Gem hunting in Washington is an incredible opportunity across Washington’s diverse landscape. From its rugged coastlines to its winding riverbeds, the state is a prime destination for seekers of natural treasures.
You’ll want to visit the state’s many streambeds, lake shores, and even certain older mining dumps for the best chance of finding something. Walking along the gravel bars and shorelines, you can often spot a sparkle among the ordinary rocks.
The real joy is in finding a piece that you can hold, polish, and add to your collection. With our guide, we can help you be well-prepared to go home with a great variety of gemstones.
- The extensive local experience and understanding of our team
- Input from several gem hunting groups and organizations
- The accessibility of the mining locations
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Private and public locations
- A desire to include locations for both experienced gem hunters and those who are just starting out
Overall, we’ve been able to put together a great list that anyone can use to locate a lot of beautiful gems.
The Gemstones Found In Washington You Can Mine
There is an unusually good selection of gems that can be found here. We have created guides to help you discover gem mines near you, because we know that each state is unique, and not everyone knows enough information on each of them. With the proper knowledge and a bit of good luck, you can uncover both rare and more common gems in this area.
Opalized wood
Now, if you think petrified wood is cool, just wait until you hear about opalized wood!
Just like petrified wood, opalized wood forms when a tree falls in a wet place, gets covered up, and begins to decay. But here’s the twist. Silica-rich water seeps into the wood and slowly replaces the wood’s organic material.
Over a long time – think millions of years – this silica hardens and forms opal within the wood structure. So, when you think about the valuable rocks in Washington, remember the magic of opalized wood and its journey from tree to treasure!
The end result is absolutely stunning: a piece of wood that’s been turned into opal! The wood’s original structure is preserved, but now it sparkles with all the colors of the rainbow.
Imagine seeing a tree’s growth rings shining with blues, greens, reds, and more. That’s opalized wood for you!
Washington State is one of those special places where you can find opalized wood. While it’s not as common as petrified wood, the pieces you can find here show a variety of colors and patterns. It’s truly a local treasure!
Where you can find opalized wood in Washington
These places are known spots where you find opalized wood:
- Diatomite Mines (Diatomite Pit North), Quincy
Amber
Amber is like a time machine in the world of rocks! It’s not a rock or a mineral but is actually tree resin that’s been fossilized over millions of years. Imagine tree sap getting hard and turning into a gemstone!
When trees get injured, they produce sticky sap. This sap can trap and preserve small things, like bugs, leaves, or even tiny feathers. As time goes on, this sap hardens and gets covered by layers of soil.
Millions of years pass, and with the right conditions, this hardened sap becomes the beautiful amber we see today.
While Washington isn’t the most famous spot for amber, there are indeed types of amber found here. They might not always have cool bugs inside, but they sure are pretty.
These pieces of amber tell silent stories of ancient forests that once stood in the region.
People all around the world value amber for several reasons. The warm glow of amber, ranging from golden to reddish or even greenish, makes it a favorite for jewelry.
And those pieces with ancient bugs or plants? They’re like natural history museums you can wear!
Where you can find amber in Washington
Check out these spots to find amber:
Jade
Jade isn’t just one of the most valuable rocks in Washington. It’s been cherished for thousands of years around the world. It’s smooth, shiny, and feels cool to the touch.
When you see a piece of jade, it’s hard not to be captivated by its rich, lustrous color.
Now, here’s the cool science part: jade isn’t just one mineral. It’s actually two! There’s nephrite and jadeite. Both of these minerals can be called jade, but they have different compositions and structures.
It’s like having two recipes for cookies; both can be delicious, but they have different ingredients.
Washington State is home to nephrite jade deposits. This jade is found in certain parts of the state, nestled within specific rocks. The jade from Washington is known for its deep, vibrant green colors.
Because jade is so tough, it holds up very well to carving and polishing. That’s why it’s been used for thousands of years to make tools, sculptures, and jewelry. It’s also why high-quality jade is expensive.
Where you can find jade in Washington
Check out these locations if you want to find jade:
- Jumbo Mountain, Darrington Mining District
- Stephens Mine, Skagit County
- Finney Creek, Skagit County
Opal
Opal is like the rainbow of the rock world. It’s not just a plain stone; it’s a dazzler that can flash a whole spectrum of colors. Imagine glancing at a piece of opal and seeing blues, reds, greens, and yellows dance across its surface.
Opal is born when rainwater, carrying dissolved silica (think of it like super-fine sand), seeps into cracks in the ground. Over a really long time, this mix dries up and forms opal. It’s like nature’s own art project!
Washington State, known for its lush forests and mountains, also has pockets where opal is found.
While it might not be the most famous spot for opal in the world, the state still houses some pretty specimens. Some are milky white, some are green, and others have those famous flashes of color.
But opal isn’t just about looks. The way it forms can tell us a lot about the ancient climate. Scientists can study opal to learn about things like how wet an area was millions of years ago.
Opal is also the birthstone for October, so it’s special for anyone born in that month!
Where you can find opal in Washington
You can look for opal in these areas:
- Washington Pass, Golden Horn Batholith
- Medicare Beach, Warden
- Roy Mine (Fisher Mine; Morton Mine; Gillispie Mine), Glenoma, Morton Mining District
Petrified wood
Check this out: a piece of wood that turned into stone! That’s right, it’s petrified wood, and it’s a super cool type of fossil.
Here’s how it happens. When a tree falls in a place that’s wet, like a swamp or a river, it can get quickly covered in mud or sand. Over time, the wood starts to decay, but water filled with minerals seeps in.
These minerals start to fill in the spaces left by the decaying wood, kind of like how a mold works.
Finally, after thousands or even millions of years, you’re left with a rock that looks just like the original piece of wood. It’s a super slow process, but the end result is worth the wait!
Washington State is a real hotspot for petrified wood. In fact, we even have the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park here! The trees in these forests lived millions of years ago and the variety is just amazing.
You can find petrified wood from many different types of ancient trees, each with its unique colors and patterns.
Where you can find petrified wood in Washington
Look in these places if you want to come across petrified wood:
- Salmon Creek, Toledo, Lewis County
- Saddle Mountain, Mattawa, Grant County
- Horseshoe Bend, Warwick, Klickitat County
If you want to learn more about petrified wood, we have a comprehensive guide to many more locations here:
Agate
Agate is a really cool rock, and it’s just one of the many types of rocks found in Washington. Picture this: A rock filled with beautiful layers, almost like a cake, but way tougher and much more colorful. That’s an agate!
It’s a type of quartz, but with a twist. It forms when tiny particles of quartz get together in pockets or holes inside other rocks. Over time, layer after layer builds up and voilà, we get a beautiful, striped agate.
Agate’s not just pretty to look at. It’s super useful too. People love using it for jewelry because each piece is unique. No two are ever the same!
It’s also tough, so it can be cut, polished, and shaped into lots of different things, from earrings to paperweights.
Scientists also like agates. The layers inside an agate can tell them about the earth’s past. It’s like a time capsule that takes us on a journey back millions of years. So, agate isn’t just a pretty face, it’s also a key to understanding our world’s history.
Where you can find agate in Washington
There’s a great chance that you’ll find agates if you look in these places:
- Black River Quarry, King County
- Agate Bay, Clallam County
- Crystal Mountain, Liberty, Swauk Mining District
Of course, these aren’t the only spots for agates in Washington. We have a comprehensive guide that can help you in your gem-hunting:
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a type of quartz, which means it’s made from teeny, tiny crystals so small that you can’t see them without a microscope.
It’s formed over a long time in hollow spaces, like inside rocks or in soil, and it often shows up as round blobs or crusts.
Chalcedony can come in many colors, like white, gray, blue, or even pink! In Washington State, you might find blue chalcedony, which can be quite beautiful.
It’s often translucent, which means light can pass through it but not clearly, kind of like a frosted window.
Imagine super-hot water moving through cracks in the Earth’s crust. This water is packed with silica. As the water cools, the silica starts forming crystals. The slower it cools, the tinier the crystals. And voilà! Chalcedony is born.
Not only is chalcedony pretty to look at, but it’s also used to make jewelry and decorations.
Plus, people who study rocks and minerals – like geologists – find chalcedony fascinating because its colors, patterns, and the way it forms can tell us a lot about what was happening in the Earth when it formed.
Where you can find chalcedony in Washington
Check out the spots below if you want to look for chalcedony:
- First Creek, Swauk Mining District
- Cadman Quarry, Monroe, Snohomish County
- Top of the Hill Quarry, Doty Hills
Jasper
When you think about rocks and minerals found in Washington, jasper is one that definitely stands out. It’s a kind of quartz, but what makes it special is its colorful and often intricate patterns.
From reds to greens, and even blues, jasper showcases a mesmerizing array of hues.
It forms when tiny pieces of quartz and other minerals mix together and get really cozy inside other rocks. Over time, with a good squeeze from the earth and some heat, these pieces stick together to create jasper.
In Washington State, there’s a cool variety of jasper. Picture a jasper that looks like a painting of a desert, with bands of red, yellow, and brown. That’s Picture Jasper!
Then, there’s Ocean Jasper, with circles and dots that look like bubbles or waves. They’re like mini oceans trapped in a rock!
People have always valued jasper. Apart from its dazzling looks, it’s also sturdy, making it perfect for jewelry. Plus, each piece has a unique design, so when you have a jasper gem, you know there’s no other like it in the world.
Where you can find jasper in Washington
You can find jasper in the following places:
- Saddle Mountain, Mattawa
- Ed B. Prospect, Lake Crescent Area
- Van Stone Mine, Colville Mining District
Pyrite
Pyrite is a mineral that really knows how to shine! Often called “Fool’s Gold,” it’s not as valuable as real gold, but it still has its own special sparkle. Pyrite forms when sulfur and iron get together in the earth under just the right conditions.
You’ll probably find pyrite in a couple of different shapes. It can look like little cubes or nuggets, and at first glance, it does look a bit like gold!
Because of its metallic sheen, pyrite can be used in jewelry. However, it’s often mixed with silver because it’s too brittle on its own.
It also has other practical uses. It can be used to make sulfuric acid, which is used in all kinds of industries, from making fertilizers to cleaning metals.
And here’s a fun fact: in the old days, pyrite was used to create sparks. If you struck it against flint, it would spark and could be used to start a fire!
Where you can find pyrite in Washington
Jasper can be found in these areas:
- Silver Hill Mine, Silver Hill
- Cadman Quarry, Monroe
- Weyerhaeuser Lincoln Creek Quarry, Doty Hills
Quartz
Quartz is like the all-star player in the rock and mineral world. It’s super common, but that doesn’t make it any less awesome. Quartz forms when silicon and oxygen, two of the most abundant elements on Earth, team up.
This can happen in many different environments, like inside volcanic rocks, or when hot, mineral-rich water cools down.
In Washington State, there are a few different kinds of quartz that you might come across. There’s milky quartz, which is white and kind of looks like a cloud trapped in a rock.
Then there’s clear quartz, which you can see right through, just like a piece of glass.
Quartz is beautiful and versatile, and you can use it in a variety of ways. It can be carved and polished into all sorts of shapes for jewelry and home decorations. And since it’s pretty tough, it doesn’t scratch or break easily.
It’s also used in electronics because it can generate electricity when pressure is applied, a feature known as piezoelectricity.
There are a lot of similarities between quartz and calcite, which means that they can be difficult to tell apart at times. This guide can tell you the differences and similarities between the two:
Where you can find quartz in Washington
Explore the spots below to find quartz:
- Hall Creek Basin Prospect, Covada Mining District
- Wildcat Creek Claim, Yakima County
- Lawrence Prospect, Skagit County
Malachite
Malachite is a green gem known for its vibrant color and intricate patterns that can remind you of a peacock’s feathers. It’s formed when copper minerals are changed by water and carbon dioxide in the ground.
In Washington State, you can usually find malachite in the form of green crusts or round shapes called “botryoidal” formations. This means that they look a bit like a bunch of grapes.
It’s easy to see why malachite is so popular. For starters, it’s downright beautiful. Its green color and unique patterns make it a favorite for jewelry and ornaments. It can be cut and polished into beautiful shapes that are sure to turn heads!
But malachite isn’t just good-looking. It’s also a valuable clue for finding copper deposits, because remember, it forms from copper minerals. That makes it really interesting to miners and geologists.
Plus, malachite has been used since ancient times for pigments in paint!
Where you can find malachite in Washington
These are the places where you can find malachite:
- Madsen Quarry, Chewelah Mining District
- Johnsburg Mine, Cascade River, Cascade Mining District
- Margaret Mine, Goat Mountain
Azurite
Azurite has such a deep, rich blue color that it’s hard to miss. It’s kind of like the blue you’d see in a really fancy painting.
Azurite’s deep blue color is caused by copper. When copper combines with carbon, oxygen, and a little bit of water in just the right way, it forms azurite.
This usually happens in copper-rich areas where the weathering of copper ore occurs over many years.
In Washington State, there’s a chance you might stumble upon some azurite, especially in areas where copper mining happened in the past. It can form bright blue crystals that are truly a sight to see.
Because of its stunning color, azurite has been used for thousands of years as a blue pigment for paint and decorative arts. Even today, it’s often polished and used in jewelry.
Plus, it’s just really fun for rock collectors to find because of its eye-catching color. Imagine finding a bright blue crystal in a pile of rocks!
So next time you’re out exploring, keep your eyes peeled for azurite. Who knows, you might just find a little piece of blue treasure!
Where you can find azurite in Washington
Check out the following areas if you want to find azurite:
- Johnsburg Mine, Cascade River, Cascade Mining District
- Queen Mine, Deer Trail Mining District
- Black and White Mine, North Fork of the Skokomish River Area
Carnelian
Carnelian’s color can range from orange to reddish-brown, and it’s got a sort of glassy or waxy look to it. It gets its beautiful color from iron impurities that are in it. The more iron, the deeper the color.
Here’s a cool fact: carnelian is actually a type of chalcedony, a mineral that’s made of teeny tiny crystals so small you can’t see them with the naked eye.
And how is it formed, you ask? Well, it usually forms in areas with volcanic activity or in places where hot, mineral-rich water can flow through the rocks.
The hot water can dissolve tiny bits of silica, and over a long time, these tiny bits can start to stick together and form crystals.
When there’s iron in the mix, those crystals become carnelian.
Due to its striking color and toughness, carnelian has a long history of being used in jewelry and decorative items.
Carnelian can look very much like red agate. If you’re struggling to tell the two apart, we have a comprehensive guide that can help you:
Where you can find carnelian in Washington
These are the spots where carnelian can be found:
- Salmon Creek, Toledo
- Kalama area, Cowlitz County
- Lucas Creek, Logan Hill
Garnet
Imagine a gemstone that can be as red as a pomegranate seed or as green as the freshest leaves. That’s garnet for you! While many people know garnet for its classic deep red hue, it can actually come in a rainbow of colors.
From red, orange, and yellow to vibrant green and even black – the garnet family has it all.
It forms when some specific minerals get really hot and pressurized deep inside the Earth. Under the right conditions, garnet can form.
In Washington State, you can find a type of garnet called Almandine garnet. It’s got a special charm because of its deep, fiery colors. But you can also spot some grossular garnets, which come in a variety of colors.
Garnet is one of the most striking gemstones found in Washington for different reasons. It’s not just about its pretty colors. Garnet is pretty tough, so it can be cut and polished into lovely gemstones.
Where you can find garnets in Washington
Garnets can be found in these spots:
- Ruby Creek, North Cascades
- Sacheen Lake, Pend Oreille County
- Little Spokane River, Spokane
Bloodstone
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a real rock star. Picture a dark green stone speckled with little red dots. It almost looks like drops of blood on a green background. Hence, the name “bloodstone.”
Bloodstone is a type of chalcedony, which is a kind of mineral made from a bunch of tiny crystals. The deep green color comes from another mineral called chlorite, while the red spots are due to iron oxide.
The way bloodstone forms is a bit similar to other chalcedonies. It’s formed in places like riverbeds or hot springs where hot water rich with silica and other minerals can seep into rocks.
Over time, these minerals get together and start forming crystals, and voila, we get bloodstone!
You can find bloodstone in Washington State. Just like carnelian, the color and look of the bloodstone can vary based on the specific conditions where it formed. Sometimes the stone is more dark green; sometimes, it’s got more red spots.
Where you can find bloodstone in Washington
You can find bloodstone if you look in these areas:
- Walter Swift farmhouse, Cowlitz County
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is one of the most vibrant gemstones found in Washington. It can come in almost every color you can think of, and even a single crystal can show multiple colors!
It forms in many types of rocks when elements like boron get together with silica, the stuff that makes up sand.
In Washington State, you’ll find different colors of tourmaline, like green, black, and sometimes pink. Each one has its own unique shade and sheen, making each piece of tourmaline one-of-a-kind!
There are a lot of reasons why tourmaline is valued by many. With so many colors, it’s a favorite for jewelry.
But that’s not all. Tourmaline has an interesting trick up its sleeve. When you heat it or squeeze it, it can generate electricity. This property is used in some pressure-measuring equipment.
Where you can find tourmaline in Washington
You can find tourmaline in these areas:
- Washington Metals Mine, Stevens County
- Sunrise Mine, North Fork of the Sultan River, Sultan Mining District
- Polar Star Mine, Black Falls
Rhodonite
If you’ve never seen rhodonite before, picture a stone that’s a rosy pink color with black veins running through it. These colors make for quite an interesting combination!
Rhodonite is a manganese silicate mineral. Here’s how it forms: when magma from deep inside the Earth cools down, the molten rock starts to solidify. Some minerals crystallize faster than others. Manganese is one of the elements that crystallize last.
With time, if there’s manganese, silica, and a few other ingredients around, they can join together and form rhodonite.
There are many reasons why rhodonite is pretty popular. First off, it’s just plain beautiful. That pink and black color combination is really something else. People love to use it for jewelry and decorative items.
But there’s also a practical side to rhodonite. It’s quite a tough mineral, which means it’s good for things that need to withstand a bit of wear and tear.
Where you can find rhodonite in Washington
Here are the places where you can find rhodonite:
- Great Western Mine, Nespelem Mining District
- Skunk Creek 19 Mine, Quinault Lake
- Hurricane Mine, Clallam County
Calcite
Calcite forms when limestone or marble changes under heat and pressure, or when hot water containing calcium and carbonate gets into cracks in the earth. In Washington State, you’ll often find clear or white calcite.
It can also be found in a bunch of other colors too, like red, yellow, and even blue.
Because it comes in different shapes and colors, calcite is great for collection and decoration. Its smooth texture and shiny surface can really catch the eye.
But calcite’s got more tricks up its sleeve! If you look through a clear piece of calcite, it can split light into two rays. This is called double refraction and it’s a neat party trick!
Calcite is also used in construction. It’s used to make cement and is even ground up to be used in the paint used to create white lines on the road!
Another interesting thing about calcite is that it reacts with a common acid, vinegar. It fizzes up when you drop vinegar on it! This reaction helps us identify it out in the field.
Where you can find calcite in Washington
Calcite can be found in the following places:
- Pullman area quarries, Pullman
- Lovitt Mine, Wenatchee Mining District
- Mount Vernon Mine, Skagit County
Epidote
Epidote is one of the coolest crystals found in Washington. It forms when rocks like basalt and gabbro get altered by heat and fluids.
Over in Washington State, you’ll often find epidote in its green version. It can range from a yellow-green to a dark, bottle-green color. No two pieces of epidote are exactly the same, which makes it really interesting!
These pretty green hues make it a popular choice for people who love collecting minerals. They love its distinctive color and how different each piece can look. It’s a little bit like having a piece of the great outdoors right in your pocket!
Gem enthusiasts also sometimes use it to make jewelry. Its greenish glow can be the centerpiece of a necklace or the sparkle of a ring. Plus, it can form alongside other minerals.
Where you can find epidote in Washington
Look in the following areas to find epidote:
- Belcher Mine, Belcher Mining District
- Humpback Mountain Slump Zone, Hansen Creek, Snoqualmie Mining District
- Nevada Mine, Chewelah Mining District
Celestite
Celestite, also known as celestine, is one of those minerals that truly earns its name. Its name comes from the Latin word for “heavenly,” and boy, does it live up to that! It often comes in a sky-blue color, but it can also be colorless, white, or pale green.
Here’s the cool part: celestite forms in sedimentary rocks, usually in cavities and cracks. When groundwater packed with the right minerals gets into these spaces, it leaves behind celestite as it evaporates.
It’s not surprising that people are fascinated by celestite. For one thing, its color is something special, with its calming, sky-like hue. It’s a favorite among mineral collectors and is sometimes even used in jewelry.
But that’s not all! Celestite is also a scientific superstar. It’s rich in the element strontium, which is used in making fireworks and flares. When you see red fireworks, that’s strontium at work!
Where you can find celestite in Washington
Celestite can be found in these areas:
- Alverson Mine, Fidalgo Island
- Excelsior Creek Celestine Occurrence, Index Mining District
Fluorite
Time to explore a spectacular mineral: fluorite! It’s famous for its range of colors that include purple, blue, green, yellow, and more. It’s like a rainbow hiding in a rock!
Fluorite usually forms in places where rocks are heated up by the earth’s natural heat, causing different minerals to dissolve into hot water.
As this water cools, the minerals start to solidify and fluorite is born. It’s kind of like how you can see sugar crystals form when you make rock candy!
In Washington State, we find fluorite in a range of places. It could be in veins of other rocks or in large chunks, like a buried treasure. The cool thing about fluorite in Washington is that it can show a huge range of colors, making it a real feast for the eyes!
People value fluorite for a bunch of reasons. Its many colors make it a hit for jewelry and decoration.
But this mineral is more than just a pretty face! Fluorite is used in making special lenses for telescopes and cameras, because it can help reduce distortion and make the picture clearer.
Where you can find fluorite in Washington
You can find fluorite if you look in these areas:
- Quartz Creek Roadcut, Lewis River
- Mitchem Mine, San Poil Mining District
- Phalen Lake Molybdenite Prospect, Northport Mining District
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz, but it has a magical purple color that ranges from light lavender to deep violet. This hue comes from iron and other trace elements that get caught up in the mix as the crystal forms.
Imagine water that’s rich with dissolved quartz seeping into empty spaces in rocks, then slowly cooling and crystallizing over thousands, or even millions, of years. That’s how we get these gorgeous amethyst crystals!
Amethyst is one of the most popular rocks and minerals found in Washington for many reasons. First, its stunning purple color makes it a favorite for jewelry and decoration. It’s also the birthstone for February, so it makes a great gift.
Some folks believe it has special properties, like bringing calm and balance.
And it’s not just about beauty or beliefs. Amethyst can also give scientists clues about the geological conditions of the past. So, it’s not just a pretty face – it’s a little purple history book too!
Where you can find amethyst in Washington
The following places can be good spots to find amethyst:
- Abernathy Pit, Cowlitz County
- Red Top Mountain, Swauk Mining District
- Walker Valley, Skagit County
Washington has a wealth of amethyst. See our guide to the best spots to find this crystal:
Zircon
Zircon is an amazing gemstone that sparkles and shines in a way that can easily be mistaken for diamonds!
This gem has been around for a long time and is known for its striking colors, which can range from clear to deep red, blue, green, and many shades in between.
This crystal forms in molten rock, or magma. When this magma cools and hardens into rock, zircon crystals begin to form. The magic ingredient that helps make zircon is zirconium, a special element that’s mixed into the molten rock.
Zircon is one of the most popular crystals found in Washington, and for good reason. First, it’s durable. It can last a long time without getting scratched or damaged.
Second, because of its brilliance, it’s often used in jewelry as an affordable alternative to more expensive stones.
If you like diamonds but not their price tag, zircons are a great alternative. They’re not as tough as diamonds, but they’re tough enough to be worn semi-regularly.
Where you can find zircon in Washington
You can find zircon deposits in these places:
- Snake River placer, Clarkston
- Cedar Creek Placer, Clallam County
- Crawfish Lake Area, Okanogan County
Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining In Washington
We came up with a list of the best gem mining places in our state for both adult and kids. For adults, these favorite places can provide the chance for some real gem hunting experience, while for kids, these locations can be the perfect choices to start discovering the wonders of gem mining.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Hansen Creek Crystal Area
Hansen Creek, WA 98045 United States
Hansen Creek is a popular destination located in the Cascade Mountains near the town of Index. The creek is known for its rich deposits of gems. Mining at this place dates back to the late 1800s, when prospectors first discovered deposits of gems in the area. For many years, local miners would search for gems along the banks of the creek and then sell their findings to rock shops and lapidaries throughout Washington. Today, you can purchase buckets of gem-laden dirt from local vendors and search for your own treasure.
The Types of Gems Found In The Hansen Creek
This location is rich in different kinds of gems, but it is known for having an abundance of the following:
- Amethyst
- Quartz
The Best Time To Visit Hansen Creek
The best time to visit this place is during the dry season, which runs from June through September. During this time, the creek is low and it is easier to search for gems along the creek bed.
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!
Monte Cristo Mines
Monte Cristo, Snohomish County, WA
The historic Monte Cristo Mines is located in the North Cascade Mountains. The mines were first discovered in 1891 by prospectors looking for a potential source of gold and silver. For over a decade, miners extracted ore from the mine, but the returns were not enough to sustain operations. In 1912, the mine was abandoned and has since become one of our state’s most popular sites for gemstone mining. Today, when you visit here, you can search for different kinds of gems, while experiencing a piece of history of the area.
The Types of Gems Found In The Monte Cristo Mines
This place features different kinds of gems, but it is rich in the following:
- Azurite
- Malachite
- Pyrite
- Pyrrhotite
- Realgar
- Scorodite
The Best Time To Visit Monte Cristo Mines
If you want to visit the Monte Cristo Mines, the best time would be during the summer months of June, July, and August. During summer, the weather is typically warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as gem mining. Additionally, the days are longer during this period which allows for more daylight hours to explore the mines.
Loon Lake Copper Mine
Springdale Mining District, Stevens Co., WA
Loon Lake Copper Mine is an abandoned copper mine that was in operation from 1896-1933. The area around Loon Lake is rich in various gemstones, and although the copper mining operations ceased in 1933, you can still find gemstones near the old mining sites and streams. There are several commercial gemstone prospecting areas nearby that offer guided tours as well as a chance to search for gems on your own.
The Types of Gems Found In The Loon Lake Copper Mine
This place abounds in different kinds of gemstones, but the following are its most abundant resource:
- Azurite
- Bornite
- Cuprite
- Malachite
- Pyrite
- Quartz
The Best Time To Visit Loon Lake Copper Mine
Summer months are warm and dry, making it the ideal time to search for gems. Because of this, the best time to visit Loon Lake Copper Mine is during the summer months, which typically runs from June through August.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Great for kids
319 Second Ave S. Seattle, WA 98104
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is a part of the U.S. National Park system that preserves and interprets the history of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98. Located along the waterfront in downtown Seattle, you can explore a variety of exhibits and activities related to this exciting period in American history. One of the most popular activities here is gold panning. You can learn about the process of gold panning and try your luck at finding “gold” in a replica sluice box right onsite.
The Types of Gems Found In The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
In this location, gold extracted through panning is the most abundant resource.
The Best Time To Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
The best time to visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is from May to September. During this time of year, the weather is warm and the water levels are low, which makes it easier for visitors to search for gold. The park also offers ranger-led gold panning activities during the summer months.
Rock’N’Tomahawk Ranch – Great for kids
2590 Upper Green Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Rock’N’Tomahawk Ranch is a family-run gem mining facility that has been in operation since the early 1990s. You can expect to learn about the history of the land, search for gems and minerals, and even purchase some of your finds if you wish. You can choose from two different gem mining experiences: dry washing or wet panning. With dry washing, you will use a sluice box to collect dirt from an area that is known to contain gems or minerals. Meanwhile, with wet panning, you will use water to separate heavy materials from lighter ones so that gems or minerals can be found more easily. Both methods will allow you to find a variety of gems and minerals in the area.
The Types of Gems Found In The Rock’N’Tomahawk Ranch
This place has different gemstones that can be found in the region, but it is visited by people from different parts of the country and the world for the Ellensburg Blue Agate.
The Best Time To Visit Rock’N’Tomahawk Ranch
The best time to visit Rock’N’Tomahawk Ranch is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. These days are perfect for outdoor activities such as gem mining.
Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Washington
Washington is rich in gemstones, and these are not exclusive to the places we have listed above. Aside from our favorite locations, there are other great places that can provide adults with real gem hunting experience. Below are some of them.
- Bellevue – Agate, Amethyst, Calcite, Diamond, Kyanite, Labradorite, Quartz
- Boulder Creek – Agate
- Cherry Creek – Jasper
- Green Creek – Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Tower Hill Monroe – Agate, Jasper
- Ellensburg – Ellensburg Blue Agate or Washington Agate
- Money Creek – Jasper
- Cedar Ponds – Amethyst, Quartz
- Sol Duc River – Agate, Jasper
- Red Top Mountain – Blue Agate
- Tunk Creek – Corundum, Quartz
- Chattaroy – Garnet, Quartz
- Pullman – Opal
- Salmon Creek – Agate, Jasper
- Lucas Creek – Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Mt. Adams – Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper, Quartz
The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Washington
For families who are wanting to expose and introduce their children to gem mining, here are some of the best family-friendly places to successfully do so.
- Rock Creek Wildlife Area – NF-1701, Goose Prairie, WA 98937
- Shi Shi Beach – Shi Shi Beach Rd, Clallam Bay, WA 98326
- Crescent Beach – 2860 Crescent Beach Rd. Port Angeles, WA 98363
Washington Gem Mining Laws And Regulations
The state has some general regulations pertaining to the use of public lands for recreational activities, including gem mining through the Washington Department of Natural Resource (DNR). In general, DNR requires that all persons wishing to use public lands for recreational gem mining must obtain a valid permit from their office. Additionally, you must adhere to all local, state, and federal laws when using public lands for recreational activities. This includes following all applicable rules and regulations regarding your activities on public lands.
You should also be aware that some areas of public land may be closed to mineral extraction or prospecting due to environmental protection concerns or other reasons. Additionally, you should always make sure you are aware of any special rules or restrictions in place in a particular area before beginning searching for gems.
For more information on the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Washington Department of Natural Resource link above.
Additional places to mine for gems in nearby states
Once you’ve visited each of the locations we mentioned above, visit the guides we created for our recommended areas to look for gems in the bordering states:
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered, please leave them in the comments below!
