The rugged, open landscapes of the state make gem hunting in Nevada a great place to start. The state’s powerful geological forces have left a legacy of mineral deposits that are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.

An outing in the vast basins and remote valleys can yield everything from sparkling opal to vivid garnets. Searching here is a matter of knowing how to read the terrain, as the desert can be a deceptive place. Dry lake beds are known to reveal finds, while a walk through a rocky wash can turn up unexpected pieces.

We’ll walk you through the areas of Nevada that are most productive and provide advice for your search. By focusing your efforts where it counts and understanding the landscape, you can have a very successful outing and build a collection that is uniquely Nevadan.

The Gemstones Found In Nevada You Can Mine

Nevada has quite a few different native gemstones. Understanding that access to these resources may vary, we’ve put together several tips and guides to help people find gem mines close to them. Gem hunters can find rare and more common gems here with the right information and a little luck.

Citrine

Famous for its beautiful yellow color, citrine is part of the quartz family. Its color can range from a light lemony yellow to a deep, golden brown. What’s cool about it is that it’s pretty rare in nature to find quartz this color.

It forms in a similar way to other types of quartz. It starts out as clear quartz, which is made of silica. The yellow color comes from traces of iron. Sometimes, it can form naturally when amethyst is heated up deep underground and changes into citrine.

You can usually find this crystal in areas where there are quartz deposits, often near volcanic regions.

The value of citrine is tied to its unique color and rarity. Because natural citrine is pretty rare, it’s quite special and sought after by gem collectors and jewelry makers. It doesn’t scratch easily, which makes it great for everyday wear.

It’s also well-loved by many people born in November as it’s their birthstone. Its warm, sunny color has made it a favorite for centuries, often associated with positivity and joy.

Where you can find citrine in Nevada

To find citrine, we recommend exploring the area surfaces, gravels, and outcrops in Tuscarora and the Gold Mountain.

Quartz

Quartz is known for being really clear, but it can also be found in a bunch of different colors like pink (called rose quartz), purple (amethyst), and even black (smoky quartz).

It forms deep underground and starts out as tiny particles of silica. Over a period, these particles grow and stick together, forming large crystals.

You can find quartz all over the world in places near volcanoes or mountains. You can also find it in riverbeds and beaches, where it’s been washed down from the mountains.

The price of quartz isn’t as high as some other gems like diamonds or sapphires because it’s more common. But some types, like clear, well-formed crystals or beautifully colored varieties, can be more valuable.

This crystal is often used in jewelry because it’s pretty and strong enough to be worn every day. It’s also used in watches and clocks because it helps keep time accurately.

Where you can find quartz in Nevada

There are many sites that you can visit here for some quartz finds, such as:

• South of town in the Searchlight area
• Manhattan area mines
• Victoria Mine

Malachite

Malachite stands out because of its bright green color. It often has beautiful, swirly patterns in different shades of green, from light to dark.

Its formation starts when copper-rich water seeps through rocks underground. This water then reacts with minerals and chemicals in the rocks, and slowly, malachite starts to grow.

This process can happen near copper deposits, which is why malachite and copper are often found together in old mines or near copper deposits.

The worth of malachite isn’t just because it’s pretty. It’s been valued for a long time, even in ancient Egypt, where it was used for jewelry and decorations.

Today, it’s still used in jewelry, like necklaces and earrings. It’s also popular for making decorative items like bowls and vases because of its striking color and patterns.

Where you can find malachite in Nevada

You can find malachite in several locations here. Some of these places are:

• Wilson Mine
• Sullivan Mine
• Ruth Copper Pit

Obsidian

Obsidian is shiny and black, but sometimes it can have different colors in it, like brown, green, or even a beautiful, rainbow-like sheen. And it’s formed in a fascinating way.

It happens when lava from a volcano cools down super quickly. Because it cools so fast, there’s no time for crystals to form, which is why obsidian has a smooth, glassy look.

You can find this crystal in places that have had volcanic activity. It’s often located around the edges of old lava flows.

Obsidian’s price depends on a lot of factors. Some of its types, especially those with unique colors or patterns, can be more valuable.

It’s been used for thousands of years to make tools and weapons because it can be broken to have sharp edges. Today, it’s popular in jewelry and for making sculptures because of its sleek, dark look.

Where you can find obsidian in Nevada

Many sites in our state naturally bear obsidian. If you want to find them, here are sites you can visit:

• Montgomery Pass in Queen Mountain
• Fish Lake
• Silver Peak area

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is known for its striking pink or rose-red color. Sometimes, it has black, white, or gray patterns in it, which makes it look really unique.

It forms when magma slowly cools down. During this cooling, different minerals like manganese start to mix together. This mixture creates rhodonite. This process usually happens in places where there’s a lot of geological activity.

That’s why you can often find this crystal in areas where there have been volcanic activities or where mountains have formed.

Rhodonite’s value comes from a few things. First, its color is eye-catching and different from other gemstones. This makes it popular for jewelry, like necklaces and rings. People love the way it adds a pop of color.

It’s also valued for its meaning and symbolism. In some cultures, it’s thought to represent love and healing.

Where you can find rhodonite in Nevada

We highly recommend visiting the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine if you want to uncover rhodonite.

Thulite

Like rhodonite, thulite is known for its lovely pink color. It’s a type of zoisite, which is a mineral that can come in different colors.

But thulite’s pinkish hue is distinct. It can range from a light, almost pastel pink to a deeper, rosy pink. This color comes from manganese, a kind of metal, mixing in with the zoisite.

This crystal forms in rocks that have been changed by heat and pressure, a process called metamorphism. It usually happens deep underground where the conditions are just right.

The value of thulite comes from its beauty and rarity. Its pink color is distinct, making it a popular choice for jewelry.

It’s also valued by collectors. Since it’s not super common, finding a piece of thulite can be exciting for someone who loves collecting rocks and minerals.

Where you can find thulite in Nevada

Some of our preferred places to search for thulite are:

• Pine Nut Mountains
• Mine in Tempiute area
• Singatse Range

Opal

Opal is a dazzling gemstone that’s known for its ability to shimmer and shine in all the colors of the rainbow. It can be lots of different colors, from clear to black, and some can change colors depending on how you look at them.

This gem starts out when tiny bits of silica get mixed with water. It seeps into cracks and spaces in rocks.

Then the water evaporates, leaving the silica behind. This process repeats over and over, and eventually, these silica deposits turn into opal.

The Virgin Valley black fire opal is Nevada’s official state precious gemstone. It’s dark in color but has bright flashes of red, green, blue, and orange when the light hits it just right. The “fire” in its name comes from these vibrant flashes that look like flames.

The value of opal comes from its stunning appearance. Jewelers and artists love to use it in rings, necklaces, and other kinds of jewelry because of its beauty and the way it captures light.

Where you can find opal in Nevada

There are tons of locations where you can find opal here, but the most well-known one where black fire opal hides is at the Virgin Valley opal mines. You can also find opal in the Black Rock Desert and slopes of Montezuma Peak.

Turquoise

Alongside the opal, turquoise is Nevada’s official state semi-precious gemstone. It’s famous for its bright blue to green colors, which you don’t see in many other gems.

Turquoise forms when water moves through rocks that have minerals like copper and aluminum. Over a long time, these minerals mix with phosphate and create this gem.

The price of turquoise can vary a lot and you can refer to these price ranges in our article. It depends on factors like its color, where it comes from, and how rare it is.

Turquoise has been loved for thousands of years. It’s been used in jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and rings. In some cultures, it’s is believed to bring good luck and protection.

This gem is also valued because it’s part of history and culture. Native American tribes in the Southwest have been using it for a long time in their art and traditions. They create amazing jewelry and decorations with it.

Where you can find turquoise in Nevada

Luckily, our state is rich in turquoise deposits. Among the many places where you can find this stunning gem here are:

• Copper King Mine
• Foothills of the Monte Cristo Range
• Rock Creek

Variscite

Variscite is usually a green color, kind of like a light, minty green, but it can also be blue or yellow. It has a waxy look and feel, which makes it different from other shiny gemstones.

It’s made when phosphate-rich water moves through rocks that have aluminum in them. These elements then combine and create variscite. This process happens underground, usually in places that are dry and have lots of clay.

The value of variscite can change based on its color, how clear it is, and where it comes from. The more vibrant and clear the color, usually the more valuable it is. Because it’s not as well-known, it can be more affordable than other gemstones.

However, some really nice pieces can still be pretty pricey. It’s often used in jewelry because of its lovely color and the way it feels.

Variscite also has a cultural value. It’s been used by Native Americans in the Southwest for making beautiful jewelry and art pieces. This adds to its charm and story.

Where you can find variscite in Nevada

If you want to find variscite here, you can search through the following areas, among many others:

• Carr-Lovejoy variscite claim
• Bonnie Blue Mine
• Dunwoody variscite claim

Garnet

Garnet comes in lots of different colors, like deep red, green, orange, and even purple. It’s pretty famous for its red variety, which can be as bright as a ruby. It’s not just one mineral, but a whole group that share similar properties and crystal forms.

This gem forms in a variety of ways. Some grow when rocks deep underground are put under high pressure and heat. Others form when certain minerals are altered by chemicals deep in the ground.

Garnets can be found in mountains, riverbeds, and even beaches. They’re often located in schists and metamorphic rocks.

If we’re talking about how much garnet is worth, it can vary a lot. Its value depends on many factors, as you can read in our article. Some rare varieties, like the bright green tsavorite or the vibrant orange spessartine, can be quite expensive.

Garnet is popular in jewelry because of its beautiful colors and how well it lasts. It’s also the birthstone for January, making it extra special for people born in that month.

Where you can find garnet in Nevada

You can find well-formed, deep-red spessartine garnets in the area of Ely. You can also find this gemstone in the canyons north of Lane and in Garnet Hill.

Agate

Agate is a kind of quartz that has amazing patterns and colors. It can have stripes, spots, or swirls, and comes in all kinds of colors like red, yellow, green, blue, and brown. Sometimes, it’s even multicolored!

This gem starts inside hollow spaces in rocks. Water with silica in it seeps into these spaces. Layer by layer, the silica deposits settle and harden, forming agate. Each layer can be a different color, depending on the minerals in the water.

That’s why it’s usually found in areas with old volcanic rocks or in riverbeds where the water has washed it out of those rocks.

Agate’s price can vary a lot, depending on its color, clarity, and the uniqueness of its patterns. It’s often used in jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Because of its hardness and durability, it’s great for everyday wear.

Agate is also popular among collectors who love its wide range of colors and patterns. Its natural beauty makes it a favorite for many, adding a touch of nature’s art to jewelry and decorations.

Where you can find agate in Nevada

Agate is really abundant in Nevada and it’s pretty widespread, too. You can find it in many locations, including the following:

• Twin Peaks area
• Wild Horse Reservoir
• Bluff near the Esmeralda Lake

Jasper

Another part of the quartz family is jasper. It can come in a lot of colors like red, yellow, brown, green, and even blue or purple. It often has stripes, spots, or swirls.

This gem forms from silica, the same stuff that makes up quartz. It happens when this silica gets mixed with other minerals, which gives jasper its different colors and patterns.

This mix usually happens in old volcanic ash or in places where there’s been a lot of heat and pressure over a long time. So it’s usually located in areas with a lot of volcanic rocks, like mountains or old lava flows. Rivers can also carry it to its beds.

Jasper’s value comes from a few things. First, it’s just beautiful to look at. Its wide range of colors and patterns make it popular for making jewelry. It’s is also pretty tough and doesn’t scratch easily, which makes it great for everyday jewelry.

Besides being pretty, jasper is also valued for being a part of history. For thousands of years, people have used it to make tools, jewelry, and even as a healing stone.

Where you can find jasper in Nevada

Just like agate, jasper is also bountiful and widespread in our state. If you want to find it, here are some areas you can visit:

• Columbus Salt Marsh flats
• Henderson area manganese plant
• Toano Draw

Wonderstone

Wonderstone can catch your eye with its amazing patterns and colors. It looks as though an artist painted swirls of red, yellow, brown, and even black on it. Each piece of this rock has its own unique blend of colors and swirls.

It starts with a tuff, a soft rock formed from volcanic ash that settled long, long ago. This ash gets squished and heated up deep over time.

Here’s where it gets interesting: different minerals seep into the rock, and these minerals are what give wonderstone its vibrant colors. Iron minerals, for instance, add those beautiful reds and yellows.

Wonderstone is valued for several reasons. It’s used in making jewelry, decorative items, and even in art projects because of its unique, natural patterns.

It’s also really interesting to geologists and rock collectors because of the way it forms and the story it tells about the Earth’s past.

Where you can find wonderstone in Nevada

You can find wonderstone in many areas of our state, including:

• Valley of Fire State Park
• Excelsior Mountain
• Little Antelope Summit area

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Nevada

We’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite places to dig for gemstones. These will be excellent options if you’re planning to start somewhere. We’ve included spots available for seasoned gem hunters and youngsters beginning their gem mining journey.

Black Rock Desert

Gerlach, NV, United States

The Black Rock Desert is known for its vast deposits of rare and valuable gems, minerals, and fossils. Gem hunters can use traditional methods such as sluicing or dry washing to search for gems in the desert landscape. Some areas also allow panning and metal detecting to help locate potential finds.

With careful observation and some luck, we even uncovered some rarer gems found in the area, such as amethyst or tourmaline. Because of this, we are certain that the Black Rock Desert is an exciting location to dig for gems and explore nature’s hidden treasures!

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Black Rock Desert

This location contains gems and minerals of excellent quality. The most typical gems that can be discovered here are:

• Agate
• Almandine Garnet
• Azurite
• Barite
• Epidote
• Fire Opal
• Gypsum
• Jasper
• Malachite
• Obsidian
• Spessartite Garnet
• Topaz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time To Visit Black Rock Desert

The best time of year to visit the Black Rock Desert is during the cooler months, from October through April. The cooler weather and the days are not as harsh, making spending more time in the desert looking for gems easier. The area experiences very little rain during this time, so the ground will be dry and easier to search on.

Gemfield

Goldfield, NV 89013, United States

Gemfield is an exciting location to look for gemstones in the state’s beautiful desert landscapes. It allows people of all ages to search for precious gems and minerals hidden within the earth. Gemfield offers various packages, from beginner to advanced, so that everyone can find the perfect adventure for their skill level. All packages have everything needed to start, including tools, equipment, and expert instruction.

You can bring home the gemstones found as a souvenir or use them to create stunning jewelry pieces. Gemfield is the perfect place to explore Nevada’s wild lands while searching for gems!

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Gemfield

The following are the most often found gems in this area:

• Agate
• Chalcedony
• Jasper
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Gemfield

Gemstone mining season typically runs from mid-April through October. During this time, you can find a variety of gems and minerals in the area. We had the best experience searching for gemstones by joining a guided tour and renting equipment from a local outfitter.

Lahontan State Recreation Area

16799 Lahontan Dam Rd, Fallon, NV 89406, United States

Lahontan State Recreation Area is a state park in Churchill County. It is located along the eastern shore of the largest natural lake in the state, Lake Lahontan. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities like finding gems.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Lahontan State Recreation Area

It is well-known that the following gems are abundant in the area:

• Agate
• Chalcedony
• Jasper

The Best Time To Visit Lahontan State Recreation Area

The park experiences warm, dry weather from June to September, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to the low 90s. Gem hunters can look for gems in the park during these months. However, pack plenty of water as temperatures can get very hot during the day.

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine – Great for kids

Denio, NV 89404, United States

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine is a small, family-owned opal mine located in the heart of Virgin Valley. This location offers gem hunters a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of mining their opals. You can purchase buckets of ore containing beautiful specimens of precious opals and other gemstones such as quartz and agate.

Experienced guides instruct how to identify and extract these unique gems from their host rock. You can also take part in educational tours that introduce you to the history and geology of this fascinating gemstone mining area.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine

This location is great for teaching kids about several gemstones, but it is famous for the following gems in particular:

• Black Opal
• Boulder Opal
• Crystal Opal
• Fire Opal
• White Opal

The Best Time To Visit Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine

From April to October, temperatures are milder, and the weather is more comfortable for exploring the mine. The mine is open year-round but can get hot in the summertime, making exploring uncomfortable.

Royal Peacock Opal Mine – Great for kids

10 Virgin Valley Rd, Denio, NV 89404, United States

The Royal Peacock Opal Mine offers a special experience to gem hunters who want to learn firsthand the process of mining and collecting opals. You can take part in guided tours that take you through the mine and teach you about the geology and history behind the area.

We had the chance to buy rough and cut opals directly from miners at the on-site store and purchase finished pieces from local artisans.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Royal Peacock Opal Mine

This place is especially well-known for the following gems:

• Black Fire Opals
• Crystal Opals
• Jasper
• Jelly Opals
• Turquoise
• Variscite
• White Opals

The Best Time To Visit Royal Peacock Opal Mine

The best time to visit Royal Peacock Opal Mine is from late May to August. During this time, the temperatures are mild, and the days are long, making it easier to explore and mine for opals.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Nevada

You can visit many more fantastic locations to go real gem mining in Nevada after you’ve had a chance to explore the regions we previously highlighted. These locations are designed for individuals who have extensive experience mining gems and wish to seek more active mines.

• Agate Point – Agate, Chalcedony, Flint, Jasper
• Aurora Ghost Town – Jasper, Quartz
• Crescent Peak Mine – Turquoise
• Excelsior Mountain – Turquoise
• Fish Lake Valley – Opal
• Fox Mine – Turquoise
• Garnet Hill – Garnet
• Gold Mountain – Citrine, Quartz
• Las Vegas Wash – Amethyst
• Little High Rock Canyon – Obsidian
• Monte Cristo Range – Variscite
• Montezuma Mining District – Opal
• Nightingale Mountain Range – Garnet
• Pine Nut Mountains – Topaz
• Royston Turquoise Mine – Turquoise
• Sugar Loaf Peak – Turquoise
• Valley of Fire State Park – Chalcedony
• Virgin Valley – Opal, Turquoise
• Walker Lake Recreation Area – Agate, Chalcedony, Turquoise

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Nevada

Even though there aren’t many kid-friendly public gem mining sites in the state, you can take your kids to the following areas so they can learn more about hunting gems.

• Bonanza Opal Mine – 43255 Sagebrush Rd, Denio, NV, United States

Nevada Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

In Nevada, recreational gem mining is subject to the same regulations as other mining activities. The state has various laws and regulations governing mineral exploration and mining. The Nevada Division of Minerals administers all mineral-related activities, including gemstone mining. It is important to note that all prospecting and mining activities on public land require a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

For further details on Nevada’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Nevada Division of Minerals and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) links 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 Arizona
• Gem Mining in California
• Gem Mining in Idaho
• Gem Mining in Oregon
• Gem Mining in Utah

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