Finding crystals can be a rewarding adventure, offering a unique way to explore the natural beauty and geology of the region. Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or just getting started, knowing where to look is key to uncovering these hidden treasures.

In this state, a variety of locations provide opportunities to discover different types of crystals. From rocky outcrops in the mountains to stream beds that carry sparkling surprises, each area offers its own unique finds for those willing to search.

We can help you get started with some places you can explore for crystals below!

Crystals you can find in the US

The United States offers a wide range of crystals that reflect its diverse geology. From vibrant gems to more subtle mineral formations, there’s something to discover in nearly every region.

Calcite 

With a variety of forms and a unique property of double refraction, calcite allows objects viewed through the crystal to appear doubled. This mineral can appear in a spectrum of colors, with pure forms typically being transparent or white.

In addition, calcite reacts vigorously with acids, which aids in distinguishing it from other minerals. It also frequently contributes to the structure of sedimentary rocks such as limestone.

Gypsum 

Gypsum’s notable softness allows it to be easily scratched with just a fingernail, often presenting as white or very light-colored in its pure form.

It manifests in both crystalline forms, like selenite, and massive forms such as alabaster, making it versatile in use and appearance.

Gypsum is also essential in the construction industry and is a key component in the manufacture of plaster and drywall.

Fluorite

Fluorite comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, including purples, greens, blues, and yellows, and is known for forming in well-defined cubic crystals.

Beyond this, fluorite exhibits fluorescence under ultraviolet light! It can also be used in various industrial applications, including as a flux in steelmaking.

Galena  

Galena distinguishes itself with a metallic luster and high density, typically found in a cube-like form. It serves as the primary ore of lead, making it important in the metal industry, while its shiny, silver color attracts collectors.

Not only does its appearance make it a subject of interest, but its weight and texture provide tangible lessons in mineral density and metallic properties. Galena also often contains traces of silver, adding to its commercial and educational value.

Corundum

Corundum is a mineral that comes in a variety of colors, though it is typically transparent or gray. Its most famous forms are sapphires and rubies, which are prized for their vibrant blue and red hues.

The mineral is known for its remarkable hardness, ranking just below diamond on the Mohs scale. This durability makes corundum ideal for industrial abrasives and cutting tools, as well as a popular choice for fine jewelry.

Quartz

Quartz is among the most common minerals in the Earth’s crust and is prized for its durability and variety. It forms in a wide range of colors and types, from clear rock crystal to purple amethyst.

The mineral is notable for its hardness and durability, which contribute to its use in a variety of applications. Quartz is also popular in the manufacturing of electronics and watches due to its piezoelectric properties, which allow it to convert mechanical pressure into electrical energy.

Pyrite

Often mistaken for gold due to its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue, pyrite is known colloquially as “fool’s gold.” Its characteristic cube-shaped crystal formations look man-made but are actually completely naturally formed!

Pyrite also has historical importance in producing sulfur dioxide for sulfuric acid production.

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite stands out with its rich pink and red hues, making it highly desirable as both a mineral specimen and a gemstone.

It typically forms in layered or stalactitic structures, with bands of colors that showcase how it grew over millions of years.

Beyond its beauty, rhodochrosite is significant as the main source of manganese, an essential element used in metal alloys.

Rhodonite

Appreciated for its deep pinks and reds, often complemented by black manganese oxide veins, rhodonite presents a dramatic appearance. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks and is used both as an ornamental stone and in jewelry.

In geology, rhodonite is significant for its role in metamorphic processes and its association with other manganese-rich minerals. It can be found in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks and is sometimes used as an indicator of the presence of manganese deposits.

Vivianite

Vivianite, an iron phosphate mineral, emerges in low-oxygen environments like peat bogs or iron-rich deposits. Its striking blue to green color, which can change to a lighter shade over time due to oxidation, makes it a distinctive mineral.

Found in various geological settings, vivianite provides clues about the local conditions and the presence of phosphate deposits.

The Types of Crystals We Found

Wisconsin is home to a diverse range of crystal types, each with its own unique characteristics and beauty. Here are the different types that you’ll find when you go mining for crystals:

Rare crystals found in Wisconsin

• Amethyst
• Aventurine
• Kyanite
• Labradorite
• Rhodonite
• Selenite
• Unakite
• Vanadinite

More common crystals found here

• Agate
• Azurite
• Calcite
• Chalcopyrite
• Copper
• Diamond
• Epidote
• Galena
• Hematite
• Jasper
• Malachite
• Muscovite
• Prehnite
• Pyrite
• Rhodochrosite
• Ruby
• Sapphire
• Quartz
• Tremolite

What rough crystals look like

When you’re out looking for crystals on your own it’s important to know what you’re looking for. This is what you need to look out for:

Look for exteriors like this

When you’re out searching for crystals in the wild, it’s essential to keep in mind that what you find won’t look like the polished stones you see in stores. One important tip is to consider what certain crystals look like in their raw, natural form.

Without the shine and smooth finish, crystals might appear rough, with jagged edges or earthy tones masking their true beauty. Understanding this can help you spot potential finds that might otherwise be overlooked.

Examine the crystal structure and shape

Crystals often form in specific geometric patterns that can be key to identifying them. For example, quartz is known for its hexagonal prisms, while halite typically forms cubic shapes.

By recognizing these distinct patterns, you can differentiate between various types of crystals and better understand what you’ve found.

Observe color

Some crystals are known for their distinct hues, like the deep purple of amethyst or the vibrant green of emerald. However, not all crystals will have strong colors; some may be clear or only slightly tinted.

Check the luster

Luster refers to how a crystal’s surface interacts with light. Some crystals might have a shiny, glassy luster, while others may appear metallic or dull. This characteristic can help you determine the type of crystal you’ve found.

However, it’s important to remember that luster isn’t always obvious right away. In some cases, a crystal’s true luster will only become apparent after it’s been cleaned or polished, so keep this in mind as you examine your finds.

Evaluate the transparency

Pay close attention to how much light passes through the crystal. Some crystals are completely clear, allowing light to pass through easily, while others may be opaque and block light entirely.

You might also encounter crystals with translucent edges but opaque centers. These variations in transparency can offer valuable clues about the type of crystal you’ve found, making it easier to identify and appreciate your discovery.

A Quick Request About Collecting

Tips on where to look

Having a better idea of where to look can greatly narrow down your search and increase your chances of finding crystals. By focusing on environments where crystals are likely to be exposed, you can spend less time searching and more time discovering.

Outcrops and Exposed Rock

Rocky outcrops are prime locations for finding crystals and minerals. Search along the edges of outcrops, particularly where erosion has worn away the surrounding soil, revealing the rock underneath.

Pay close attention to any visible cracks, crevices, or small cavities within the outcrop, as these are often where crystals develop and can be extracted with minimal effort.

Stream Beds and Gravel Deposits

Stream beds are dynamic environments where water flow constantly shapes the landscape. Over time, water can erode rocks upstream, breaking them down and carrying mineral fragments, including crystals, downstream.

When searching in these areas, look for spots where the current has slowed, such as bends in the stream or areas behind large rocks, as these are prime locations for deposits.

Quarries and Mines

Quarries and mines are excellent places to search for crystals because they expose deep layers of rock that would otherwise be hidden beneath the surface. These sites often contain a variety of minerals and crystals that have been brought to the surface during excavation.

Pay attention to tailings piles, where waste rock is discarded, as they often contain overlooked or broken crystals. Always prioritize safety when exploring these areas and ensure that you have permission to search.

Road Cuts and Construction Sites

As roads are cut through hillsides or construction projects dig deep foundations, layers of rock and soil that have been undisturbed for millions of years are suddenly exposed.

Look for freshly exposed rock faces, especially where blasting has occurred, as this can create fissures or expose pockets filled with crystals. Be cautious around active construction sites, and always seek permission before exploring.

Mountainous Areas

In mountainous regions, erosion caused by wind, rain, and ice can wear away the softer rock, exposing harder crystals that have formed within. Focus on weathered and broken rock formations.

Look for scree slopes, where loose rock has accumulated at the base of cliffs. Additionally, areas near fault lines or volcanic vents are particularly promising, as they often have a higher concentration of minerals.

The Mining Laws And Regulations You Should Know

Mining for crystals is legal in Wisconsin, provided that you abide by and comply with local laws, especially those implemented by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

As a general guide, you must obtain any necessary permit or permission from concerned government agencies and public or private entities, such as private landowners, for the specific area you want to explore.

Also, check out any environmental rules and regulations that you should follow. At the end of the day, we encourage you to respect these laws to make sure that crystal mining will remain a sustainable activity in the years to come.

The Best Locations For Crystal Mining We’ve Found

These are the top five recommended places that you should visit:

Montreal Mine

First on our list of must-visit crystal hunting sites is the Montreal Mine, which is also among the great locations to mine gems in Wisconsin.

It was once one of the largest producers of iron ore in the state, but today, it’s known for something else entirely – quartz crystals!

Montreal Mine is situated in the Penokee Range, a unique geological formation that spans over 50 miles. The area is rich in iron and other minerals, which have contributed to the creation of stunning crystal formations.

The mine itself is about 10 miles northwest of Hurley.

The mine’s quartz crystals can range in size from tiny points to massive clusters that weigh several pounds. These crystals are usually clear or milky white, and you might even find some crystals with a hint of purple, yellow, or pink.

Where we found crystals at Montreal Mine

You have the best chance of finding amazing Selenite, Calcite, Galena, Hematite, Pyrite, Quartz, Rhodochrosite crystals in the dumps of Montreal Mine.

Dresser Trap Rock Quarry

Our next recommended place is the Dresser Trap Rock Quarry, located in Polk County. It was opened in the late 1800s to extract trap rock, which was used for building roads and bridges.

Today, the quarry is no longer in operation, but it’s become a popular spot for rockhounding and crystal collecting.

The Dresser Trap Rock Quarry is situated in the St. Croix River Valley. This area is rich in minerals, which have contributed to the creation of some stunning crystal formations.

One of the best things about the Dresser Trap Rock Quarry is the wide variety of crystals you can find here. Because the quarry is no longer in operation, there’s no need to worry about heavy machinery or mining activity interfering with your hunt.

Where we found crystals at the Dresser Rock Trap Quarry

You can find Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Copper, Epidote, Hematite, Quartz crystals, and many others in this quarry. Know more about crystal prices here.

Pine River Flowage

Located in Lincoln County, the Pine River Flowage has a long history of logging and recreation. But what many people don’t know is that the area is also home to some stunning crystals.

What makes the Pine River Flowage a great spot for searching for crystals is its geology. The flowage was created in the 1920s when a dam was built on the Pine River, flooding the surrounding area and creating a massive reservoir.

This flooding exposed a variety of minerals and crystals. The crystals here range in size from tiny points to massive clusters, and they come in a variety of colors and shapes.

If you want to visit the Pine River Flowage, take note that the area is mostly accessible by boat, so you’ll need to have a way to get out on the water.

Secondly, be aware of the weather – the area can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

Where we found crystals at the Pine River Flowage

We had the best of time getting our hands on Quartz, Kyanite, and Hematite crystals when we explored the veins of Pine River Flowage.

Saxon Falls

The Saxon Falls were originally used by early settlers to power a sawmill and gristmill. Today, they’re a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and, of course, hunting for crystals!

The Saxon Falls area is a great spot to find crystals due to the nearby presence of the Huron Mountains, which are made up of a variety of minerals.

Over time, these minerals have eroded and washed downstream to the falls, where they can be found along the riverbanks.

To get here, you’ll want to start by heading to the town of Saxon. From there, take County Road B west for about a mile, then turn left onto Falls Road. You’ll follow Falls Road for a few miles until you reach the parking area for the falls.

From there, it’s a short hike down to the riverbanks where you can start your search.

Where we found crystals at Saxon Falls

Go to the Saxon Falls and explore its basalt veins near Montreal River. Here, you can find different types of crystals, like Calcite, Epidote, and Prehnite.

The Bend Deposit

The Bend Deposit is located in the town of Westfield in Marquette County. It’s known for its unique and beautiful calcite crystals, which can be found in a variety of colors and shapes.

The deposit is part of the Baraboo Quartzite Formation, which is made up of sedimentary rock that is over a billion years old.

Over time, this rock has been eroded and weathered, creating pockets where crystals can form. These pockets can be found along the riverbanks and in the surrounding hillsides.

If you’re planning to visit here, head to Westfield and look for County Road CH. Follow County Road CH until you reach the intersection with County Road O, then turn left.

Follow County Road O for a few miles until you reach the parking area for The Bend Deposit.

Where we found crystals at The Bend Deposit

You can explore the different areas of The Bend Deposit, which is a part of the Chequamegon National Forest, to find Azurite, Chalcopyrite, Malachite, and Pyrite crystals.

Our Other Favorite Places For Crystal Hunting

If you’ve been to the top places we’ve recommended above or you simply want to visit a lot more crystal-rich spots in the state, we’ll share with you a bunch more options. In fact, some of the areas are also great places to find Wisconsin geodes.

Where you can find crystals for free

We thought you’d like to know first about the free-to-search places in the state. Here are our best picks:

Other great places to dig for crystals

Next, we’ve summed up the crystal sites that require some fee before you’re allowed to explore. What’s great about these places is that most of the time, they have more crystal reserves than the free-to-search areas.

Just make sure you call the place first because the fees may vary depending on the time of your visit.

The Best Crystal Shops In The Area

If you don’t have much time or energy to indulge in looking for crystals, you may want to consider visiting the excellent local crystal shops in the state.

In these shops, you can find great selections of these natural wonders. Here are some of the best ones that you can visit:

• Free Spirit Crystals – 4763 N 124th St, Butler, WI 53007
• Angel Light Shopping – 13300 Watertown Plank Rd, Elm Grove, WI 53122
• Steven’s Rocks & Gifts – 134 E Main St, Marshall, WI 53559
• 611 Crystals Energy Healing – 115 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
• Roxy’s Rock Shop – 2218 S Ridge Rd, Green Bay, WI 54304, United States
• Mystical Earth Gallery – 220 Main St, Menasha, WI 54952
• Ardu Crystal & Sage – 123 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589
• Crystal Garden Rock Shop – 418 WI-50, Delavan, WI 53115
• Main Street Awakenings – 463 N Main St, Oshkosh, WI 54901
• Angelic Roots – 8612 S Market Pl, Oak Creek, WI 53154

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 Michigan
• Crystals in Minnesota
• Crystals in Iowa
• Crystals in Illinois

If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered, please leave them in the comments below!