Gem hunting in Florida can be surprisingly good. It might not have mountains or desert mines, but it’s packed with hidden treasures for rockhounds who know where to look.

Beneath the sandy soil and along riverbanks, you can uncover beautiful natural gemstones formed over millions of years. From agatized coral, the state stone, to quartz crystals, calcite, and even fossilized shells sparkling with color, Florida’s geology holds plenty of surprises.

Whether you’re sifting through gravel in the Peace River, exploring limestone quarries, or checking old phosphate pits, each spot offers the thrill of discovery. What makes rockhounding in Florida so exciting is that you never know what the next shovel full might reveal.

Grab your tools, pack your bucket, and get ready to explore the Sunshine State’s unique blend of geology and adventure. Let’s dive into the best places across Florida where you can find real, natural gemstones waiting just beneath the surface.

The Gemstones Found In Florida You Can Find

Agatized coral

Agates form from layers of silica that settle into cavities in volcanic rock or other mineral-rich environments. Over time, these layers create the stunning bands that make agates so special.

In Florida, the agates you’re most likely to come across include small, banded varieties and occasional petrified wood with agate inclusions.

Fossilized coral, known as Agatized coral, is our official state stone and a unique form of agate you can only find here.

Why It’s Valuable

Agates are valuable for their natural beauty and uniqueness. Each piece is one of a kind, which makes them special to collectors. People also love using agates in jewelry or as decorative pieces.

Agatized coral, in particular, is highly sought after because it’s both a fossil and a gemstone, combining natural history with eye-catching beauty.

Great Places to Find Agates in Florida

If you’re ready to get out and hunt for agates, we’ve created your go-to guide for Florida Agate. And here are some top spots for finding these treasures:

• Withlacoochee River: Focus on areas where the river cuts through ancient limestone formations; these spots often yield agates.
• Tampa Bay Area: The beaches and shallow waters around Tampa Bay are great for finding smaller pieces of agatized coral.
• Suwannee River: The Suwannee River and its tributaries are treasure troves for fossil hunters. Look near gravel beds along the riverbanks, especially during the dry season.

Get the full scoop on Agate locations throughout Florida here.

Diamond

Here in Florida, diamonds aren’t naturally occurring like they are in places like South Africa or Arkansas. Instead, the diamonds found here are either alluvial (brought in by rivers and streams over millions of years) or remnants from ancient geological activity.

Most of the diamonds you’ll come across in Florida are small and rough, but they’re still an exciting find for hobbyists and collectors.

Why It’s Valuable

Diamonds have been prized for their beauty, rarity, and durability for centuries. Even in Florida, finding a diamond feels like discovering a rare piece of history.

For collectors, these gems tell a story of how ancient rivers and geological shifts shaped our land. Plus, diamonds are a fun and valuable addition to any rockhound’s collection!

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re eager to try your luck at diamond hunting, there are a few spots in Florida where enthusiasts have had success (You can find our existing guide about Diamond deposits in Florida.)

While there’s no guarantee you’ll strike it rich, these places are worth exploring:

• Peace River: Known for its fossil-hunting opportunities, this river is also a hotspot for finding small diamonds. Bring a sifting screen and enjoy the treasure hunt.
• Ruck’s Pit in Fort Drum: There have been occasional reports of diamonds found here. It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
• Tomoka State Park: This park, known for its historical significance and scenic beauty, has areas where visitors have found small gemstones, including the occasional diamond.

Access our complete Florida guide to locate more Diamond deposits.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a mineral made of boron silicate, and it forms in a variety of colors depending on the trace elements present during its formation.

In Florida, the types of tourmaline you’re most likely to encounter are black tourmaline (schorl) and occasionally some lighter green or pink varieties. Black tourmaline is more common here and is prized for its grounding and protective properties.

Why It’s Valuable

Tourmaline isn’t just pretty; it’s also highly sought after for its metaphysical properties and durability.

Black tourmaline, in particular, is thought to repel negative energy, while pink and green varieties are often associated with love and healing. Its wide range of colors and uses makes tourmaline a favorite among jewelry makers and collectors.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re up for a little adventure, there are some amazing spots in Florida where you can go looking for tourmaline. Here are a few places to start your hunt:

• Vero Beach Placer: Gem hunters have reported finding tourmaline among other unique finds in this area.
• Clearwater Beach: The place occasionally yields small gemstones, including black tourmaline. Explore areas near tidal pools for the best chance of finding something special.
• Ocala National Forest: The forest hides small pockets of minerals and gemstones. Check dry stream beds and rocky areas for black tourmaline.

Explore additional Tourmaline sites throughout Florida with our detailed guide.

Opal

Opals are a type of gemstone made from hydrated silica. They’re prized for their incredible play of color, where light reflects off tiny silica spheres inside the stone, creating a dazzling rainbow effect.

In Florida, we mostly find common opals rather than the more vivid precious opals. These are often milky white, pale blue, or soft pink, and while they don’t have the fiery colors of their precious cousins, they’re still gorgeous and worth collecting.

Why Opals Are Valuable

Opals are valued not only for their beauty but also for their rarity. The ones you find here in Florida may not fetch high prices, but their sentimental and aesthetic value can be priceless.

Plus, polishing and crafting opals into jewelry or keepsakes makes them a meaningful treasure.

Great Places to Find Opals in Florida

If you’re ready to hunt for opals, we’ve mapped out Opal locations throughout Florida. You can start your adventure with these sites:

• Lake County: This area is home to various sandy and clay-rich soils where common opals have been found. Exploring these natural environments can sometimes lead to surprising discoveries.
• Osceola County: Search creek beds and construction sites where opalized materials might be unearthed.
• Dunnellon Area: Known for its limestone deposits, this area can sometimes yield interesting opalized materials. Check out local rivers and gravel beds for your best chances.

Find the best Opal spots across Florida in our complete guide.

Calcite

Calcite is a mineral made of calcium carbonate, and it’s often found in sedimentary rocks like limestone. Florida is practically made of limestone, so it’s no surprise we’ve got plenty of calcite around.

Here, you can find different types, like dogtooth calcite, which has sharp, tooth-like crystals, and golden calcite, known for its warm, honey-like color. You’ll also stumble upon massive calcite, which forms in big, solid chunks.

Why It’s Valuable

Calcite is used in construction materials, as an agricultural soil additive, and even in the production of glass and cement. For collectors, its unique crystal shapes and vibrant colors make it a must-have mineral.

Plus, it’s a window into Florida’s geological history, which makes it valuable to scientists and rockhounds alike.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re itching to get out there and find some calcite, Florida has some amazing spots that are worth visiting.

• Withlacoochee State Forest: This area is a hotspot for finding calcite in natural limestone formations. Explore trails or creek beds where water has exposed calcite crystals over time.
• Rucks Pit: One of the best places for calcite hunting! You can dig up fossilized clams filled with golden honey calcite crystals. This spot is open to the public for rockhounding adventures.
• Gainesville area: This is a fascinating place to see calcite formations in limestone sinkholes and learn more about Florida’s geology.

Amber

Amber is fossilized tree resin that dates back millions of years. It’s often used in jewelry and other decorative items because of its beauty and durability.

Most amber you’ll find in Florida originates from ancient deposits washed in from other regions, like the Dominican Republic. However, small pieces of amber can also be found locally in areas with rich geological history.

Why It’s Valuable

Amber has captivated people for centuries because of its rich colors, historical significance, and even its potential for scientific discovery.

Inclusions—tiny bits of ancient plants or insects trapped inside—can provide a window into prehistoric ecosystems. For collectors and researchers, finding a piece with a perfectly preserved insect is like hitting the jackpot.

Even without inclusions, amber’s vibrant colors, ranging from golden yellows to deep reds, make it highly desirable. Locally, it’s an exciting find that connects us to the Earth’s ancient history.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re interested in searching for amber in Florida, there are a few places where your chances are better. A bit of patience and luck might reward you with a special find.

• Dredged Sand Deposits: Some amber has been found in areas where sand is dredged and relocated, like the beaches of Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Keep an eye on freshly replenished beaches for unique finds.
• Beaches Along the Gulf Coast: The Gulf Coast’s shores sometimes reveal small pieces of amber washed in from the ocean. Check places like Honeymoon Island or the beaches around Clearwater after storms for the best chances.
• Peace River: Known for fossil hunting, the Peace River in southwest Florida is a great spot to search for small amber pieces among the gravel.

Celestite

Celestite, also called celestine, is a mineral made mostly of strontium sulfate. Its crystals can be clear, white, or pale blue, though the blue ones are the most sought-after.

In Florida, most celestite forms as small crystals in fossilized coral or limestone. The unique formations here are worth the search for Celestite.

Why It’s Valuable

There are a few reasons people love celestite. First, it’s absolutely beautiful, with a calming blue color that feels almost magical.

Some folks collect it as a natural display piece, while others believe it has spiritual properties, like promoting peace and clarity.

Beyond its beauty, celestite is also valuable because it’s a source of strontium, an element used in fireworks and metal alloys.

Great Places to Find It in Florida

When it comes to celestite hunting in Florida, the best spots are often tied to areas with fossilized coral or limestone deposits. Here are a few places I’d recommend checking out:

• Florida Caverns State Park: While this park is more famous for its caves, the surrounding limestone areas sometimes produce small celestite crystals.
• Peace River: Here, along with celestite, you might stumble upon fossils like shark teeth and coral remnants. It’s a bit of an adventure, but the finds are worth it.
• Hernando County Rock Mines: This area is known for its limestone quarries, which sometimes yield celestite crystals.

Kyanite

Kyanite is a mineral known for its striking color, typically blue, but it can also come in shades of green, white, gray, or even colorless. It forms in metamorphic rocks and is pretty unique because its hardness changes depending on the direction you scratch it.

In Florida, you’re most likely to find small, blue-gray kyanite crystals mixed into sand or gravel deposits, though other varieties can occasionally show up.

Why It’s Valuable

Kyanite is used in making heat-resistant ceramics and materials for electronics and engines, thanks to its ability to withstand super high temperatures. On the collector side, its aesthetic appeal makes it a favorite for jewelry and displays.

So whether you’re looking to start a rock collection or hunt for pieces that could have industrial value, kyanite is a real treasure.

Great Places to Find It Here

Florida might not be the first place you think of for kyanite, but there are some hidden spots where you can stumble across it. Here are a few great places to explore:

• Blackwater River State Forest: The sandy riverbanks and trails can sometimes reveal small pieces of kyanite. Bring a small screen and a trowel for sifting through the sand.
• Tidal Creek (Near Jacksonville): This private property location is known for kyanite, garnet, and quartz crystals found in decomposing schist along the tidal creek.
• Suwannee River (North Florida): The banks and tributaries of the Suwannee River are known for various minerals, including kyanite. Exploring these areas might lead you to some interesting finds.

Carnelian

Here in Florida, Carnelian usually shows up as small, water-worn stones, often mixed with other agates or quartz varieties. You won’t typically find huge pieces, but the ones you do discover can have rich colors and intriguing patterns.

Some pieces even display banding, giving them an extra layer of visual appeal. Whether you’re looking for true Carnelian or close relatives like red jasper, there’s something satisfying about finding these natural treasures.

Why It’s Valuable

Carnelian is valuable for a few reasons. First, its striking colors make it a favorite for lapidary work and jewelry.

Many people also appreciate its historical and metaphysical significance—it’s been associated with courage and creativity for ages.

Great Places to Find Carnelian in Florida

If you’re ready to hunt for Carnelian, here are a few places in Florida where you might get lucky:

• St. Johns River: This historic river has plenty of gravel bars and sandbanks. Searching these areas, especially after a good rain, can sometimes reveal Carnelian along with other agates and fossils.
• Tampa Bay Area: Searching along the shoreline during low tide or in areas where dredging has occurred might lead to successful discoveries.
• Amelia Island: Located in Eastern Florida, Amelia Island’s beaches are potential sites for finding Carnelian. Beachcombing can reveal a variety of gemstones washed ashore, including Carnelian.

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Florida

We carefully selected our favorite places to go gem mining, bearing in mind that we’ve got gem miners of all ages here. So for adults or those who are in more advanced stages of their hobby, these places will give you the authentic gem mining experience you are yearning for. And for kids, these locations will guarantee a great first time searching for gems.

Fort Drum Crystal Mine

28320 NE 55th Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34972

Fort Drum Crystal Mine, located in Ocala, offers a unique experience for both amateur and experienced gem miners who are searching for different kinds of gems present in our region. The mine was originally discovered in the early 1900s by a local prospector who originally found the deposit while searching for phosphate rock. After discovering gems, he opened a small business to sell his finds to collectors and tourists. Over time, his business grew into what is now known as the Fort Drum Crystal Mine.

The Types of Gems Found In The Fort Drum Crystal Mine

This place is home to different kind of gems, such as the following:

• Amethyst
• Calcite
• Citrine
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Fort Drum Crystal Mine

If you’re planning to visit, the best time would be during the cooler months of late fall when the weather is milder and more conducive to mining. The summer months are very hot and humid, making it uncomfortable to be outdoors for extended periods of time. Additionally, the mine may be closed during summer due to heavy rains that can cause flooding.

Skinner Mine

Jacksonville, FL 32207

Skinner Mine consists of a large open-pit mine, an underground mine, and a processing plant. Founded in 1977 by a Florida native who had been prospecting for gems since the 1950s, this mine has grown to become one of the largest gem mining operations in our state. It also offers educational tours and activities if you want to learn about the geology and history of gem mining here. You can check out these other places to find crystals in Florida where you can also mine for gems.

The Types of Gems Found In The Skinner Mine

This place is known for having different kinds of gems, such as the following:

• Rutile
• Zircon

The Best Time To Visit Skinner Mine

Visiting this place will be best done during the fall and spring months. The mine is open from October through April, and the cooler temperatures make it a great time to explore the mine and search for gems.

Hillsborough River State Park

15402 U.S. 301 North Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Located in Tampa, the Hillsborough River State Park is the oldest and one of the largest state parks in our state. Gem mining activities have been a part of the park since it was established in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. If you visit here, you can purchase a gem mining bag at the park’s gift shop, which includes all of the necessary tools to search for gems in the sand.

The Types of Gems Found In The Hillsborough River State Park

This location has plenty of different kinds of gemstones, but most abundant of these is Agate.

The Best Time To Visit Hillsborough River State Park

If you will visit here, the best time would be during the dry season, which runs from October through May. During this time, the water levels in the park are lower, making your visit safer and more comfortable as well.

The Village Mystic – Great for kids

1017 12th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

Started by the current owner’s father who had a passion for gems and minerals, The Village Mystic in Bradenton is a family-owned business that has been offering gem mining activities since the early 1990s. If you get the chance to visit this place, you can choose from a variety of activities, including sluicing and panning for gems and minerals. You can also purchase a variety of jewelry, crystals, fossils, and other unique items from the store. The Village Mystic also offers educational programs and workshops on topics such as geology and mineralogy.

The Types of Gems Found In The Village Mystic

This interesting place is great for kids who are new to the hobby of gem mining. Here, they will be able to mine and discover different kinds of gemstones that our state has to offer.

The Best Time To Visit The Village Mystic

Kids will enjoy visiting this place the most between October and April. The weather is milder during these months, making it more enjoyable for outdoor activities like gem mining.

Lost Mines of Atlantis – Great for kids

10404 US Highway 27 South Sebring, FL 33876

Established in 2019, Lost Mines of Atlantis offers a unique chance to explore the depths of a simulated lost city and uncover hidden gems from the sea. When you visit, you can search for your own treasures by digging through layers of sand and gravel, which contain a variety of gemstones. Aside from gem mining, you can also learn about the history of the area by exploring ancient ruins that were uncovered during excavation.

The Types of Gems Found In The Lost Mines of Atlantis

There are different kinds of gemstones, both rare and more common, that can be found in this place, but some of the ones frequently found here are:

• Amethyst
• Pyrite
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Lost Mines of Atlantis

If you are visiting this place with your kids, the best time would be during the dry season, from December to May. During this time, the temperature is mild and there is less rain.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Florida

Our state boasts of plenty places to do gem mining. Aside from our favorite ones which we’ve shared above, here are other great places where you can experience the thrill and excitement gem hunting has to offer.

• Chipley – Calcite
• Lawtey – Kyanite, Zircon
• Flor-a-Mar – Chalcedony
• Lecanto Quarry – Calcite, Quartz
• Brooksville – Calcite
• Tampa – Chalcedony
• Hillsborough River – Agate
• Banks of Caladesi Causeway – Chalcedony
• Gulf Beach – Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony
• Lakeland – Chalcedony

Telling gems apart may seem daunting, but our guides break it down into simple steps:

• Differences between Carnelian and Red Agate

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Florida

We also prepared a list of other family-friendly places, where kids are welcome to get their hands dirty and explore the beauty of gem hunting.

• Miami Mining Co. – 13876 SW 56 St #319 Miami, FL 33175
• Sluiceboy Prospecting LLC – 4721 N Clark Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
• The Rolling Stones Mobile Gem Mining – Brevard County, FL
• Black Market Minerals – 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy #401, Kissimmee, FL 34746
• Bradford Bamboo – 20667 US-301, Lawtey, FL 32058
• We Rock Rocks – 3445 C, E Bay Dr, Largo, FL 33771

Florida Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

If you plan to do gem mining in our state, you must obtain a permit to mine gems on state-owned land from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, you must have permission from the local county or municipality if you plan to mine on private land. It is also important to be aware of any local ordinances, as some local governments may require additional permits or restrictions, such as limiting the types of gems that can be mined or restricting the hours during which searching activities can take place.

You should also be aware of safety regulations, including wearing of safety gear such as gloves and protective eyewear while operating equipment and ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and inspected regularly. Additionally, all waste materials should be disposed of properly and not left onsite or near water sources.

Finally, it is important to note that some areas may have restrictions on the type of equipment that can be used due to environmental concerns or other factors.

For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s link above.

Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states

Check out our guides for the states that border Florida if you’ve already tried all the locations we’ve recommended above or if you’re planning a trip around the neighboring states:

• Gem mining in Alabama
• Gem mining in Georgia

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