Finding crystals in Utah is like going on an epic adventure. But, it’s not always easy to find crystals without knowing the best spots or having someone experienced to guide you.
That’s why we’re here to help! We’ve traveled across Utah, exploring its rocky terrains to find the best places to search for crystals.
We’ve put together a list of the top spots in Utah like Topaz Mountain, the Dugway Geode Beds, the Great Salt Lake, and more. We’re excited to share with you all the great tips and tricks we know to make your search a success.
- 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 Crystals We Found
Here are the different kinds of crystals you can find in Utah:
Rare crystals found in Utah
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Bismuth
- Covellite
- Halite
- Labradorite
- Morganite
- Obsidian
- Peridot
- Topaz
- Wulfenite
More common crystals found here
- Agate
- Aragonite
- Azurite
- Calcite
- Carnelian
- Chalcedony
- Chalcopyrite
- Chrysocolla
- Fluorite
- Galena
- Garnet
- Hematite
- Jasper
- Malachite
- Onyx
- Opal
- Pyrite
- Quartz (Smoky)
- Rutile
- Selenite
The Best Locations For Crystal Mining We’ve Found
Here are our top five recommendations if you want to look for crystals in the state:
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
Topaz Mountain
Aptly named after the stunning Topaz crystals that can be found here, which are naturally light yellow in color but turn clear when exposed to sunlight, Topaz Mountain is on top of our recommendations list.
It’s also a great place to find high-quality gems in Utah in case you’re in search of them, too.
This area was once a bustling mining town during the gold rush, and many prospectors tried their luck searching for precious metals and gemstones. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Topaz was discovered here, and it quickly became a sought-after mineral.
Topaz Mountain, located in the Thomas Range, is composed of rhyolite, a type of volcanic rock that is rich in mineral deposits. The crystals here are often found in cavities and fractures within the rock.
Where we found crystals on Topaz Mountain
Although Topaz Mountain is naturally rich in crystals in all its nooks and crannies, we still recommend exploring the natural basin at the south base of the mountain first.
The crystals you can find here are Calcite, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Fluorite, Garnet, Hematite, Quartz, and, of course, Topaz.
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 tools 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
Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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.
Dugway Geode Beds
The Dugway Geode Beds are located in western Utah, near the town of Dugway.
This area has a rich history as it was once home to a thriving mining community. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that geodes were discovered here, and they quickly became a popular item among collectors and enthusiasts.
To find crystals here, you’ll need to do some hiking and exploration. Keep your eyes peeled when you visit because crystals here are typically scattered across the landscape and found in clusters.
Where we found crystals at the Dugway Geode Beds
The Dugway Geode Beds are rich in stunning, highly sought-after Amethyst and Quartz crystals that you can find practically anywhere in the area.
Once you find them, you might start wondering how much they’re worth. Read up on crystal prices here.
Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, covering an area of over 1,700 square miles. It was formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age when melting glaciers filled the basin with water.
It’s been an important source of salt and other minerals for centuries, and even today, the lake is an important economic resource for the state.
The lake is located in the northern part of Utah and is surrounded by mountains and desert. The water in the lake is incredibly salty, with a salinity level that is about eight times saltier than the ocean.
Because of this, the lake has a unique ecosystem and is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species.
But what really makes the Great Salt Lake a great place for crystal hunting is the geology of the area. The lake sits on top of a vast network of underground streams and springs that bring a variety of minerals to the surface.
As the water in the lake evaporates, these minerals are left behind, creating a rich deposit of crystals and other minerals. So, if you’re looking for crystals, the Great Salt Lake is definitely worth checking out!
Where we found crystals at the Great Salt Lake
You can explore along the shores of the Great Salt Lake and you might be lucky to uncover Aragonite and Halite crystals.
San Rafael Swell
The San Rafael Swell is a large geological feature that was formed over millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity. It was named after the San Rafael River, which flows through the area, and was first explored by Spanish missionaries in the 1700s.
The swell is characterized by its unique sandstone formations, deep canyons, and rugged terrain. It’s a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, and rock climbers, but it’s also a great place to find crystals.
The area is rich in a variety of minerals, and some of the best places to look for crystals here are in the exposed rock faces and along the banks of the many creeks and rivers that run through the swell.
Where we found crystals at the San Rafael Swell
If you’re here, we recommend exploring the regional surfaces, draws, and washes of the San Rafael Swell. Some of the crystals you can find here are beautiful samples of Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, and Selenite.
Black Rock
Black Rock was originally settled by the Paiute Indians, who used the nearby springs for drinking water and irrigating their crops.
Later on, miners came to the area in search of precious metals, but it was eventually abandoned due to the harsh desert environment.
Black Rock is located in the western part of the state, near the Nevada border. It’s situated in a desert landscape, with sparse vegetation and rugged terrain.
The rocks themselves are volcanic in origin and are composed of a variety of different minerals.
These volcanic rocks have been known to contain a wide variety of crystals. The harsh desert environment has also helped to preserve many of these crystals, making them easier to find.
When you visit Black Rock, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and other essential supplies. The area can be quite hot and dry, especially during the summer months, so it’s important to take proper precautions to stay safe and comfortable.
Where we found crystals in Black Rock
You can find Snowflake Obsidian that appears as volcanic glass crystals with white mineral inclusions looking like snowflakes, if you explore the area draws, washes, and surfaces of Black Rock.
Our Other Favorite Places For Crystal Hunting
Since Utah is naturally rich in crystals, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of other interesting sites that you can explore here. In fact, many of these sites also offer some of the best Utah geodes that you can find.
Where you can find crystals for free
Without costing a cent, these places have proven to be interesting sites to find crystals in the state.
| County | Location |
| Beaver | Southwest slope of Frisco Peak |
| Emery | Along the shores of the Buckorn Reservoir |
| Garfield | Upstream north on both Muley Creek and Bullfrog Creek |
| Grand | Gravel bars of the Colorado River |
| Iron | All regional draws, washes, breaks, etc. outside monument boundary at Cedar Breaks National Monument |
| Kane | Along both sides of the East Fork Virgin Creek to Alton Road |
| Millard | Northeast of the railroad station at Clear Lake |
| Piute | In the Tushar Mountains |
| San Juan | In Oljeto Wash all the way to the San Juan River |
| Summit | South-southwest of the summit of Hayden Peak |
| Utah | Area draws, washes, surfaces of Fairfield |
| Washington | In Beaver Dam Wash |
| Wayne | Regional draws, washes, breaks, and surfaces of Torrey |
It can be very easy to confuse some of the more common crystals that are found here, so we came up with a few guides to telling specific crystals apart:
Other great places to dig for crystals
If you’re open to paying a fee to search for crystals, here are your best options. Keep in mind that the fees may change depending on the season, so make sure to contact them first before heading out.
| County | Location |
| Beaver | In the Mineral Mountains area mines |
| Box Elder | At the Copper Mountain Mine |
| Davis | Kaysville area mines |
| Juab | At the Honey Onyx Mine |
| Salt Lake | Area mines of Salt Lake City, in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Copperton, Brighton, Bingham, and Alta |
| San Juan | Area mines of La Sal |
| Sevier | At the Ball Mine |
| Summit | Many great mines and dumps at Park City |
| Tooele | Area mines of Clifton, Mercur, Ophir, Rush Valley, and Willow Springs |
| Uintah | At the Dyer Mine |
| Weber | Ogden area mines |
My tips for finding crystals
Many of the interesting sites that we shared above cover wide areas, so to help you narrow down and focus your search on possibly the most crystal-productive spots here, we’re recommending specific locations for you to explore first.
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are natural pathways that allow minerals to flow and settle over time. As water passes over rocks and minerals, it picks up small crystals and moves them downstream. As a result, you can often find a variety of crystals along their banks.
When searching for crystals, keep an eye out for signs of geological activity. Look for areas where the flow of the water has carved out exposed rocks, as these areas may contain pockets of crystals.
Pay attention to the color and texture of the rocks and minerals around you, as this can give you clues about what types of crystals may be present here.
Rivers and Riverbanks
Searching for crystals in rivers and along river banks is another excellent way to find some beautiful specimens. Rivers are constantly flowing, which means they are always cutting through the land, exposing new layers of rock and mineral deposits.
This constant movement of water can also carry crystals downstream, where they may become lodged in the river bed or along the banks.
What’s more, the unique geology of river banks can create pockets of crystals and other minerals that are ripe for the picking.
Mines and Mine Dumps
Mines are often great places to find crystals because they are where minerals are extracted from the earth. As miners dig through the layers of rock and soil, they often uncover veins of crystals.
When miners discard unwanted material, it may end up in mine dumps, where crystals and other minerals may still be present.
There’s a high potential for finding rare and unique specimens in mines and mine dumps. Many of these places are known for producing specific types of crystals or gemstones, so doing some research ahead of time can help you target your search.
The Mining Laws And Regulations You Should Know
Mining for crystals comes with the responsibility of adhering to the local laws of the state pertaining to this activity, especially those mandated by the Utah Bureau of Land Management.
These laws include securing any necessary permit or permission before exploring any land for crystals.
Also, be mindful of any regulations imposed to protect the environment and biodiversity of an area. By abiding by these laws and guidelines, you are helping ensure that mining for crystals remains legal in Utah for years to come.
The Best Crystal Shops In The Area
If you don’t have much time or energy to go through our recommended sites to find crystals and prefer a relaxed way of taking them home, your best bet is to visit the local crystal shops.
Fortunately, Utah has some of the best stores with great crystal selections, such as the following:
- Healing Mountain Crystals – 363 S 500 E #210, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
- Meadow’s Crystal – 390 W Main St, Lehi, UT 84043
- Lotus – 12896 S Pony Express Rd #200, Draper, UT 84020
- Treasures N Creations – 3419 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
- Utah Crystal Sanctuary – 9139 2700 S, Magna, UT 84044
- Crystals By Rob – 1261 Clubhouse Dr Apt 3413, Taylorsville, UT 84123
- Wandering Stones – 439 S Pleasant Grove Blvd, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
- Jim’s Gems & Jewelry – 362 E 1090 N, Orem, UT 84057
- Crystal Charm Healing Shop – 165 S 700 W, Hurricane, UT 84737
- The Crystal Fairy – 1100 W 7800 S #15, West Jordan, UT 84088
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 Idaho
- Crystals in Wyoming
- Crystals in Colorado
- Crystals in New Mexico
- Crystals in Arizona
- Crystals in Nevada
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered, please leave them in the comments below!
