For centuries, people have been captivated by the unique shapes, colors, and properties of crystals, and the joy of finding these precious wonders is an experience like no other. However, finding them can be quite challenging, especially if you live in a state with limited resources. Louisiana is one such state that doesn’t have an abundance of crystal deposits. But with the right guide and knowledge, it’s not impossible to find them.
That’s where we come in. We’ve scoured all over our state to locate the impressive places to find crystals in Lousiana, including Sandy Creek, Bayou Grand Cane, Leesville, Turkey Creek, and Amite River, to make your crystal hunting journey as fun and successful as possible. So come along with us and discover the wonders of Louisiana’s crystal world!
- 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 Louisiana Crystals You Can Find
Louisiana is home to a variety of beautiful crystal formations, despite having more limited crystal resources compared to other states. There’s a wealth of opportunities to find crystals here if you seek to explore around, and here’s what you can find:
Rare crystals found in Louisiana
- Agate
- Opal (“Louisiana Opal”)
- Septarian nodule
More common crystals found here
- Carnelian
- Chalcedony
- Diamond
- Hematite
- Jasper
The Best Locations For Crystal Mining in Louisiana
Firstly, we’ll share with you our top recommendations where we had the best time and success finding crystals here.
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.
Sandy Creek is Our Favorite Crystal Mine in Louisiana
East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Sandy Creek is a must-visit for anyone who wants to find some truly stunning crystals in our state. It’s also among the impressive places to find Louisiana gems. It’s also known for its beautiful fossilized coral formations. These formations are millions of years old and offer a unique glimpse into the history of our planet.
The geography and geology of Sandy Creek make it an ideal location for finding crystals. The area is filled with sandbars and gravel deposits, which are perfect for sifting through in search of these natural wonders. You’ll also find plenty of limestone formations, which can contain beautiful crystal formations.
Keep in mind that the types of crystals you find will here will depend on the time of year and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to do a little research before you go. Sandy Creek is accessible by car, and there is a designated parking area for crystal hunters. From there, you’ll need to hike down to the creek, which is about a half-mile trek. Once you reach it, keep your eyes peeled for beautiful crystal formations.
Where we found crystals at Sandy Creek
You can find some of the best samples of Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, and Jasper crystals in our state if you dig through the Indian Mound areas gravel pit on Sandy Creek.
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.
Bayou Grand Cane
DeSoto Parish, LA
Bayou Grand Cane has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. This place was used for transportation of goods and supplies, and its surrounding areas were home to many farms and plantations. Today, it is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, including crystal hunters.
Bayou Grand Cane is an ideal location to find crystals in Louisiana because the area is rich in sedimentary rock formations, including limestone and shale. These rocks often contain beautiful crystal formations. The bayou is also home to a variety of other natural features, including sandbars and gravel deposits, which can be sifted through in search of crystals.
If you want to go here, you’re in luck because the location is accessible by car. There are several spots along the bayou where you can park and start your crystal hunting adventure.
Where we found crystals at Bayou Grand Cane
We highly recommend exploring the Southeast of Logansport area along SR-762 all the way to Clement Bayou, especially in the mouth of Bayou Grand Cane for some amazing Agate, Chalcedony, and Jasper crystals. If you have extra time and energy, you can even extend your search to the mouth of Castor Bayou.
Once you get your hands on a specimen, you can also read up our guide on crystal prices in case you’re interested in its value.
Leesville
Vernon Parish, LA
Back in the early 1800s, the town of Leesville was originally founded as the seat of Vernon Parish. Since then, it has grown to become a hub of activity in the region. To date, the town is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, including crystal hunters.
Leesville is situated on the edge of the Kisatchie National Forest, which is home to a variety of natural features including hills, creeks, and rock formations. It is rich in sedimentary rocks, which often contain beautiful crystal formations that have been weathered over time.
You can easily reach this town by car if you’re planning to visit here. There are also several spots around the Kisatchie National Forest where you can park and begin your search. Overall, Leesville is an impressive location for anyone who wants to find stunning crystal formations in our state.
Where we found crystals at Leesville
You can find the best samples of Louisiana Opals, which are sandstones bounded together by Opal, when you explore the outcrops of Catahoula Sandstone in Leesville.
Turkey Creek
Evangeline Parish, LA
After going around our state, we can attest to the beauty and abundance of crystals in Turkey Creek, so this place belongs to our top recommendations. Turkey Creek area was originally settled by French settlers back in 1800s, and now it’s become a popular spot for crystal mining.
Turkey Creek is situated in an area known as the Louisiana Limestone Plain, which is home to a variety of natural features including hills, creeks, and rock formations. The limestone in the area often contains beautiful crystal formations.
Like our other recommended places, Turkey Creek is easily accessible by car. In fact, there are different spots here where you can park and start your crystal mining journey.
Where we found crystals at Turkey Creek
If you’re here, we highly recommend exploring the west of Turkey Creek, where you can find wonderful Banded Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, and Jasper crystals.
Amite River
Livingston Parish, LA
Running through southeastern Louisiana, Amite River has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The river is named after the Native American word “amiti,” which means “peaceful.”
Amite River runs through the Gulf Coastal Plain, an area known for its abundance of sedimentary rocks. These rocks often contain beautiful crystal formations that have been weathered over time by the flowing water of the river. The crystals you can find here vary in size and color, so you’re sure to find something unique and beautiful.
To get to the Amite River, you’ll need to head to the southeastern part of our state. The great news is, the river is easily accessible by car! When you go here, be sure to bring your hiking boots, as you’ll need to explore the riverbanks and surrounding areas to find the best crystal formations.
Where we found crystals at Amite River
You can find amazing samples of Banded Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, and Jasper crystals if you search upstream on the tributary of the river and 1.6 miles south-southeast to the bridge over Amite River.
Our Other Favorite Places For Crystal Hunting
Aside from our top recommended places to find crystals in Louisiana, there are more areas here that abound with crystals. In fact, many of them are also great locations to find Louisiana geodes.
Where you can find crystals for free in Louisiana
Check out these fun areas that you can explore for crystals totally for free:
| County | Location |
| Bienville Parish | 3 miles west of Castor area |
| Catahoula Parish | 2 miles northwest at the gravel hills of Harrisonburg area |
| DeSoto Parish | In the cuts of the Kansas City railroad |
| East Feliciana Parish | Along both sides of Redwood Creek to Norwood |
| Grant Parish | In a series of gravel pits just north of Black Creek |
| Harrison Parish | In creek beds to the northwest of Gulfport |
| LaSalle Parish | Atop large hill in Searcy area |
| Livingston Parish | Regional stream gravels |
| Ouachita Parish | In the gravel pit beside Bayou Lapine |
| Rapides Parish | Pineville area gravel pits |
| Red River Parish | Crossroads area gravel pit |
| St. Tammany Parish | In the Little River at four gravel pits |
| Tangipahoa Parish | In river gravel pits of the Tangipahoa, Bogue Chitto, and pearl rivers |
| Union Parish | On the edge of a creek valley in Spencer area |
| Vernon Parish | In gravel pit near the headwaters of Big Brushy Creek |
| Washington | North of Coburns Creek |
How to find crystals in Louisiana
A handful of our recommended places above cover wide areas, so to help you focus your search, here are the specific spots where crystals can usually be found. You can look into these specific spots first, before exploring the rest of the areas in our recommendation list.
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are often great places to search for crystals because the flowing water can naturally expose crystal formations that may not be visible on the surface. Over time, the constant flow of water can erode away the surrounding rock and soil, leaving behind stunning crystal formations that can be easily spotted and collected. What’s more, when you visit a stream or creek, you can often find a wide variety of crystals in one area. As the water flows, it can carry different types of sediment and minerals, which can result in a diverse range of crystal formations.
Rivers and River Banks
Rivers and river banks offer great opportunities to discover stunning crystal formations due to the constant erosion and natural wear on the rocks and soil in the area. Over time, this process can expose beautiful crystal formations that can be easily spotted and collected. Like in streams and creek, you can also often find large and impressive crystal formations that may not be found in other locations when you explore rivers and river banks.
Railroad Cuts
Railroad cuts are areas where the terrain has been cut away to make room for train tracks, and they can be a great place to find crystals. These spots expose layers of rock that would otherwise be hidden. When these layers are exposed, it can make it easier to spot crystals and other minerals. Additionally, railroad cuts are often located near areas where there is a lot of geological activity, which means there’s a higher likelihood of finding interesting crystals.
Louisiana Crystal Mining Laws And Regulations
It is perfectly legal to engage in crystal mining in Louisiana, provided that you comply with the local laws of our state, especially those from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which regulates this activity here. Obtain any necessary permits and permissions from concerned government offices and individuals, like owners of private lands on your search list. And as with any crystal hunting expedition, it’s important to be respectful of the environment and to follow any rules or regulations in the area. Leave no trace, take only memories (and a few crystals!), and enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana.
The Best Crystal Shops In Louisiana
If you want to see and take home different types of crystals in one go, your best chance is to visit the local crystal shops here. While Louisiana may have relatively limited crystal reserves compared to other states, it sure has many stores that sell great selections of these natural wonders. Here are some of them:
- Coyote Moon Crystals and Gifts – 711 Jefferson Hwy Suite 9, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
- Heaven on Earth Rockshop – 108 Rena Dr, Lafayette, LA 70503
- Nola Rockz LLC – 8725 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
- Mysteries Gift Shop – 5808 Jackson St, Alexandria, LA 71303
- Tears of Amethyst Crystals – Summerfield Loop N, Pearl River, LA 70452
- The Witch Depot – 2327 Veterans Memorial Blvd Suite L, Kenner, LA 70062
- Soul Roots – 10319 Old Hammond Hwy STE A1, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
- Cajun Classic Rocks & Minerals LLC – 2317 LA-308, Raceland, LA 70394
- Awakenings – 14111 Airline Hwy Suite 120, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
- The Peace of Mind Center – 3611 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105
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!
