Nothing beats the feeling of uncovering beautiful minerals, and finding spectacular gemstones in New Hampshire is a rewarding experience for any collector.

Though New Hampshire is famous for its nickname, “The Granite State,” its mineral riches extend far beyond common quartz and feldspar. Just think of uncovering vibrant pockets of gem-quality beryl or perhaps a perfect crystal of tourmaline.

The state is also known for producing excellent smoky quartz and occasional finds of garnet and topaz.

Before you start digging, you will certainly need to know the best spots in the state where you can look for gemstones. This information is the key to planning your next successful trip!

The Gemstones Found In New Hampshire You Can Mine

Our state may be small in area, but did you know that it has some of the best sites for gem mining? With its abundant deposits, you’ll have a blast trying to discover gems especially if you know where to look for them. Let this article be your guide through your journey of discovery!

Also, like this guide for New Hampshire, we created other guides to help you locate gem mines near you in case you’re planning to take your gem mining journey to other states as well. With the right information and a bit of luck, you’re set to have an adventure to remember!

Titanite

Titanite, also known as sphene, is a mineral that ranges in color from yellow to green to brown. It often forms in metamorphic rocks and is known for its wedge-shaped crystals.

Titanite is valued for its high dispersion, which is even higher than that of diamonds, making it sparkle brilliantly under light. This makes it a desirable gemstone for jewelry, despite its relatively low hardness.

In addition to its use in jewelry, titanite is important in the scientific community. It is used to date geological events since it contains uranium and thorium, which can be measured to determine the age of the rocks in which titanite is found.

Where you can find titanite in New Hampshire

• Belknap Mountains
• Amherst
• Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Vivianite

Vivianite is a mineral that starts off colorless and becomes deep blue when exposed to light. It is often found in sedimentary environments, like peat bogs, where it forms from the decomposition of organic material.

This mineral is known for its striking color change and transparent to translucent appearance. Collectors prize vivianite for its beauty and the way its color deepens with exposure to light.

While vivianite is not commonly used in jewelry due to its softness, it is sought after by mineral collectors. Its unique properties and color make it a fascinating addition to any collection.

Where you can find vivianite in New Hampshire

• Groton
• Parker Mountain
• Alstead

Amazonite

Amazonite is a green to blue-green variety of feldspar, giving it a striking appearance. It gets its color from small amounts of lead and water in its structure.

This mineral is known for its smooth, glass-like luster and is often cut into cabochons or beads for jewelry. Amazonite is also popular among collectors for its bright color and crystal formations.

In addition to being used in jewelry, amazonite is sometimes used in decorative objects. Its calming color and attractive appearance make it a favorite for making things like tabletops, tiles, and other ornamental items.

Where you can find amazonite in New Hampshire

• Middle Moat Mountain
• Black Cap Mountain
• Conway

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz that is purple in color. The purple color comes from iron impurities and exposure to radiation from the earth.

Amethyst is known for its beautiful purple shades, which can range from a light lavender to a deep violet. It is often used in jewelry because of its striking color and durability.

Besides being a favorite gemstone for rings, necklaces, and earrings, amethyst has a long history of being associated with calming and soothing properties. Many believe it can help with emotional balance and is used in meditation practices.

Where you can find amethyst in New Hampshire

• Long Mountain
• Table Mountain
• Ossipee

Apatite

Apatite is a mineral that comes in many colors, including blue, green, and yellow. It is often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks around the world.

Apatite is known for its glassy luster and can look similar to more precious gemstones, making it popular in jewelry. It is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it requires careful handling.

In addition to being used in jewelry, apatite has a practical use in the production of fertilizer. Its high phosphorus content makes it valuable for encouraging plant growth.

Where you can find apatite in New Hampshire

• Cheshire County
• Orange
• Milford
• Red Hill

Beryl

Beryl is a mineral that comes in various colors, including green, blue, yellow, and pink. The color depends on the types of impurities that are present in the mineral.

The most well-known variety of beryl is emerald, which is prized for its vibrant green color. Another popular type is aquamarine, which has a beautiful blue hue.

Beryl is used mainly in jewelry because of its range of attractive colors and clarity. It is also valued for its hardness, which makes it durable enough for everyday wear.

Where you can find beryl in New Hampshire

• Merrimack County
• Alstead
• Alexandria
• Grafton

Kyanite

Kyanite is a mineral that is typically blue but can also be found in green, black, and orange colors. It usually forms during the high-pressure alteration of clay minerals in sedimentary rocks.

Kyanite stands out because it has two different hardnesses on its perpendicular axes. This means it can be harder along the length of the crystal and softer across it, making it a challenge to cut for jewelry.

Despite this, kyanite is still used in jewelry and as a decorative stone. It is also one of the gemstones found in New Hampshire, where collectors might find beautiful specimens for their collections.

Where you can find kyanite in New Hampshire

• Chesterfield
• Westmoreland
• Lisbon

Schorl

Schorl is a black variety of tourmaline, and it is the most common type of tourmaline found in nature. It forms in a variety of rock types, often in granite and metamorphic rocks, where it grows in long, slender crystals.

Schorl is known for its deep black color and glassy luster, making it easily recognizable. Despite its darkness, it can have a striking appearance when polished or used in jewelry.

Besides its use in jewelry, schorl has industrial applications due to its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. These properties allow it to generate an electric charge under pressure or when heated, making it useful in certain electronic devices.

Where you can find schorl in New Hampshire

• Grafton
• Parker Mountain
• Alstead

Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and sometimes colorless. It is found in granite rocks and in the cavities of lava flows.

Topaz is known for its hardness, which makes it durable enough for all kinds of jewelry. It also has a beautiful shine that catches the light, making it very attractive.

Besides being used in jewelry, topaz can be used in industrial applications due to its properties. For example, it is sometimes used in the manufacture of abrasives and cutting tools.

Where you can find topaz in New Hampshire

• Albany
• Bald Mountain
• Berlin

Zircon

Zircon is a mineral that comes in many colors, including red, yellow, brown, and blue. It forms in igneous rocks as crystals that can survive erosion and transport.

Zircon is valued for its brilliance and fire, making it a popular choice for jewelry. The blue variety, often treated to enhance its color, is especially sought after.

Besides its use in jewelry, zircon serves important roles in industrial applications. It’s used in the production of ceramics and refractory materials, thanks to its high resistance to heat and corrosion.

Where you can find zircon in New Hampshire

• Hurricane Mountain
• Bald Mountain
• Groton

Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz is a type of quartz that ranges in color from light gray to almost black. It gets its smoky color from natural radiation from the earth interacting with aluminum traces in the crystal.

This gemstone is admired for its transparency and glossy luster, making it popular in jewelry and decorative items. Smoky quartz is found in many parts of the world, often in the same areas where crystals like amethyst are mined.

In addition to its aesthetic use, smoky quartz is believed to have grounding properties. It is used in various forms of holistic healing, thought to help release negative emotions and bring emotional calmness.

Where you can find smoky quartz in New Hampshire

• Carroll County
• Gilford
• Alexandria
• Long Mountain

Almandine

Almandine is a type of garnet that is known for its deep red color, which can sometimes appear almost purple. It is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, where high pressure and temperature conditions cause minerals to transform.

Almandine has interesting characteristics, including its hardness, which makes it durable enough for various uses. It is often used in jewelry because of its beautiful color and sparkle.

Additionally, almandine can be used as an abrasive material. Its hardness allows it to efficiently polish and smooth other materials, making it valuable in industrial applications.

Where you can find almandine in New Hampshire

• Grafton County
• Alstead
• Gilsum
• Danbury

Fluorite

Fluorite is a colorful mineral that comes in shades of purple, green, yellow, and blue. It forms in places where hot water flows through cracks in rocks, depositing the mineral in layers.

Fluorite is known for its ability to fluoresce, or glow, under ultraviolet light, which makes it popular among collectors. The mineral is also prized for its geometric shapes, often forming cubes that are interesting to look at.

The price of fluorite depends on its quality and color, with some pieces being more valuable for their clarity and vibrant hues. It is used in the manufacture of certain glasses and enamels, improving their properties and making them more efficient.

Where you can find fluorite in New Hampshire

• Blue Mountain
• Redstone
• Iron Mountain
• Hooksett

Malachite

Malachite is a green mineral that gets its color from copper. It usually grows in areas where copper ores are found, transforming over time with water and carbon dioxide.

Malachite is known for its vibrant green color and beautiful patterns that look like waves or bands. These patterns make malachite popular for making jewelry and decorative items.

Besides its use in crafts, malachite has a history of being ground up to make green pigment. While not among the common rocks and minerals found in New Hampshire, malachite still captures the interest of collectors and artists worldwide.

Where you can find malachite in New Hampshire

• Wakefield
• Westmoreland
• Amherst
• Raymond

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In New Hampshire

We listed down our favorite places here where you can find some amazing and cool gemstones. We made sure to include locations where adults will experience real gem mining adventures and where kids will be able to see and appreciate the wonders that gem mining can offer.

Moat Mountain Mineral Site

High St, Conway, NH 03818

Moat Mountain Mineral Site has a long history of gem mining and exploration. It was first discovered by English settlers in the late 1600s, and was quickly mined for its precious stones. In the 1800s, the area became even more popular, with miners coming from all around the world to find gems in its rich deposits.

Today, you can pan for gems in several creeks throughout the property as well as explore numerous abandoned mines and rock formations. The mineral site also features an educational center, where you can learn about geology and local history.

The Types of Gems Found In The Moat Mountain Mineral Site

This place has a range of different gemstones. Most abundant of them are the following:

• Amazonite
• Smoky Quartz
• Topaz

It can be very easy to confuse some of the more common gems from our state, so we’ve put together a few guides to help you tell them apart:

• Amazonite vs Aventurine
• Amazonite vs Blue topaz

The Best Time To Visit Moat Mountain Mineral Site

The best time to visit here is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During these months, the weather is generally warmer and more conducive to outdoor activities. As a popular tourist destination, it is also likely that there will be more gem mining opportunities available during these months due to increased visitor numbers.

Hutchins Mountain

Stark, NH 03582

Located in the White Mountains, Hutchin Mountains is the highest peak in the Franconia Range. It is known for its gem mining operations, which have been running since the mid-19th century. Prospectors used to search for gems along the slopes of this place.

Today, you can take part in gem mining activities at several locations on the mountain. You can even find amazing New Hampshire crystals here. Aside from these, the place also offers a variety of other outdoor activities.

The Types of Gems Found In The Hutchins Mountain

This place is rich in different kinds of gemstones, both rare and more common, especially the following:

• Albite
• Amethyst
• Beryl
• Feldspar
• Fluorite
• Muscovite
• Pyrite
• Smoky Quartz
• Topaz

The Best Time To Visit Hutchins Mountain

If you want to visit here, the best time would be during the summer months, between June and August, when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, there are more opportunities to find gems as the mountain is at its highest peak of activity. Additionally, the terrain is easier to traverse during the warmer months.

Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area

71 White Mountain Drive Campton NH 03223

Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area was established as a public mineral collecting site in the 1960s and has since become a popular destination for rockhounds and collectors.

When you visit here, you can pan for different kinds of gems, as the area contains several gem-bearing veins that have been mined over the years. You can also purchase pre-made gem pans from local vendors or bring your own to try your luck at finding precious stones.

The Types of Gems Found In The Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area

This location has plenty of different kinds of gemstones, but most abundant of these are the following:

• Amethyst
• Beryl
• Feldspar
• Garnet
• Muscovite
• Pyrite
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area

This place is open year-round, but the best time to visit would be during the summer months of June through August. When you visit, make sure to get a free permit first from the ranger station before entering the area.

Lost River Gorge – Great for kids

1712 Lost River Road North Woodstock, NH 03262

Lost River Gorge is a natural wonder that was discovered in 1852 by a local farmer who stumbled upon the entrance to the cave. Since then, the area has become a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world.

The gorge has unique geological formations such as boulder caves, potholes and waterfalls. When you visit here, you can explore the caves and take part in gem mining activities.

The Types of Gems Found In The Lost River Gorge

This place is great for kids because it features a wide range of different gemstones that can be found in our state.

The Best Time To Visit Lost River Gorge

If you’re planning to explore this place, the best time would be from May to October. During this time, the weather is usually warm and sunny, making it a great time for gem mining. During these months, other attractions are also being offered here, so your visit will surely be more worth it.

Clark’s Bears – Great for kids

110 US Route 3 Lincoln, NH 03251

Clark’s Bears is a family-owned business that was established in 1971. It offers a wide selection of precious gems, a variety of rare and more common ones, for visitors.

The place features an indoor gem mining area where you can sift through bags of sand to find your treasures. You can also take advantage of their gemstone identification services to learn more about the pieces that you will find. The place also provides educational seminars on topics such as geology and mineralogy and even offer field trips for you to learn how to pan for gold or visit a local mine.

The Types of Gems Found In The Clark’s Bears

This place is great for kids and families because there is a rich variety of gemstones that can be found here.

The Best Time To Visit Clark’s Bears

The best time to visit here is in the summer months, from May through August, when they offer all their outdoor activities, including gem mining. The weather is usually warm and sunny during these months, making it ideal for these activities.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in New Hampshire

Aside from our favorite places, there are other great options if you want to do gem mining in our state. You will find that the places we’ve shared below can give you some real gem mining adventures.

• Hurricane Mountain – Amethyst, Smoky Quartz
• South Baldface Mountain – Feldspar, Phenakite, Smoky Quartz, Topaz (Brown, Blue)
• Bassett Hill – Beryl, Aquamarine
• Bald Hill – Fluorite
• Derry Hill – Beryl, Rose Quartz
• Park Hill -Staurolite
• Lord Hill Mineral Collecting Area – Feldspar, Quartz, Topaz
• Mount Jasper – Jasper
• Greens Ledge – Albite, Amethyst, Beryl, Feldspar, Fluorite, Muscovite, Pyrite, Smoky Quartz, Topaz
• Victor Head – Albite, Amethyst, Beryl, Feldspar, Fluorite, Muscovite, Pyrite, Smoky Quartz, Topaz
• Pearl Lake – Staurolite
• Melvin Hill – Beryl (Blue, Golden)

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in New Hampshire

If you are looking for family-friendly places where your kids can freely explore the beauty of gem mining, here are some more family-friendly gem mining sites that both you and your kids will enjoy visiting.

• Ruggles Mine –  286 Underhill Rd, Grafton, NH 03240
• Mine Falls Park – Whipple Street Nashua, NH 03060
• White Mountain National Forest – 71 White Mountain Drive Campton NH 03223
• Polar Caves – 705 Rumney Rte 25, Rumney, NH 03266

New Hampshire Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

Our state does not specifically regulate recreational gem mining. However, there are laws and regulations here that may affect it.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) may require permits for certain types of mining activities. It also regulates surface and ground water quality, and require permits for activities that may affect these resources. The NHDES also requires permits for certain activities related to wetlands, including the filling or dredging.

If you’re planning to do gem mining here, you should check first with local authorities to ensure that your planned activity does not conflict with any local ordinances or regulations.

For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ 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 Maine
• Gem Mining in Vermont
• Gem Mining in Massachusetts

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