It can be really tough to find good gem hunting spots. So many of the best ones are closely guarded secrets that you have to know somebody to find out about. Fortunately, we can help! Our state is home to some of the best gem mining spots in the country, and you’re sure to find something to add to your collection if you use our favorites below.

Virginia is full of natural beauty and geological wonders, from the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the historic Shenandoah Valley. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a unique experience or a seasoned pro, this state will give you an adventure you won’t forget. Read on to learn more and visit the top places to dig for gems in Virginia we’ve found!

The best places to mine gems in Virginia are along hillsides, creeks, rivers, and loose at quarries, mine dumps, and pay-to-dig mines. We detail a few outstanding choices below, such as Morefield Mine, Willis Mountain Kyanite Mine, and Pittsylvania Wayside Park.

The Gemstones Found In Virginia You Can Mine

Amazonite

With its mesmerizing green-blue color, amazonite is like a gemstone daydream! Imagine a piece of the Amazon rainforest captured in a sparkling stone, and you’ve got amazonite.

This gem forms in unique rocks called pegmatites. Imagine a big, bubbling stew of molten rock and hot water deep underground. As it cools down, it starts to crystallize.

How valuable is amazonite? It’s valued for its breathtaking color which makes it a popular gem for jewelry and decorative pieces. Some even believe it has a soothing energy that can calm your mind.

Not only does Virginia have amazonite, this gem is actually our unofficial state gemstone. Specimens found here often have their own unique green color that sets them apart from amazonite found elsewhere.

Where you can find Amazonite in Virginia

Planning on exploring our state for amazonite? Make sure to include these places in your itinerary:

• Amelia Court House in Amelia County
• Young Mine in Bedford County
• Herbb No. 2 Mine in Powhatan County

Garnet

Most people think of a rich red when they hear “garnet,” but this gemstone can actually be pink, green, yellow, orange, or even colorless.

Picture your favorite clay toy, now squeeze and heat it until it becomes something new. That’s how garnets form, crystallizing under those extreme conditions. They’re usually found in metamorphic rocks, but they also show up in igneous rocks.

Garnet’s value is tied to its stunning appearance and properties. It has been used for years in jewelry, symbolizing love, passion, and friendship. And since it’s hard and durable, this gem isn’t just for wearing. It’s also used in industry for things like sandpaper and waterjet cutting.

In Virginia, you can find different types of garnets, like almandine and spessartine. Some might be deep red, while others have a more orangey or brownish hue.

Where you can find Garnet in Virginia

Garnet is found in quite a handful of places in our state, including:

• Hottinger Mine in Bedford County
• Saunders No. 2 Mine in Hanover County
• Mica Mines in Charlotte County

Calcite

Like garnet, calcite can be found in so many colors and shapes. From clear to yellow, pink, green, or even blue, it wears many faces, and each one is amazing!

Calcite forms in various environments, like caves, hot springs, or even deep in the ocean. Imagine dripping water in a cave, slowly building up into a sparkling formation. It’s this gem in action!

Why do people value calcite? It’s not just a pretty face. It’s used in lots of everyday things, like toothpaste and antacids. It’s also a major part of limestone, which is used in buildings and roads.

Calcite is also a favorite among collectors. Its many shapes and colors make it a gem for anyone who loves rocks and minerals. Some believe it has special energies that can help with learning and memory. It’s like having a sparkly study buddy!

Where you can find Calcite in Virginia

You can find calcite in many sites of our state like:

• Between Shiloh Mountain and Appleberry Mountain in Albemarle County
• Craigsville area in Augusta County
• James River Hydrate & Supply Company Quarry in Botetourt County

Amethyst

With its dazzling shades of purple, amethyst is like a royal gem! Imagine the colors of a sunset mixed with the sparkle of a starry night, and you’ve got this gem.

Amethyst’s purple hue ranges from light lilac to deep, rich violet. Tiny bits of iron in the crystal and some natural radiation combine to create this masterpiece. Nature sure knows how to paint with minerals!

Amethyst is highly valued and loved for thousands of years. Besides being gorgeous, ancient cultures believed it could prevent drunkenness (quick trivia: its name actually means “not intoxicated” in Greek!). It’s widely used in jewelry and even in art and decorations.

Where you can find Amethyst in Virginia

To find beautiful amethyst specimens here, pay a visit to these places:

• A.W. Donald Plantation in Charlotte County
• Schaar Farm in Amherst County
• Lacey Rush property in Campbell County

Apatite

Apatite’s name comes from a Greek word that means “to deceive,” but it’s not that at all! This wonderful gem comes in a rainbow of colors, and it’s more common than you might think.

This gem can be blue, green, yellow, or even colorless. Sometimes, it’s even mistaken for other gems because of its wide color range. It grows in many different types of rocks, likes to mix with other minerals, and can be found in clusters of beautiful crystals.

Aside from being a stunning gem, apatite is a key ingredient in something you use every day: your teeth! It forms the hard parts of our teeth and bones.

It’s also important for farmers. Crushed apatite rocks are used as a source of phosphorus in fertilizers, so it helps plants grow strong and healthy.

Where you can find Apatite in Virginia

If you want to find apatite here, consider visiting these locations:

• Gladehill School in Franklin County
• Roseland area in Nelson County
• Front Royal area in Warren County

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is mostly pink, with dark red, black, or brown patterns swirling through it. Just picture a sunrise captured in stone, and you’re close to imagining its beauty.

This fantastic gemstone comes to life when magma cools down and forms into rock. Its pink color comes from manganese. Over time, other minerals join in, creating their fascinating patterns.

The value of rhodonite is mostly based on its looks and uses. Jewelers carve it into beads, pendants, and other pieces that look great with just about anything. Some people also think it helps with healing and forgiveness.

Aside from this, it’s used for making things like knobs, vases, and other decorative items. It’s like a touch of nature’s beauty in everyday things!

Where you can find Rhodonite in Virginia

You can find rhodonite in Fluvanna County, specifically in the Central Plains area and the Kidd’s Store area.

Topaz

Topaz is known for its dazzling colors and crystal-clear beauty. It can be found in many shades: blue and green, yellow, pink, or even completely clear. It’s found in rocks that are formed from cooling magma.

Topaz is loved for one thing— it’s stunning to look at! Jewelers adore it because it sparkles and shines in the light. It’s like wearing a piece of sunlight or a drop of the sea. Some people even believe it has special powers, like bringing joy and success.

Best of all, topaz is considered a hard gemstone, standing at 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Imagine a gem that can keep its sparkle and shine through the everyday bumps and bangs, that’s topaz!

Where you can find Topaz in Virginia

Find topaz by exploring and searching through these spots:

• Amelia Count House in Amelia County
• Willis Mountain in Buckingham County
• Leigh Mountain in Prince Edward County

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most common crystals, but there’s nothing ordinary about it. It can be clear as a mountain stream or colorful like a rainbow.

It’s formed in many different ways. Sometimes, it grows slowly in cracks in rocks as hot water passes through, leaving behind tiny quartz crystals. Other times, it forms from cooling magma.

The value of quartz isn’t just because it’s beautiful; it’s useful too! It’s used in watches, radios, and even computer chips.

Luckily, our state is endowed with different types of quartz. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont area, quartz is a part of Virginia’s landscape.

Where you can find Quartz in Virginia

We suggest searching through these sites if you want to find quartz:

• Hillsboro Quarry in Albemarle County
• George R. Smith far in Prince Edward County
• Spruce Run in Giles County

Epidote

Epidote got this neat green color that can range from bright to dark. Sometimes, it’s even multicolored!

But it’s not just a pretty face. It’s actually used by scientists to understand the history and conditions of the rocks it’s found in. It’s also loved for jewelry and decoration because its green color makes a great conversation piece.

This crystal has been spotted in different areas within our state, with specimens varying in color and shape. Sometimes, it grows with other minerals, forming a complex crystal dance. You might find epidote with quartz or other crystals.

Epidote also has a talent for showing different shades of green depending on how you look at it. This property is called pleochroism, and it makes this crystal one-of-a-kind.

Where you can find Epidote in Virginia

To find epidote, we recommend you visit and search through the following areas:

• Early property in Hillsville area, Carroll County
• Fontaine area in Henry County
• Ida area in Page County

Unakite

Unakite is a unique mixture of two awesome minerals: green epidote and pink orthoclase feldspar. When they come together, they create a cool and colorful combination that can make anyone’s eyes sparkle.

This crystal forms when rocks go through changes with heat and pressure, and the minerals mix and mingle. The green and pink parts combine in a way that makes it look like a piece of natural art.

Since it’s beautiful to look at, unakite is popular in jewelry. But it’s not just a pretty crystal; people who love healing stones value it, too, as they believe that it balances emotions and promote well-being.

Where you can find Unakite in Virginia

We suggest exploring the listed places below if you want to find unakite:

• Grant area in Grayson County
• Grave farm ad streams of Syria area in Madison County
• Montebello area in Nelson County

Kyanite

Kyanite is a blue, bladed crystal that can also be found in green, yellow, and even colorless forms. If you want to talk about a crystal that has some fantastic properties and a connection to Virginia, kyanite is the one.

It’s formed when heat and pressure combine to make something truly special. They form in long, thin blades that can look like tiny, shiny swords.

The blue color of kyanite can range from pale to deep. It’s often used in jewelry, but it doesn’t stop at just being pretty. It has a unique property called “anisotropism, which means it’s hard in one direction and soft in another.

You might be wondering why we said kyanite has a strong connection to Virginia. Well, our state is one of the best places in the whole world to find this crystal!

Where you can find Kyanite in Virginia

You can go to these places to find captivating kyanite specimens:

• O.W. Harris Mica Mine in Goochland County
• Rustburg area in Campbell County
• Difficult Run in Fairfax County

Pyrite

Often called “Fool’s Gold,” pyrite is way cooler than its nickname might suggest. You may have seen its shiny, golden appearance and thought it was the real deal. But it has its own incredible characteristics.

When iron and sulfur atoms come together in the right way, under the right conditions, they create this sparkly crystal. You’ll often find pyrite in rocks like shale or limestone, and it usually forms around the same time as these rocks.

Aside from its awesome appearance, pyrite’s value is also influenced by its practical uses. In the old days, people used it to start fires by striking it against steel.

Nowadays, pyrite is used in making sulfur compounds that we find in things like paper and ink. And believe it or not, it can even be found in some batteries!

Where you can find Pyrite in Virginia

Pyrite is pretty widespread in our state, and you can find them in these sites:

• Elk Creek area in Grayson County
• Copper mines of Lydia area in Greene County
• Lexington area in Rockbridge County

Chalcopyrite

If you’re a fan of shiny finds, chalcopyrite will fascinate you. Imagine a blend of gold, green, purple, and more, all mixed together. It’s also often mistaken for gold like pyrite because of its color, but it’s much more colorful and vibrant.

Chalcopyrite is formed when copper, iron, and sulfur combine. Its crystals grow in cool shapes and often near other minerals like pyrite and quartz.

This crystal is one of the most important sources of copper in the world. Think of all the wires and pipes in your house— chalcopyrite helps make those! But that’s not all. It’s even used in research to develop solar energy.

Where you can find Chalcopyrite in Virginia

You can find chalcopyrite if you explore these sites:

• State Limestone Quarry in Appomattox County
• Hardware area iin Fluvanna County
• Mining dumps in Galax area, Carroll County

Pyromorphite

Pyromorphite is a mineral with a name that sounds like it’s straight out of a superhero comic, and it’s just as cool! It can be green, yellow, orange, or even brown and has bright, shiny crystals that look like they’re glowing.

When galena reacts with certain chemicals, pyromorphite crystals start to grow.

Collectors love this mineral for its stunning colors and unique crystal shapes. Sometimes, its crystals look like barrels or hexagons, which is simply amazing to see! Scientists also study it to understand more about our planet’s geology.

Where you can find Pyromorphite in Virginia

You can find pyromorphite in the area mines of Faber in Nelson County.

Magnetite

True to its name, magnetite is a mineral that attracts metal objects, just like a magnet.

Besides being magnetic, which is already pretty exciting, magnetite is also used in lots of everyday things. People mine it to make iron and steel, so it might be in your bike, car, or even your school’s building. That’s why magnetite’s value is just as magnetizing!

Luckily, magnetite is part of the rich tapestry of rocks and minerals here in Virginia.

Where you can find Magnetite in Virginia

We recommend visiting the following locations to find magnetite:

• King-Ramsey Quarry in Franklin County
• Old Sulphur Mine in Louisa County
• Hairston Mine in Patrick County

Hornblende

Hornblende is part of a group of minerals that often show up in different types of rocks, especially in igneous rocks like granite. It’s usually dark green to black in color, sometimes with a little shine.

Geologists love this mineral because it tells them about the conditions deep inside the Earth where the magma was formed.

Hornblende’s not just for studying, though. It also adds strength to rocks, making them more resistant to weathering. This can be important for things like building materials for the walls of buildings or even roads.

Fortunately, this mineral is found in many rocks throughout our beautiful state. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to other rocky areas, hornblende is part of Virginia’s geological story.

Where you can find Hornblende in Virginia

We highly recommend exploring the Pipers Gap in Carroll County to find hornblende.

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Virginia

These are the spots that we highly recommend for both kids and adults. The locations include places where adults can search for gems and our picks for spots where kids can learn about and interact with gemstones.

Morefield Mine

13400 Butlers Rd, Amelia Court House, VA 23002, United States

Morefield Mine has been in operation since 1931, making it one of the oldest gem mines in the country. The mine allows guests to dig for gems and minerals in its historic tailings pile. It has generated a wide range of mineral specimens over the years it’s been operating. Although many are tiny, they still have scientific value and are enjoyable to locate.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Morefield Mine

You can locate a variety of gemstones in this area, including:

• Amazonite
• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Beryl
• Feldspar
• Fluorite
• Garnet
• Quartz
• Topaz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time To Visit Morefield Mine

The mine is open to the public year-round and provides a unique way to explore the state’s natural beauty. However, winter can be cold and snowy due to its location in the mountains.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching for Gems you're going to find A LOT of other interesting rocks and minerals along the way. The last thing you want to do is toss out something really interesting or valuable. It can be easy to misidentify things without a little guidance.

We've put together a fantastic field guide that makes identifying 140 of the most interesting and valuable rocks and minerals you will find REALLY EASY. It's simple to use, really durable, and will allow you to identify just about any rock and mineral you come across. Make sure you bring it along on your hunt!

Willis Mountain Kyanite Mining

30 Willis Mountain Plant Ln, Dillwyn, VA 23936, United States

Willis Mountain Kyanite Mining is a family-owned business located in the Appalachian Mountains. The company has been mining kyanite since the early 1970s and also produces other minerals. It’s the largest producer of kyanite in the country and one of the largest in the world. The company mines kyanite from its open pit and underground operations.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Willis Mountain Kyanite Mining

Here there are many different sorts of gemstones you can find, like:

• Apatite
• Garnet
• Hematite
• Kyanite
• Lazulite
• Pyrite
• Topaz

The Best Time To Visit Willis Mountain Kyanite Mining

The summer months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring the area around the mine. In addition, it’s when the mine is open for gem hunters to explore and learn more about the gemstones found there.

Pittsylvania Wayside Park

1678 Main St, Hurt, VA 24563, United States

Pittsylvania Wayside Park is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the park offers a wide variety of gemstones for you to mine. You can use sluice boxes to sift through sand and gravel in search of their precious gems.

The park also offers educational programs about geology and gemstones for those looking to know more about these precious stones. With its beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and plenty of gems to discover, Pittsylvania Wayside Park is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor fun with your family!

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Pittsylvania Wayside Park

There are several unique gems you can locate here, including:

• Beryl
• Garnet
• Orthoclase
• Zircon

The Best Time To Visit Pittsylvania Wayside Park

The best time to visit Pittsylvania Wayside Park is in the summer. This is when the weather is warmest, and the gemstone hunting activity is at its peak.

Lucky Lake Gem Mine – Great for kids

4125 Harpers Road, McKenney, VA 23872, United States

Lucky Lake Gem Mine is an outdoor gemstone mining attraction in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gem hunters can pan for gems in the Lucky Lake stream. They can also explore the mine’s rock shop, where they can find various minerals, crystals, and jewelry. Lucky Lake Gem Mine staff provides detailed information about identifying different stones and minerals and tips on panning for gems and other treasures. The mine also offers educational programs for school groups and family outings.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Lucky Lake Gem Mine

There is a wide variety of exciting gems unique to this area. Here are some of the gemstones you can dig for:

• Amethyst
• Calcite
• Fluorite
• Garnet
• Hematite
• Pyrite
• Quartz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time To Visit Lucky Lake Gem Mine

The mine is open from April 1st to October 31st, so these months offer the most pleasant conditions for searching for gems.

Monroe Park Gold and Gemstone Panning – Great for kids

14421 Gold Dust Parkway (off Route 17), Goldvein, VA 22720, United States

Monroe Park Gold and Gemstone Panning is a great family-friendly activity that offers a unique experience of gold and gemstone panning. Gem miners can try their luck by panning for gold and gems in the creek beds or the park’s special prospecting area. You can also take part in guided tours of the park led by experienced guides who will explain the history of mining in the state and teach you how to use their pans properly.

With its rich mining history, Monroe Park provides an exciting opportunity for gem hunters to find their gold or gemstones!

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Monroe Park Gold And Gemstone Panning

This area contains the following interesting gems:

• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Emerald
• Garnet
• Quartz
• Sapphire
• Topaz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time To Visit Monroe Park Gold And Gemstone Panning

The park is open year-round, but during the summer months, you can enjoy panning for gems and gold in a peaceful and beautiful setting.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Virginia

If you’ve already seen the mining locations we recommended, there are still multiple other outstanding areas to do real gem mining in Virginia. Listed below are places for experienced gem miners looking for more active mines.

• Alberene Soapstone Quarry – Apatite, Actinolite, Dolomite
• American Rutile Quarry – Anatase, Blue Quartz, Garnet, Rutile, Sphene
• Ashland Mill – Amazonite, Kyanite, Moonstone
• Axton Pegmatite Mining District – Beryl, Feldspar, Garnet, Kyanite, Smoky Quartz, Tourmaline
• Buck Mountain Creek – Agate
• Chestnut Mountain – Garnet, Quartz, Tourmaline
• Dark Hollow Mine – Azurite, Cuprite, Epidote, Serpentine
• Fancy Hill – Amethyst, Quartz
• Hanks Knob – Garnet, Pyrite, Quartz, Rutile
• Hurricane Knob – Kyanite
• Potomac River – Apatite, Specularite, Tourmaline
• Red Hill Quarry – Epidote, Microline, Unakite
• Rose River – Epidote, Jasper, Quartz, Unakite
• Sayler’s Creek – Amethyst, Quartz
• Tye River Gap – Beryl, Epidote, Quartz, Unakite
• Walker Mountain Cluster – Agate, Quartz 
• Wreck Island Creek – Chrysocolla

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Virginia

If you’re searching for a place to visit with your family or to have a firsthand experience of gemstone mining, various choices are still available. Listed below are the finest places for public gem mining in Virginia that are suitable for kids and families, where they can take home the precious gemstones found here.

• Appalachian Gem and Gold Mine – 2311 Wysor Rd, Draper, VA 24324, United States
• Stonyman Gemstone Mining – Luray, VA 22835, United States

Virginia Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

In Virginia, recreational gem hunting is allowed in many areas of the state. Prospectors must obtain a permit from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) before engaging in recreational gem hunting activities.

The state requires that all prospectors use non-mechanical methods to collect gems. This includes hand-digging or surface collecting only. The use of any mechanized equipment or explosives is strictly prohibited. In addition, prospectors must obtain a permit before entering any mine or quarry on state lands and follow all safety regulations set forth by the DMME.

To learn more about the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) link above.

Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states

When you’ve already been to each of the areas we listed above, have a look at the guides we developed for our suggested spots to mine for gems in the surrounding states:

• Gem mining in Kentucky
• Gem mining in Maryland
• Gem mining in North Carolina
• Gem mining in Tennessee
• Gem mining in West Virginia

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