You might be surprised to learn that Indiana is home to many crystal-filled locations that will make your eyes pop and your heart sing. Believe it or not, crystals have a unique charm that appeals to new and seasoned rockhounds. From dazzling amethysts to stunning quartz crystals, these natural treasures can be found in various shapes, sizes, and colors that will leave you in awe.
The best part? You don’t have to be a professional geologist when finding crystals in Indiana. You can uncover some truly remarkable gems with research and digging. Whether you’re a casual collector or a dedicated crystal enthusiast, the state has plenty of options for you to explore.
But don’t just take my word for it. Many crystal hunters have already had great success, with some finding crystals so beautiful they’re practically screaming, “take me home!” You might just find the perfect addition to your crystal collection.
- 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 Indiana Crystals You Can Find
Crystals are stunning mineral formations that have been around for millions of years. These natural wonders are often found in geodes or veins in rocks and can be made up of various minerals. The best places to find crystals here are in old mines, quarries, and natural formations like creeks and rivers. Keep your eyes peeled for areas with exposed bedrock, as crystals can be found in cracks and crevices.
It’s worth noting that crystal hunting can be a bit of a gamble. Sometimes you’ll find a treasure trove of crystals, and other times you might come up empty-handed. But that’s all part of the fun, right? The thrill of the hunt is half why crystal hunting is such a popular hobby!
Rare crystals found in Indiana
- Agate
- Chalcopyrite
- Garnet
- Hematite
- Jasper
- Moonstone
- Sapphire
More common crystals found here
- Apatite
- Calcite
- Diamond
- Fluorite
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Selenite
- Topaz
The Best Locations For Crystal Mining in Indiana
Here are some of the top Indiana locations for crystal hunting. We’ve had a lot of luck exploring them and finding unusual crystals, and we have no doubt you will, 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
Debolt Quarry
Richmond, Wayne County
The Debolt Quarry is worth visiting if you’re seeking a great place to collect crystals in the state. The unique history of this old limestone quarry, close to Rockport, dates back to the early 1900s. You can include this area on your list of top locations when finding gems in Indiana.
Originally a limestone quarry, the Debolt Quarry was mined for its high-quality limestone until the early 1970s. After that, it was abandoned and left to nature. Over the years, groundwater seeped in and formed beautiful crystal-filled cavities.
Geologically speaking, the Debolt Quarry is part of the Salem Limestone formation, which is known for its abundance of fossils and crystals. The area is also known for its karst topography, which means there are plenty of sinkholes, caves, and underground streams.
Where we found crystals at Debolt Quarry
In the entire Debolt Quarry area, we have collected various crystals, including apatite, calcite, and pyrite.
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.
France Stone Co. Quarry
Logansport, Cass County
Another fantastic location to find crystals in Indiana is the France Stone Co Quarry. This quarry, located near Cloverdale, has a long history dating back to the late 1800s when it was first mined for its high-quality limestone.
The quarry is no longer operational today, but it has become a popular spot for crystal hunters looking for unique and beautiful formations. The quarry has impressive crystal-filled cavities, many with stunning purple amethyst crystals. Geologically speaking, the France Stone Co Quarry is part of the St. Louis Limestone formation, which is known for its abundance of fossils and mineral deposits.
Crystal hunters will love exploring the France Stone Co Quarry, as there are plenty of opportunities to find amazing crystals and other geological wonders. The quarry is also a great spot for photography, with its towering limestone cliffs and beautiful natural surroundings.
Where we found crystals at France Stone Co Quarry
Crystals of apatite, calcite, pyrite, and quartz can be discovered in the whole area of the quarry. You can determine your crystals value by reading this article.
Highland Creek
Highland Creek is a popular spot for crystal hunters looking to explore the natural beauty of Indiana. This creek, located near the town of Martinsville, is home to various beautiful crystals that can be found along its banks and in the surrounding area.
The creek is a great spot to find crystals, as they can often be found in the gravel and sand along the banks. The surrounding area is also rich with crystal formations, including geodes and beautiful calcite crystals.
Crystal hunters will love exploring Highland Creek, as it offers a beautiful natural setting and plenty of opportunities to find unique and beautiful crystals. It’s also a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching, so you can make a day of it and enjoy all the area offers.
Where we found crystals at Highland Creek
Diamond, garnet, hematite, pyrite, quartz, sapphire, and topaz crystals are primarily found along the numerous glacial gravel bars of Highland Creek.
Maumee River
The Maumee River, which runs through the northern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when it was an important trading route for Native Americans and early settlers.
Geologically speaking, the Maumee River is part of the Silurian and Devonian limestone formations, which are known for their abundance of fossils and minerals. The river is also known for its limestone cliffs and scenic beauty, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Crystal hunters will be pleased to know that the Maumee River is home to various beautiful crystals found in the gravel and sand along its banks. The river is also great for finding fossils, geodes, and other unique geological formations.
Where we found crystals at the Maumee River
The Maumee River’s gravels and glacial float contain agate and jasper crystals.
Mud Pine Creek
You’ll definitely want to add Mud Pine Creek to your list of must-visit spots. This creek, located near the town of Tell City, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when it was a hub for the timber industry. Geologically speaking, Mud Pine Creek is part of the Mansfield Formation, which is known for its abundance of fossils and mineral deposits.
The creek is also known for its beautiful natural setting, with towering limestone cliffs and lush green forests. Crystal hunters will be delighted to know that Mud Pine Creek is home to various beautiful crystals, including quartz and calcite formations.
Where we found crystals at Mud Pine Creek
We had the best luck finding pyrite crystals along the bluff of Mud Pine Creek.
Our Other Favorite Places For Crystal Hunting
Unsurprisingly, the state offers many amazing places to look for crystals and dig for geodes in Indiana. We’ve included a list of additional options worth thinking about:
Where you can find crystals for free in Indiana
Let’s start by discussing a few locations where you can look for free. Although many of the most beautiful areas have entrance fees, other places are still free to visit.
| County | Location |
| Bartholomew | Meshberger Stone Co Quarry for calcite and fluorite |
| Brown | County-wide in galcial drift gravels for quartz and topaz |
| Decatur | Area stone quarry for chalcopyrite |
| Harrison | Area quarries of Croyden for calcite, fluorite, and quartz |
| Huntington | Erie Stone Co Quarry for calcite and pyrite |
| Marion | All area creek beds for moonstone |
| Monroe | Area quarries of Bloomington for fluorite |
| Monroe | Quimby and Stephen Quarry for pyrite |
| Monroe | All area stream and creek gravels and glacial moraines for diamond, quartz, and topaz |
| Morgan | Small streams through glacial drift in Gold Creek for garnet and sapphire |
| Shelby | Cave Stone Co. Quarry for calcite and fluorite |
| Washington | Abandoned quarry for calcite and selenite |
Other great places to dig for crystals
If you don’t mind shelling out cash, you can look for crystals in these other great areas. The price may vary seasonally and possibly be free at times. You should contact them first before visiting these locations.
| County | Location |
| Fountain | Norgan Company Coal Mine for pyrite |
| Knox | Area coal mines for pyrite |
| Parke | Area dumps, cuts, excavations, banks, seams, and coal mines for pyrite and selenite |
| Parke | Area dumps and coal mines for pyrite |
How to find crystals in Indiana
Here are some more detailed suggestions for making the most of your time in a particular place to assist you in finding crystals. Some of the greatest locations to look for are as follows:
Quarries
If you’re a crystal hunter looking to strike it rich, searching in quarries is a great way to find beautiful and unique crystals. Quarries are locations where rocks, minerals, and other natural resources are extracted from the earth. As a result, they are often filled with stunning geological formations that can be hard to find in other locations.
One of the main advantages of searching in quarries is that they are often rich in mineral deposits. This means you’re more likely to find crystals and other geological wonders than in other areas. Quarries can also offer access to geological formations that would be difficult or impossible to find elsewhere.
Rivers and riverbanks
One of the main advantages of searching in rivers and riverbanks is that they are often rich in mineral deposits. Over time, water has eroded the surrounding rock and carried mineral deposits downstream, where they can settle along the banks of the river. This means you’re more likely to find crystals and other geological wonders in these locations than in other areas.
Of course, there are some special considerations when searching rivers and riverbanks. Knowing the water level and currents is important, as they can change rapidly and without warning. You’ll also want to ensure you have the right tools and equipment, such as a sturdy pair of waterproof boots and a good quality shovel, to help you safely extract crystals and other geological treasures from the riverbed.
Streams and creeks
Looking for a fun and exciting way to find some beautiful crystals? Searching in streams and creeks might just be the adventure you’re looking for. Streams and creeks are natural waterways that flow through the landscape, and their banks are often home to various stunning geological formations.
One of the main advantages of searching in streams and creeks is that they are often less crowded than other areas, making it easier to find unique and beautiful crystals. These waterways are also often home to other wildlife, making for a fun and interesting adventure.
Indiana Crystal Mining Laws And Regulations
In Indiana, recreational crystal hunting is allowed on public land if specific rules or regulations do not prohibit it. However, it is important to note that some private land may be off-limits for crystal hunting, so getting permission before exploring the private property is always a good idea.
Additionally, it’s important to follow all state and federal laws and regulations of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources when crystal hunting. This includes obtaining necessary permits and following guidelines for collecting and removing rocks and minerals from public lands.
It’s also important to practice responsible crystal hunting by leaving the area as you found it and avoiding damaging any natural formations or wildlife habitats. Always respect the environment and other individuals who may be enjoying the area.
The Best Crystal Shops In Indiana
Because of the state’s wide array of crystals, many of us love making small purchases to round out our collections. These are the best crystal shops we could find if you’re looking for unique and stunning specimens.
- All My Relations – 7218 Rockville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214, United States
- The Crystal Lady – 192 W Joliet St Suite B, Crown Point, IN 46307, United States
- The Crystal Shop – 5845 Sunnyside Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46235, United States
- The Crystal Source – 110 S Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448, United States
- Crystal Wand Creations – 206 N Buckeye St, Kokomo, IN 46901, United States
- Geodes and Gemstones – 300 Hwy 35 N, Knox, IN 46534, United States
- Jox Rox Rock Shop – 4825 N Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226, United States
- The Magick Candle – 6125 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46219, United States
- My Inner Path – 1484 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260, United States
- Rustic Rebels – 1809 W University Ave, Muncie, IN 47303, United States
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!
