to go on an all-out crystal hunting adventure, you might want to consider buying crystals from some of the best local crystal shops in Georgia. All the shops we listed below have great varieties of crystals that you can choose from:
- Crystal Blue – 1168 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Stillwell’s Emporium – 945 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
- Stoneage Natural Rocks & Crystals – 3333 Buford Dr #1022, Buford, GA 30519
- The Mineral Gallery – 155 Mill Rd #13, McDonough, GA 30253
- Modern Mystic Shop – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE N214, Atlanta, GA 30308
- The Honey Pot Energy & Art – 1083 Euclid Ave, 30307 Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Stonehaven – 516 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161
- Imperial Gems – 333 Main St suite 200, Suwanee, GA 30024
- Roots Crystals – 2001 Albany Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
- Uniquely Gifted – 105B Stonewall Ave E, Fayetteville, GA 30214
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:
- Crystals in Tennessee
- Crystals in North Carolina
- Crystals in South Carolina
- Crystals in Florida
- Crystals in Alabama
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!
