The 22 Best Spots For Gem Hunting In Indiana In 2024

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

| Updated

The 22 Best Spots For Gem Hunting In Indiana In 2024

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

Updated

Gem mining in Indiana can be quite an adventure if you know where to go. From panning for gems at a nearby creek to digging for precious ones at an old mine, our state has plenty of options for aspiring gem miners. With so many different locations to explore, it can be difficult to decide which spot is the best for you. So read on to learn about these places and select the one (or two, we won’t judge you!) that perfectly suits you.

The best places to mine gems here are in the creeks and rivers, mountains and caves, quarries and mines that are spread out throughout our state. We discussed in depth below our favorite places here, namely, Maumee River, Huntington Quarry, Big Pine Creek, Copperhead Creek Gem Mine, and Metamora Gem Mine.

How We Picked The Best Places For Gem Mining in Indiana
In order to find the absolute best places in Indiana for gem mining, we had to consider a lot of things. It can be really tough to find good information, so it took us a long time to put together a solid list like the one below. The main inputs to our recommendations are as follows:

  • The extensive local experience and understanding of our team
  • Input from several gem hunting groups and organizations
  • The accessibility of the mining locations
  • Safety and potential hazards when collecting
  • Private and public locations
  • A desire to include locations for both experienced gem hunters and those who are just starting out

Overall, we’ve been able to put together a great list that anyone can use to locate a lot of beautiful gems.

The Gemstones Found In Indiana You Can Mine

A delicate-looking translucent Calcite attached atop a stone.

Our state is home to different kinds of gems that are ready to be discovered. And you can use this article as your guide as you go about this journey. But aside from Indiana, we also created guides that can help you find gem mines near you, no matter where you are. So ready your gears and prepare yourself for the exciting and rewarding thrills of gem mining!

Rare gemstones found in Indiana

  • Calcite
  • Diamonds
  • Pyrite

More common gemstones found here

  • Agate
  • Amethyst
  • Apatite
  • Aragonite
  • Barite
  • Celestite
  • Citrine
  • Corundum
  • Dolomite
  • Fluorite
  • Gypsum
  • Jasper
  • Marcasite
  • Moonstone
  • Quartz
  • Sapphire
  • Selenite
  • Siderite
  • Sphalerite
  • Topaz

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Indiana

We carefully selected our 5 favorite gem mining sites in our state. Adults who have been into gem mining for quite long can use this to uncover the bountiful gemstones of our state. For kids, these places can be good starting points to their discovery of the wonders of gem mining.

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

Maumee River

Traces of red Jasper found attached to a rock

Fort Wayne, Northern IN

The Maumee River river is home to many different types of gems, that’s why it’s been popular for this activity since 1900’s. That time, settlers have already been panning for gold along the riverbanks. Later, miners discovered that certain areas along the river produced valuable gemstones. As more people moved into the area and began exploring, they uncovered a wealth of gems that could be collected from the riverbed. Today, it remains an ideal spot for anyone looking to find unique gemstones or start their own collection.

The Types of Gems Found In The Maumee River

This is a popular place for both amateur and professional collectors because it has an abundance of different kinds of gemstones, specially of the following:

  • Agate
  • Jasper

The Best Time To Visit Maumee River

During the summer months of June, July, and August, the water levels are higher and the temperatures are warmer, making it the ideal time to visit here. However, if you don’t have the time during summer, gem mining can still be done year-round.

Rock pick being used

The tools every gem hunter will need

When you're out looking for gems it's very important that you bring the right tools with you. 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 gem miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhound 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 gem-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.

Huntington Quarry

A shiny black Sphalerite with hints of yellow against a black background

Huntington, IN

The quarry was first discovered in the mid-1800s and has been a popular destination for rockhounds and gem miners ever since. When you visit here, you can dig for different kinds of gemstones, enjoy guided tours of the area, and learn from the quarry’s educational programs about geology and gemstone identification.

The Types of Gems Found In The Huntington Quarry

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

  • Calcite
  • Pyrite
  • Quartz
  • Sphalerite

The Best Time To Visit Huntington Quarry

If you are planning to visit here to search for gems, the best time to do so is during the summer months, from May through August. The summer months provide warmer weather and longer days, making it ideal for the activity.

Big Pine Creek

An intricate, yellow Siderite found while gem mining in Big Pine Creek

Pine Village, IN

Big Pine Creek is nestled in the Sycamore State Forest and runs through the small town of Pine Village. The area has been a source of gems and minerals since the late 1800s, when miners first discovered deposits here. Since then, many individuals have come to the creek to search for valuable gems. In recent years, many people come to this place solely to look for gems.

The Types of Gems Found In The Big Pine Creek

This place is visited by people who want to search for different kinds of gems that are unique to the region. The following are the most frequently found here:

  • Barite
  • Pyrite
  • Siderite
  • Sphalerite

The Best Time To Visit Big Pine Creek

If you are interested in trying your luck looking for gems here, the best time to do so is in the summer months. The creek is usually at its fullest during this time, making your search easier. However, it is important to note that the creek can be dangerous during high water levels, so take ample safety precautions when visiting.

Copperhead Creek Gem Mine – Great for kids

Kids and adults sitting down at the sluice to get gems

79 North Van Buren Street, Nashville, IN 47448

Copperhead Creek Mine was established in the mid-1990s by two local residents, who have a passion for geology and wanted to share their knowledge with the public. When you visit here, you can search for different gems and attend classes on geology and gem identification. The mine also offers an educational tour of the property that includes information about the history of mining in our state, which is a great lesson for kids to take.

The Types of Gems Found In The Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

If you want to introduce kids to gem mining and to the different kinds of gemstones in our state, this is one of the best places to do it in. This location is rich in the following:

  • Amethyst
  • Citrine
  • Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Copperhead Creek Gem Mine

If you’re planning to go here with your kids, the best time to visit would be during summer months, between June and August. The weather is warm, but not too hot, and the days are long which allows for plenty of time to explore. The mine is open year-round, however, so you can also visit in other seasons.

Metamora Gem Mine – Great for kids

Two kids under 5 years old smile as they look for gems with the help of 2 adults

19055 South Main St. Metamora, IN 47030

Since 1991, Metamora Gem Mine has been in operation to provide quality gemstones. Today, it continues to offer unique gem mining experiences for all ages. You can purchase a bucket of ore or an individual gem bag and search for your own gems when you visit this place. You can also choose to buy jewelry made with the gems you will find or have these gems cut into beautiful stones.

The Types of Gems Found In The Metamora Gem Mine

Different kinds of rare and more common gems can be found at this place. Specifically, these gems are the ones naturally found in our state. You may check the list above to know what these gems are.

The Best Time To Visit Metamora Gem Mine

If you are visiting with kids, the best time to come here would be in the summer months, from May through September. The weather is usually mild and comfortable, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as searching for gems.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Indiana

A translucent brown Aragonite found while gem hunting

Now that we’ve discussed our favorite places for gem mining, we will also share with you some of the other great places in our state where you will enjoy gem mining, too. If you’re an adult who’s had an experience searching for gems elsewhere, these places will surely add more reason for you to keep doing gem hunting.

  • Logansport – Apatite, Calcite, Pyrite, Quartz
  • Bluffton – Dolomite, Pyrite
  • Coal Hollow – Siderite
  • Elizabethtown – Calcite, Fluorite
  • Indianapolis – Moonstone
  • Williams Creek – Amethyst, Quartz
  • Highland Creek – Sapphire
  • Marengo Cave – Aragonite, Calcite
  • Norristown – Calcite, Fluorite, Marcasite
  • Bloomington – Aragonite, Barite, Calcite, Fluorite
  • Wyandotte Caves – Calcite
  • Salt Creek Gravels – Quartz
  • Morgan – Corundum, Quartz, Topaz

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Indiana

Two kids wearing hard hats while trying their hands at sluicing at the Indiana Caverns

If you are looking for more family-friendly gem mining places in our state, you are in luck because our region have tons of these places. Your kids will have the time of their lives exploring and discovering different kinds of gemstones on these sites:

Indiana Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

While our state law does not specifically regulate recreational gem mining, there are a number of local ordinances which may affect recreational gem mining activities.

It is important to research these local regulations before engaging in gem mining activity, such as those related to health and safety, environmental protection, and land use. Additionally, you should be aware of the property rights of the landowner. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also offers guidance on responsible mineral collecting practices.

For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’s link above.

Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states

After visiting all of the locations mentioned above, you can check the list of guides we’ve compiled below to find more gems in bordering states:

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

About Keith Jackson - Geologist

Keith Jackson is an avid rockhound who is constantly exploring new sites to expand his collection. He is an active Geologist with a wealth of experience and information from across the country that he loves to share with the Rock Chasing crew.

Leave a Comment