Finding gemstones in Pennsylvania is actually a lot easier than in a lot of places. If you’re looking for a unique and exciting adventure in Pennsylvania gem mining is the perfect activity for you!

Going home with a diverse collection of beautiful, high-quality specimens is entirely possible, whether you’re new to rockhounding or a seasoned veteran. Understanding what to look for and where to search is key to a productive outing that could potentially yield a wide array of fascinating finds.

We’ll help you in your search by highlighting some of the most productive areas to begin your rockhounding journey. Prepare to discover the different dazzling rocks you might uncover and go home with a varied collection of attractive specimens!

The Gemstones Found In Pennsylvania You Can Mine

Our state is among the favorites of gem miners, experts or otherwise, because of its abundance in amazing gemstones. Suffice to say, there are tons of different places where you can go gem mining here, so we collected them and selected the best ones for you.

Aside from Pennsylvania, we also have other guides to help you find gem mines near you no matter where you plan to do your next gem hunt in. Follow our guide and get ready to have the most amazing experience!

Sunstone

Sunstone, a real treasure to behold, is found in different rocks around the world. This remarkable gem dazzles us with its sparkling metallic glints, often compared to the warm, glowing light of the sun.

It gets its unique shimmer from the tiny reflective particles inside it, usually made of copper or hematite. This effect is called aventurescence, giving the sunstone its spectacular shine.

Besides its visual appeal, sunstone’s value can be attributed to its relative rarity, especially in large, gem-quality specimens. Jewelry makers adore it for its unique play of light, and it’s often used in rings, pendants, and other ornamental pieces.

Where you can find Sunstone in Pennsylvania

You can find sunstone in the area outcrops and gravels of Feasterville and Blue Hill.

Moonstone

Just as the moon lights up the night sky, moonstone catches your eye with its mesmerizing sheen, a phenomenon called adularescence. This effect, similar to the moon’s soft glow, is created by the scattering of light within the layers of the gemstone.

The formation of moonstone is a long story of millions of years. It begins deep within the Earth, where intense heat and pressure lead to the growth of these alluring crystals. It’s a process that requires just the right conditions, making each moonstone a small geological marvel.

Beyond its visual allure, moonstone holds a special place in many cultures. It’s often associated with love, passion, and good fortune. Its unique appearance and cultural significance also make it highly sought after for jewelry and decorative pieces. To know more about moonstone’s value, check out our article.

Where you can find Moonstone in Pennsylvania

Explore the many old mining dumps in Cornwall to find specimens of moonstone here.

Azurite

Azurite is a crystal that’s as fascinating as it is beautiful! It forms when copper ores weather or break down over time. Its bright blue color is a sure sign that copper is present.

For thousands of years, Azurite has been used as a blue pigment because its color is so intense. It was even used in wall paintings in Ancient Egypt! On top of that, its striking blue color and unique crystal forms make it a standout. It’s also important to scientists because it helps us understand how copper moves through the Earth.

The azurite you may find in our state is usually a deep, dazzling blue and can even have a bit of green from the presence of malachite, another copper mineral.

Where you can find Azurite in Pennsylvania

If you’re in search of Azurite, explore the following spots here:

• Kunkeltown area stream gravels
• Adams County mines and quarries
• Rossville road cut

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most common and varied crystals on Earth. It forms when silicon and oxygen combine in just the right way. This happens in many places, from deep within the Earth’s crust to the surfaces of soils and rocks.

If you’re wondering about quartz’ value, its amazing versatility has definitely boosted it. People have been using quartz for thousands of years to make tools, jewelry, and even early forms of glass. Nowadays, it’s also used in technology, like in watches and electronics, because it can generate an electric charge under pressure.

Quartz is also a favorite among rock collectors. Its wide range of colors and crystal shapes keep it interesting. Here in Pennsylvania, quartz comes in all kinds of forms and colors: there’s clear quartz, milky quartz, and even beautiful smoky quartz.

Where you can find Quartz in Pennsylvania

You can find quartz if you search through the following sites:

• Easton area quarries
• Stroudsburg area gravels and exposures
• ‘The Echo’ coal mines

Fluorite

Fluorite is a crystal made from calcium fluoride. It forms in places where hot, mineral-rich water moves through rocks, leaving behind colorful crystals as it cools. Under ultraviolet light, fluorite also glows!

It’s been used for centuries in jewelry and decorative objects because of its lovely colors and perfect cleavage. It’s also used in making a wide range of products, from steel and aluminum to glass and enamel. On top of it all, collectors love fluorite for its variety of colors and crystal shapes.

If you want to dive deeper into fluorite’s price and value, check out our article on that.

Where you can find Fluorite in Pennsylvania

To find fluorite, you can explore many places here, such as:

• Monroe County quarries
• Boiling Springs in White Rocks
• Brookdale Mine

Hematite

Hematite is an iron oxide that forms in different environments, often in places where water once existed. This can be deep underground or even on the surface of Mars!

So, why is hematite awesome? For starters, it’s been used since ancient times for its rich, red pigment. Even today, it’s used to color everything from paint to cosmetics. It’s also a key source of iron for making steel. Truly, hematite’s value goes beyond its aesthetics!

The hematite you’ll find in our state is often a shiny, metallic gray, but it can also be reddish-brown. It’s found in a variety of forms, from compact masses to tabular and rosette-like crystals.

Where you can find Hematite in Pennsylvania

Hematite is found in the following areas here:

• Area mines near French Creek
• Little Rocky Ridge
• Area quarries of Lancaster, Blue Ball, and Brownstown

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a type of quartz that forms in volcanic rock cavities. Here, super-hot water rich in silica cools down and solidifies into this unique mineral.

Pennsylvania is no stranger to chalcedony! It’s often found in many colors and forms, but the most common is a milky white to gray, often with a waxy luster.

How much is chalcedony worth and just how valuable it is, you might ask? Well, this crystal has been used for thousands of years for tool-making and artistic carving. Today, it’s loved for its vibrant colors and patterns and is often used in jewelry.

Collectors adore chalcedony, too! Its wide range of colors and the beautiful, intricate patterns within the stone keep things exciting. Plus, it can tell us a lot about the geological conditions under which it formed.

Where you can find Chalcedony in Pennsylvania

You can uncover Chalcedony in the different nooks and crannies of our state, especially in:

• Alsace Township
• Quarries along Schuylkill River
• Area fields and gravels of Waterside

Tourmaline

Tourmaline forms in places where hot, mineral-rich fluids move through cracks in rocks. As the fluid cools down, it leaves behind crystals in a variety of colors.

The great thing about tourmaline is that it’s one of the most versatile gemstones. With so many colors to choose from, it’s perfect for jewelry. It’s even used in some electrical devices because of its unique properties. Many people also believe it has positive energetic properties, ranging from protection to stress relief.

In Pennsylvania, there’s a rainbow of tourmaline. It can be found in shades of black, green, pink, blue, and sometimes even in a mix of colors in one single crystal!

Where you can find Tourmaline in Pennsylvania

You can find beautiful tourmaline crystals if you explore these sites:

• Nottingham Park
• White Rocks
• Sherman Valley

Pyrite

Pyrite forms in a variety of geological settings, from sedimentary layers to hydrothermal veins. Here, you can find pyrite aplenty! It’s often seen as shiny, metallic gold clusters, earning it the nickname “Fool’s Gold”. But don’t be fooled, this mineral is much more than a gold look-alike!

It’s been used throughout history in a variety of ways. Early humans used it to create sparks for fire, and it was once mined as a source of sulfur for making sulfuric acid. Its glittering surfaces and intricate crystal formations, often forming cubes or pyritohedrons, make it a real standout in any collection.

In the wellness world, pyrite is also beloved for its supposed energy-boosting and protective properties. Many people enjoy wearing it as jewelry or keeping it in their homes. If you’re curious about pyrite’s value and price, you can also read our article on that.

Where you can find Pyrite in Pennsylvania

Explore the following sites to find incredible pyrite specimens:

• Area coal mines in Schuylkill County
• Aughwick Creek
• Mt. Pisgah

Calcite

Calcite is made from calcium carbonate, which forms in many places. Over time, these shells get compacted into sedimentary rock like limestone. Calcite can also form from hot, mineral-rich water that seeps into cracks in the rock and then slowly evaporates, leaving behind beautiful crystals.

Besides its rainbow of colors, calcite can split light into two rays, a property known as double refraction. That means when you look through a clear piece of calcite, you’ll see two of everything! Plus, as a gem, it can be carved or polished into beautiful decorative items and jewelry. This also contributes to calcite’s value.

The calcite found in Pennsylvania is often colorless or white, but it can also be found in shades of yellow, red, pink, green, blue, and more. And let’s not forget its cool crystal shapes— it often forms rhombohedra, which look like squished cubes!

Mistaking calcite for other rocks and minerals is common, but fear not! Our user-friendly guides are designed to help you quickly differentiate calcite from its look-alikes:

• Differences between Calcite and Quartz

Where you can find Calcite in Pennsylvania

You can find Calcite in the following spots:

• Sherman Valley
• Morrisons Cove
• Union Furnace area quarries

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz, and its unique purple color comes from iron and other trace elements inside the crystal. These beauties often form in volcanic rocks, especially in hollow cavities called geodes. As hot, mineral-rich water seeps into these geodes and cools down, the amethyst starts to grow!

Amethyst is not just gorgeous; it’s also been valued for thousands of years as a gemstone. It’s often used in jewelry, from rings to necklaces, because of its hardness and beautiful purple tones. Some people also believe it has calming properties. Its beauty and uses have contributed a lot to amethyst’s price and value.

Amethyst is Pennsylvania’s official gemstone and for good reason! The specimens you’ll find here can range from a light lavender to a deep, royal purple that forms in lovely crystal shapes that are simply irresistible!

Where you can find Amethyst in Pennsylvania

You may visit the following sites to look for captivating amethysts:

• Brandywine Creek
• Chester Creek
• Crum Creek

Jasper

Jasper is a fascinating gemstone with a rainbow of colors. It’s a type of chalcedony that forms from ancient mud or volcanic ash that hardens over time into rock. As groundwater rich in silica seeps through, it transforms the rock into jasper.

You might be wondering how much jasper is worth, and we’ve got you covered on that. Overall, it’s pretty valuable as it’s been used for thousands of years to make decorative items and tools. Its beautiful colors and patterns also make it a favorite for jewelry and ornaments.

Red, yellow, green, brown, and even blue jasper can be found in our state, each with its own unique swirls and bands of color.

Where you can find Jasper in Pennsylvania

Jasper is abundant in our state and you can find them in the following areas:

• Redbank Creek
• Caledonia State Park
• Area washes, gravels, and exposures in Derry

Garnet

Garnets form deep in the Earth’s crust under high pressure and heat. As molten rock cools, the garnet crystals start to grow.

For thousands of years, garnet’s value as a gemstone is evident in its use. Its hardness makes it perfect for carving into beautiful jewelry. Plus, its wide range of colors means there’s a garnet for everyone’s taste!

Garnet is also sometimes used as an abrasive material due to its hardness. On top of that, rockhounds and collectors love garnet for its perfect crystal shapes and rich colors.

Where you can find Garnet in Pennsylvania

You can find Garnet on the following sites:

• Fox Hill
• Nottingham Park
• East Branch Naamanms Creek

Cerussite

Cerussite is a gemstone made up of lead carbonate. One of its most famous properties is its incredible sparkle, thanks to its high refractive index. It’s so sparkly, in fact, that it’s sometimes called “light of the desert”!

Besides its sparkle, cerussite is also a favorite among mineral collectors because of its fascinating crystal forms and its role in our environment, as it helps scientists understand how lead moves through the Earth.

This gemstone is often colorless or white but sometimes takes on a gray or brown tint. It can also form in all sorts of cool patterns, from elongated prisms to star-like clusters!

Where you can find Cerussite in Pennsylvania

We recommend exploring the Carpenter Mine and Brookdale Mine for amazing specimens of Cerussite.

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has tons of gem mining sites that anybody on any stage of their hobby can explore and enjoy visiting. Here are some of our favorite places, where adults can do real gem mining in and where kids can discover the wonders that gem hunting can offer.

Brookdale Mine

Phoenixville Mining District, Schuylkill Township, Chester Co., PA

Brookdale Mine has been a major source of gemstones for over 120 years since it was first discovered in the late 1800s when miners were searching for iron ore deposits. They quickly realized that the mine contained valuable gems instead of iron ore.

Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after locations for avid gem hunters. When you visit this place, you can pan for gems while learning about local geology. The mine also offers guided tours of its history, as well as educational programs on gems.

The Types of Gems Found In The Brookdale Mine

This belongs to our list of favorite places to mine because of its rich diversity of gemstones. Particularly, this location is known for having an abundance of the following:

• Azurite
• Cerussite
• Fluorite
• Pyrite
• Quartz

Don’t worry, telling apart common gems can be really tricky, but we’re here to help! Our guides are designed to make it easy for you to distinguish between different gemstones:

• Quartz vs. Calcite
• Amazonite vs Aventurine
• Onyx vs. Obsidian

The Best Time To Visit Brookdale Mine

If you’re planning to visit here, better do so during the summer months, specifically from June through August. During this time, the weather is warmer and allows for more comfortable gem mining conditions.

The mine also tends to be less crowded during this time of year, which can make it an even better experience.

Cornwall Iron Furnace

94 Rexmont Road P.O. Box 251 Cornwall, PA 17016

Cornwall Iron Furnace, a historic iron-making site located in Cornwall, was built in 1742 and operated until 1883, making it the longest continuously-operated furnace in the United States.

It played an important role in the American Industrial Revolution, producing iron for cannons and ammunition during the Revolutionary War, as well as providing a major source of employment for the local community.

Aside from its rich historical significance, it also abounds in different kinds of gemstones. When you chance upon this place, you can purchase buckets of ore from the on-site gift shop and search through them to find gemstones that can be found in our state.

You can also join the guided tours of the facility to learn more about its history and operations.

If that’s not enough reason to visit here, then you should know that this place is also a great spot to find crystals in Pennsylvania.

The Types of Gems Found In The Cornwall Iron Furnace

Gemstones of different kinds abound on this place, but most abundant of them are the following:

• Actinolite
• Andradite
• Calcite
• Diopside
• Epidote
• Fluorite
• Garnet
• Labradorite
• Magnetite
• Moonstone
• Prehnite
• Pyrite

The Best Time To Visit Cornwall Iron Furnace

Looking to visit here? The best time to do just that would be during the summer months when the weather is generally warmer. The gem mining season runs from May through September, so this is the ideal time to plan your trip.

During this time, you can take part in activities like panning and sluicing, and even learn about the history of the area by visiting the museum onsite.

Crum Creek

Delaware County, PA

Crum Creek was first discovered in 1876 by a geologist who noticed the abundance of quartz in the creek bed. Since then, it has become a popular spot for amateur gem prospectors.

When you visit this place, you can purchase pans from local stores to search the creek bed for gems or rent screens and sieves to help you hunt for smaller stones. This location is also home to several other gem mines that offer guided tours and a chance to dig gems out of the ground.

The Types of Gems Found In The Crum Creek

This place garners the attention of gem seekers because of its rich deposits of various gemstones, especially the following:

• Amethyst
• Garnet
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Crum Creek

Summer months, specifically from June through August, prove to be the best time to visit this place. The creek is usually at its lowest during these months, making it easier to search for gems.

Additionally, the weather tends to be warmer and more comfortable, making it conducive to spending time outdoors.

Crystal Cave – Great for kids

963 Crystal Cave Road Kutztown, PA 19530

Crystal Cave, considered the largest show cave in our state, was discovered by local farmers in the early 1800s and was first opened to the public in 1872. It contains many beautiful formations of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and draperies.

When you get the chance to visit here, you can explore the winding passages of the cave while learning about its geology and history from knowledgeable guides. More so, you can search for different types of gems here.

Whatever gemstone you find, you can safely keep them or use for jewelry making or other crafts.

The Types of Gems Found In The Crystal Cave

This is among our favorite places that are great for kids because it has tons of cool gemstones, such as the following:

• Agate
• Amethyst
• Onyx
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Crystal Cave

Going here with kids? The best time would be between late May and early October, since the cave is open for public tours and gem mining activities.

However, it is recommended to call ahead to double-check the hours of operation and availability of the activity.

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park – Great for kids

222 Penn’s Cave Road Centre Hall, PA 16828

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park is the only all-water cavern and wildlife park in the United States. It was discovered in 1885 and opened to the public for exploration in 1891.

The park offers a variety of activities, including gem mining, cave tours, wildlife shows, and more. Aside from mining its awesome collection of gems when you visit here, you can also explore the underground lake by boat or take a guided tour of the limestone caverns.

The Types of Gems Found In The Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park

This place is enjoyed by many, especially by kids, because of the wide variety of gemstones that can be found here. Specifically, the ones that can be naturally found in our state are present here as well.

The Best Time To Visit Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park

If you want to visit here, the best time would be during the summer months of June, July, and August. The park offers gem mining activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during these months.

If you are looking for a more private gem mining experience, you can make reservations for a guided tour or rent your own panning station.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Pennsylvania

• Sherman Valley – Calcite, Orthoclase, Quartz, Tourmaline, Zircon
• Morrison Cove – Amethyst, Calcite, Quartz
• Aughwick Creek – Barite, Calcite, Pyrite, Quartz
• Union Furnace – Calcite, Fluorite
• Mt. Pleasant – Amethyst
• The Echo – Quartz
• Fox Hill – Garnet
• Caledonia State Park – Agate, Jasper
• Nottingham Park – Albite, Feldspar, Garnet, Serpentine, Tourmaline
• Mt. Holly Springs – Agate
• Little Rocky Ridge – Hematite, Quartz
• Naamanm Creek – Garnet, Quartz, Sphene
• Brandywine Creek – Amethyst
• Chester Creek – Amethyst, Quartz
• Blue Hill – Albite, Amazonite, Beryl, Feldspar, Sunstone, Quartz
• Rock Springs Run – Agate

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Pennsylvania

Children who are interested in the wonders of gem mining will have a blast exploring the other family-friend gem mining sites that we listed down below. These locations are great for some weekend or vacation family fun.

• Indian Echo Caverns – 368 Middletown Rd. Hummelstown, PA 17036
• Laurel Highlands – 4 Sherman Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
• Bushkill Falls – Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA 18324
• Shady Brook Farm – 931 Stony Hill Rd. Yardley, PA 19067
• Parker’s Indian Trading Post – 14171 Route 36 Cooksburg, PA 16217
• 3 Monkeys – Mobile Gem Mining Rental in PA

Pennsylvania Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulates recreational gem mining in our state. You must obtain a permit from the PADEP for any activity that involves removing minerals from the ground, including gemstones.

This permit fee is $25 per year, and it must be renewed annually. You must also provide information about the location of your proposed mining area and submit a map with your application.

All sites that are located on private land must be with permission from the landowner.

Aside from securing a permit, you are required to abide by certain safety regulations, including wearing protective eyewear, avoiding areas where heavy equipment may be present, and using appropriate tools and techniques when digging or sifting through soil or rock material.

Fines or other penalties await violators of these regulations.

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

Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states

View our guides for these states below if you’ve already been to all the destinations we’ve listed above or if you’re thinking about visiting the neighboring states:

• Gem mining in Delaware
• Gem mining in Maryland
• Gem mining in New Jersey
• Gem mining in New York
• Gem mining in Ohio
• Gem mining in West Virginia

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