Beneath the broad prairies and river valleys, gemstones in Nebraska add unexpected color to the quiet landscape. Their presence hints at how time and nature worked together to shape what lies below the surface.

Across the state, old waterways and shifting soils have left behind traces of stones that reveal more than meets the eye. Each area holds subtle differences, waiting to be noticed by anyone patient enough to look closely.

Once you understand how to read the land and where its hidden veins rest, you can uncover Nebraska gems that show a wide range of textures and colors. The right knowledge makes it possible to return home with a collection as varied as the landscape itself.

The Gemstones Found In Nebraska You Can Mine

Our state may not be top of mind when it comes to gemstones, but did you know that we have some of the best locations to find them? Here, we’ll share with you our favorite places and some other great ones where you can experience the exciting adventure of gem mining.

Like this guide for Nebraska, we also created other guides to help you locate gem mines near you, no matter what state you’re planning to visit. With enough knowledge and a bit of luck, you’ll have the best time finding gems here!

Aragonite

Aragonite is a mineral that looks a lot like calcite but has a different crystal structure. It forms in ocean settings where magnesium is low, creating beautiful, needle-like crystals.

This mineral can also grow in caves as stalactites and stalagmites, adding to its variety of shapes. Aragonite is known for its ability to change colors under different lighting, which makes it quite fascinating to observe.

It’s used in aquariums to help balance the pH level because it slowly dissolves in water, releasing calcium carbonate. Additionally, aragonite is used in jewelry and decorative items, showcasing its unique patterns and colors.

Where you can find aragonite in Nebraska

• Plattsmouth
• Bloomington
• Wymore

Chalcopyrite

Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral that shines with a metallic luster and has a golden yellow color. Chalcopyrite is often mistaken for gold, earning it the nickname “fool’s gold.”

This mineral is known for its bright, brass-yellow appearance that can tarnish to iridescent blues and greens when exposed to air. It forms in high-temperature environments, often associated with copper-rich minerals.

It’s a major source of copper and is mined extensively for this purpose. Besides its industrial use, chalcopyrite is also collected by mineral enthusiasts and sometimes used in jewelry for its attractive color and sparkle.

Where you can find chalcopyrite in Nebraska

• King Hill Quarry
• Elk Creek

Hematite

Hematite is a mineral that’s known for its shiny, metallic appearance and rich, red to black color. It forms in both sedimentary and volcanic rocks and is often found in places with standing water or hot springs.

This mineral is not just pretty to look at; it’s also the most important source of iron ore, which means it’s used to make steel.

Hematite can have a magnetic property, which makes it even more interesting to scientists and collectors.

People use hematite in jewelry and decorations because of its unique luster and color. It’s also ground up and used as a pigment for paints and dyes, giving products a red or yellow tint.

Where you can find hematite in Nebraska

• Elk Creek
• Davey
• Brock

Pyrite

Pyrite, often called fool’s gold, is a shiny, brass-yellow mineral that looks similar to real gold.

It forms in a variety of geological environments, often in sedimentary rocks, as well as in metamorphic rocks and as a replacement mineral in fossils.

This mineral is famous for its metallic luster and cubic crystal structure, making it a favorite among collectors.

Pyrite can create sparks when struck against metal or another hard material, which is why it was used in early firearms to help ignite gunpowder.

Today, pyrite is used in the jewelry industry to make decorative items, although it’s less valuable than gold. It’s also used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid and as a source of sulfur in the chemical industry.

Where you can find pyrite in Nebraska

• Onyx Ace Hill Quarry
• Holmesville
• Elk Creek
• Du Bois

Blue Chalcedony

Blue chalcedony is a type of quartz that has a soft, blue color and a waxy luster. It forms when silica-rich fluids cool down and crystallize, often in cracks and cavities within rocks.

This gemstone is known for its translucent quality and smooth texture, making it stand out among other minerals. Its calming blue shade can range from light to medium blue, and sometimes it has a slight hint of purple.

Blue chalcedony is popular in jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings, because of its beautiful color and durability. It’s also used in carving and crafting decorative items, adding a touch of elegance to various art pieces.

Where you can find blue chalcedony in Nebraska

• Crawford

Celestine

Celestine, also known as celestite, is a mineral known for its delicate blue color and crystal structure. It typically forms in sedimentary rocks, where it fills cracks and cavities, often alongside gypsum and halite. 

The mineral gets its name from the Latin word for “heavenly,” which is fitting given its soft, sky-blue hue that can also appear colorless, white, or pink.

Celestine crystals are prized for their transparency and glassy to pearly luster, making them stand out in any collection.

This mineral is not just for looking at; it’s used in the making of fireworks and in the chemical industry to produce strontium compounds.

Additionally, small pieces of celestine are sometimes cut into gems for jewelry, adding a touch of natural beauty to rings and necklaces.

Where you can find celestine in Nebraska

• Otoe Creek
• Fullerton
• Hay Springs

Garnet

Garnet is a group of minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age for jewelry and abrasives. It forms under high temperatures and pressures, typically found in metamorphic rocks.

These gems are known for their wide range of colors, from deep red to vibrant green, although the most common color is a rich, deep red. Each color comes from different chemical compositions within the garnet group.

Garnet is popular in jewelry, such as rings and necklaces, because of its hardness and vibrant colors.

It’s also used in industrial settings for cutting steel and other materials because garnet sandpaper and garnet cutting tools are very effective.

Where you can find garnet in Nebraska

• Ogalla
• Sutherland
• McCook

Labradorite

Labradorite is a fascinating mineral that’s part of the feldspar family, known for its dazzling play of colors.

It forms in igneous rocks and is most famous for its remarkable optical effect known as labradorescence, which displays a spectrum of colors when light hits it from certain angles.

This effect gives labradorite a unique appearance, with colors that can shift from blues and greens to oranges and reds. The colors seem to glow from within, thanks to the way light reflects off internal structures.

Labradorite is often used in jewelry, like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, because of its captivating appearance. It’s also used to make decorative items and sculptures.

Where you can find labradorite in Nebraska

• Two Rivers State Recreation Area
• Broadwater
• Thedford

Nephrite

Nephrite is a type of jade, one of the two minerals recognized as true jade, the other being jadeite. It’s formed from tightly interlocked mineral fibers, which give it a strong, compact structure.

This mineral is known for its toughness and was used historically to make tools, weapons, and carvings. Today, nephrite is valued for its beauty and is one of the gemstones found in Nebraska.

It comes in shades of green, but can also be found in white, grey, black, and yellow. Nephrite is used in jewelry, such as bracelets and pendants, and in ornamental objects that showcase its subtle, yet rich colors.

It’s also carved into sculptures and various decorative items, appreciated for its smooth texture and durability.

Where you can find nephrite in Nebraska

• Nebraska City
• Humboldt
• Ashland

Opal

Opal is a precious gemstone known for its ability to display a whole rainbow of colors. It’s formed from silica-rich water that seeps into deep cracks and voids in the ground, then hardens over time.

This gemstone is famous for its play-of-color, which means it can show different colors when viewed from various angles. The colors change due to the diffraction of light passing through tiny silica spheres within the opal.

Opal is used in all sorts of jewelry, like rings, necklaces, and earrings, because of its striking appearance. It’s also considered to bring good luck and happiness, making it a popular choice for special gifts.

Where you can find opal in Nebraska

• Ainsworth
• Bridgeport
• Beaver City
• Arnold

Prairie Agate

Prairie agate is a type of agate found mostly in the Great Plains, known for its earthy colors and banded patterns. It forms when silica-rich water fills cavities within rocks, then solidifies over time into layers of colorful bands.

This stone often has a mix of red, brown, yellow, and sometimes even green hues, making each piece distinct. The bands within prairie agate can look like landscapes or sunsets, which is why it’s so admired.

People use prairie agate in jewelry and as decorative items because of its natural beauty and durability. It’s also popular among collectors who appreciate the subtle differences between each stone.

Where you can find prairie agate in Nebraska

• Oglala National Grasslands

Calcite

Calcite is a common mineral found in rocks all over the world. It’s made of calcium carbonate and can appear in many colors, from clear to black.

Calcite has some cool characteristics, like how it splits into rhomboid shapes and reacts with vinegar by fizzing. This reaction is due to its chemical makeup, making it easy to identify.

People use calcite for various things, such as in the construction of buildings and roads. It’s also ground up to make cement and is an important part of toothpaste, giving it the abrasive quality needed for cleaning teeth.

Where you can find calcite in Nebraska

• Weeping Water
• Crawford
• Hay Springs

Gypsum

Gypsum is a soft mineral made mostly of calcium sulfate. It often appears white or translucent and can be found in layers of sedimentary rock.

Gypsum has the interesting ability to be shaped and hardened when mixed with water, then heated, which makes it very useful. For example, it’s used to make plaster of Paris, a material that’s been used for sculptures and building materials.

Gypsum is also used in the construction industry to make drywall for walls and ceilings. In addition, it’s a key ingredient in some types of cement and is used as a soil conditioner in agriculture, helping to improve soil structure.

Where you can find gypsum in Nebraska

• Volcano Hill
• Humboldt
• Carlile Shale

Jasper

Jasper is a kind of quartz that stands out because of its rich colors and patterns, which can include shades of red, yellow, brown, and green.

It’s created from silica-rich sediment or volcanic ash that hardens over time, incorporating various minerals that give it its varied colors.

Among the rocks and minerals found in Nebraska, jasper is prized for its beauty and durability. Its smooth surface and ability to be polished make it a favorite for jewelry and decorative items.

Jasper is not just for looking at; it’s also used in making jewelry like necklaces and bracelets because of its strong, colorful appearance.

Additionally, craftsmen often choose jasper for carving into beads or small statues, taking advantage of its hardness and the way it can be polished to a high shine.

Where you can find jasper in Nebraska

• Keith County
• Hebron
• Ogalla

Lake Superior Agate

Lake Superior agate is a colorful gemstone that formed billions of years ago when North America’s Midwest was volcanically active. It’s known for its rich red, orange, and yellow colors, which come from iron oxide.

This agate has bands of color, making each stone look like it has its own story. The banding happens because layers of silica cooled at different times inside ancient lava flows.

People use Lake Superior agate for jewelry and decorative pieces because of its beautiful banding and colors. It’s also the state gem of Minnesota, showing its importance in the area.

Where you can find Lake Superior agate in Nebraska

• Otoe County
• Weeping Water
• Table Rock
• Ashland

Marcasite

Marcasite is a mineral that looks a lot like pyrite, often called fool’s gold, because of its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow color. It forms when iron sulfide reacts with oxygen and sulfur in low-temperature, acidic environments.

This mineral is famous for its shiny, sparkly appearance and crystal structure, which can look like tiny, faceted gems.

Marcasite often grows in sedimentary rocks as small, tabular crystals or as rosette-like formations, adding to its visual appeal.

While not commonly used in modern jewelry due to its brittleness, marcasite was popular in Victorian times for its reflective beauty and affordability.

Today, it’s mainly collected by mineral enthusiasts and occasionally used in decorative items, showcasing the intricate details of its crystal formations.

Where you can find marcasite in Nebraska

• Plattsmouth
• Humboldt
• Holmesville

Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is what happens when wood turns into stone through a process called permineralization.

This occurs when the wood gets buried under sediment and mineral-rich water flows through, replacing the organic material with minerals like quartz.

Petrified wood can look just like regular wood on the outside, but it’s as hard as rock on the inside. It often retains the original structure of the wood, including tree rings and bark texture, making each piece beautifully detailed.

The price of petrified wood can vary, depending on its size, color, and where it was found. People use petrified wood for jewelry, decorative items, and sometimes even as furniture.

Where you can find petrified wood in Nebraska

• Ayr
• Stinking Water Creek
• Beaver City
• Wood River

Quartz

Quartz is a common mineral found in the Earth’s crust, known for its hard and durable nature. It forms when silicon and oxygen combine, and it can grow in a wide range of environments, from volcanic regions to hydrothermal veins.

This crystal comes in many colors, from clear to black, and even pink or purple, depending on the types of minerals mixed in. Its crystal shape is usually hexagonal, and it has a glassy luster that makes it very attractive for various uses.

Quartz is used in making jewelry, like necklaces and bracelets, because of its beauty and strength. It’s also important in technology; quartz crystals are used in watches, computers, and phones to help keep accurate time.

Where you can find quartz in Nebraska

• Dawes County
• Holmesville
• Crawford
• Wood River

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Nebraska

We shared below our favorite gem mine sites that you can visit and explore here whether on your own or with your family and friends. We made sure to include places that are great for kids so that they, too, can enjoy the thrill of searching for gems.

Agate Fossil Beds

301 River Rd, Harrison, NE 69346

The Agate Fossil Beds is a protected area that preserves the fossilized remains of animals that lived 19 million years ago. It is the only national park in the United States dedicated to preserving fossils from this time period. It was discovered in the late 1800s by a rancher who found many fossilized bones and teeth while digging for water on his property. Since then, paleontologists have unearthed over 200 different species of mammals, reptiles and birds from the area.

But aside from fossils, the area also abounds in various varieties of gemstones, that’s why gem mining has been popular in the area since the early 1900s when miners began searching for these precious stones. Today, you can visit here to explore the natural wonders of the area and search for gems.

The Types of Gems Found In The Agate Fossil Beds

This place is our favorite because of the diversity of gemstones that can be found here. Most abundant among these are the following:

• Agate
• Chalcedony
• Jasper

The Best Time To Visit Agate Fossil Beds

The best time to visit here is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and the ground is dry. Gem mining can be done here year-round, but summer months tend to be the most comfortable and conducive to finding gems.

White River

Crawford, NE

Located in the northeastern part of our state, White River is well-known for its rich gemstone deposits. It has been a popular spot for rockhounds for decades, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to search for them.

When you visit here, you can purchase buckets of gravel from local vendors to pan for gems or take part in organized tours that provide all necessary equipment for successful prospecting.

The Types of Gems Found In The White River

Different kinds of gems can be found here, but this place is well-known because of the highly-sought after Fairburn Agate.

The Best Time To Visit White River

If you want to visit here, the best time is during the summer months of June, July, and August. These months have the warmest weather and the longest days, allowing you to spend more time outside.

Republican River

US Hwy 281 and River Road. Red Cloud, NE 68970

Republican River is a tributary of the Kansas River that flows through Kansas, Colorado, and our state. The river has been used for centuries by Native American tribes as a source of food, water and transportation. The first European settlement in the area was established in 1854 when settlers began to farm along its banks. The river was also important to the cattle industry in Nebraska, providing water for thirsty herds of cattle.

Today, it is a popular destination for gem mining with its rich deposits of different kinds of precious gems that can be found by panning or sluicing.

The Types of Gems Found In The Republican River

Gemstones of different kinds can be found here, but Pastel Jasper is the most abundant here.

The Best Time To Visit Republican River

Planning to visit here? Best time to do so is between April and October. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, making it easier to search for gems. Additionally, the river levels are lower during this period, making it easier to access the riverbed.

Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine– Great for kids

103 S. Main St., Scotia, NE 68875

Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine, located in the northwest corner of our state near the town of Harrison, has been a source of chalk and minerals for over 100 years. It was discovered by settlers in the late 1800s, who quickly recognized its potential for mining. For many years, miners extracted chalk from the peak and shipped it around the region for use in paint production and other industrial processes. In later years, miners began exploring for gems as well, and they discovered different varieties of them here.

Today, the peak is open year-round and guided tours are available on certain days throughout summer months. You can also purchase bags of mining rough at local stores near Harrison to take home with you after your visit.

The Types of Gems Found In The Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine

The peak is a great place for kids who are just getting familiar with gem mining because it has a wide range of different gemstones.

The Best Time To Visit Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine

The best time to visit here with kids is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During these months, the weather is typically warmer with less raining, making it easier to explore the mine and search for gems.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – Great for kids

12102 S. 180th St. Gretna, NE 68028

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned business that has been operating since 1984. The farm includes a large pumpkin patch, a corn maze, hay rides, petting zoo, gem mining, and more.

If you get the chance to visit here, you can purchase buckets of mining rough, which contains various gems. You can then use water to reveal your gems and take home any that that you will find!

The Types of Gems Found In The Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Different kinds of gemstones, both rare and more common in our state, can be found in this location. That’s why we consider this a great place for kids.

The Best Time To Visit Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

If you’re looking to visit here, the best time would be during the fall months of September and October when the weather is cooler and the days are longer.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Nebraska

Here are some more great places to find gems in our state if you’ve already visited our favorites ones above. Through time, these locations became known among experienced and amateur gem miners because of their abundant gemstones and the satisfying gem hunt adventures they offer.

• Chadron – Chalcedony, Blue Chalcedony
• Valentine – Agate, Jasper
• Weeping Water – Chalcedony, Jasper
• Crawford – Fairburn Agates, Jasper
• Platte Center – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Orella – Agate, Jasper, Carnelian, Chalcedony
• Pine Ridge – Agate, Quartz
• Chappell – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Whiteclay – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Platte River – Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
• Little Nemaha River – Agate, Moss Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper

It can be very easy to confuse some of the more common gems that are found here, so we’ve put together a few guides to telling specific gems apart:

• Moss agate vs tree agate

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Nebraska

If you’re looking for more family-friendly places to search for gems, we’ve listed below some more recommendations that both you and your kids will enjoy exploring.

• Scotts Bluff National Monument – 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341
• Toadstool Geological Park and Campground – 125 North Main St., Chadron, NE 69337
• Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area – Wildcat Hills SRA, 210615 Hwy 71, Gering, NE 69341
• Chimney Rock National Historic Site – 9822 County Rd 75, Bayard, NE 69334

Nebraska Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy regulates gem mining activities here. Aside from them, some localities may also have their own regulations, so it is best to check with the appropriate local government office before engaging in this activity.

Here are also a few general guidelines that you should follow:

1. It is illegal to damage or remove artifacts from historical sites when gem mining.

2. It is illegal to mine on private land without permission from the landowner.

3. All gems and minerals found must be left where they are found and cannot be taken away without permission from the landowner or other governing authority.

For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s link above.

Additional Places To Mine For Gems 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:

• Gem Mining in Colorado
• Gem Mining in Iowa
• Gem Mining in Kansas
• Gem Mining in Missouri
• Gem Mining in South Dakota
• Gem Mining in Wyoming

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