Our beautiful state of Connecticut is the home of a lot of different gems and minerals. Whether you’re an expert gem hunter or are just beginning, there are many great locations to choose from! From shoreline coves to mountain ridges, these spots offer breathtaking views and a chance to find some of the rarest gems.
This article highlights our top locations where you can dig for gems in Connecticut and tips on making the most of your gem-seeking adventure. With various activities available for all ages, these are the perfect places to learn more about gem mining!
The best places to mine gems in Connecticut will be along lake beds and stream beds, loose along the shoreline, quarries, road cuts, and pay-to-dig mines. We will cover some great options below, like Walden Gem Quarry, Old Mine Park, and Plum Bank Beach.
- 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 Connecticut You Can Mine
Although Connecticut is lucky to have access to some of the best gemstones, the conditions and accessibility of gem mining resources differ depending on where you are. After creating several tips and guides to help people find gem mines near them, we understand that very well! You can locate these rare and common gems with the proper knowledge and good fortune.
Rare gemstones found in Connecticut
- Almandine Garnet
- Barite
- Danburite
- Tourmaline
More common gemstones found here
- Actinolite
- Albite
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Aragonite
- Beryl
- Bornite
- Calcite
- Cerussite
- Chrysocolla
- Corundum
- Datolite
- Epidote
- Feldspar
- Fluorite
- Malachite
- Moonstone
- Prehnite
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Siderite
- Sphalerite
- Spodumene
- Staurolite
- Talc
Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Connecticut
We’ve picked the five best areas to explore and seek gems in this state. These are just a few of the many beautiful locations available. Along with our recommendations for those experienced hunters looking where to mine for gems, we’ve also included great spots for those who wish to get started with their children.
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
Walden Gem Quarry
Portland, Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States
The Walden Gem Quarry is a unique geological site where amateur and professional geologists can explore and collect various gemstones found in the area. The quarry was discovered in the 1950s by a local boy and, since then, has become a popular destination for those interested in collecting gems.
The quarry also offers educational programs for adults and children, including geology lectures and hands-on activities such as rock polishing and gem identification.
The Types Of Gems Found At Walden Gem Quarry
This location is rich in precious gems. The following are some of the gems you may find here:
- Albite
- Aquamarine
- Beryl
- Garnet
- Lepidolite
- Petalite
- Pollucite
- Spodumene
It can be very hard to distinguish some of the more common gems that look so alike, so we’ve put together a few guides to help you tell specific gems apart:
The Best Time To Visit Walden Gem Quarry
The best time to visit Walden Gem Quarry is between May and September. These summer months offer longer daylight hours, allowing gem hunters more time to explore the area.
The tools every gem hunter will need
When you're out looking for gems it's very important that you bring the right tools with you. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced gem miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhound supplies guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing.
One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The gem-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Old Mine Park
121 Old Mine Rd, Trumbull, CT 06611, United States
Old Mine Park is a historic mining site that was previously a tungsten mine. The mine was one of the first tungsten mines in the United States and produced high-grade tungsten ore for use in steel alloys and other products.
Today, the site is a popular destination for hikers, campers, gem miners, and geologists who come to see its unique geological features. You can explore the mine to seek gems, see old excavation sites, and learn about the area’s history as they wander around this fascinating site. This place is also a must-visit to find crystals in Connecticut.
The Types Of Gems Found At Old Mine Park
There are many unique gems in this area. Some of the gemstones you may discover here include the following:
- Blue Topaz
- Calcite
- Fluorite
- Pyrite
- Scheelite
The Best Time To Visit Old Mine Park
The best time to visit Old Mine Park for searching gems is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is warmer and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Gem mining is especially popular when water levels are higher and the water is more transparent.
Plum Bank Beach
Old Saybrook, CT 06475, United States
When we visited Plum Bank Beach we found a perfect spot for an outdoor gem hunting adventure. Located on the shore of the Long Island Sound it had a surprising number of gems to collect and some truly beautiful scenery. If you prefer to collect along the beach instead of mining in the dirt you need to try this place!
The Types Of Gems Found At Plum Bank Beach
Here are a few of the gems you might locate here:
- Agates
- Moonstone
The Best Time To Visit Plum Bank Beach
The beach typically opens in late May and remains open through mid-September. The peak season for digging for gemstones at Plum Bank Beach is usually from June to August, when the water is warmest and the days are the longest.
Lucky 33 Gemstone Flume Mine – Great for kids
1353 Boston Post Rd # C, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, United States
The Lucky 33 Gemstone Flume Mine is a unique mine that is the only one of its kind in the country. The mine features a flume that carries gemstones from the depths of the earth to its surface. You can explore the flume and collect all colors, sizes, shapes, and types of gemstones.
The Lucky 33 Gemstone Flume Mine also offers educational programs for children and adults alike, as well as a variety of activities, such as panning for gems.
The Types Of Gems Found At Lucky 33 Gemstone Flume Mine
Some of the gems you could dig for here are as follows:
- Amethyst
- Calcite
- Fluorite
- Garnet
- Labradorite
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
The Best Time To Visit Lucky 33 Gemstone Flume Mine
The flume mine is open from 9 AM – 5 PM daily, and gem hunters can pay a fee to search for gems.
Nature’s Art Village – Great for kids
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370, United States
Nature’s Art Village is a family-friendly destination located in Oakdale. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, including a jackpot mine where you can dig for gemstones, a geode center, and an area to pan for gold.
Nature’s Art Village also has a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the area, as well as a nature center with interactive exhibits about the environment.
The Types Of Gems Found At Nature’s Art Village
Here are a couple of gemstones that you may discover in this location:
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Citrine
- Garnet
- Peridot
- Quartz
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
The Best Time To Visit Nature’s Art Village
Nature’s Art Village accepts visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM – 5 PM. Make sure to visit their website to purchase tickets before you explore the area.
Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Connecticut
After you’ve had a chance to explore the suggested locations we listed above, Connecticut has many more fantastic sites for real gem mining. Below, we’ve highlighted locations with specific details where experienced gem miners can find more active mines.
- Bantam Lake – Quartz
- Bolton Notch State Park – Garnet, Quartz, Staurolite
- Bristol Copper Mine – Bornite, Calcite, Chrysocolla, Malachite
- Clinque Quarry – Amethyst, Smoky Quartz
- Collins Hill – Apatite, Aquamarine, Beryl Citrine, Feldspar, Quartz, Tourmaline
- East Gransby Quarry – Aragonite, Calcite, Celestine, Epidote, Fluorite, Prehnite, Quartz
- Gillette Quarry – Amazonite, Aquamarine, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Garnet, Quartz, Tourmaline
- Hammonasset Beach State Park – Garnet
- Hubbard Park – Quartz
- Lane’s Mine – Pyrite, Sphalerite
- New Haven Traprock Quarry – Amethyst
- Old Iron Mine at Mine Hill – Chalcopyrite, Feldspar, Garnet, Quartz, Siderite, Sphalerite
- Pelton’s Quarry – Citrine, Quartz
- Pine Rock Quarry – Calcite, Prehnite, Serpentine
- Quartzite Hill – Garnet
- Riverside Quarry – Beryl, Tourmaline
- Salmon River State Forest – Garnet
The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Connecticut
Below is our list of the state’s top family-friendly public gem mining locations. Although these are not typical mining areas, they offer fantastic activities to learn about gems and minerals.
- Lucky Strike Mine and Sluice – 41 Pond St., Oneco, CT 06373
Connecticut Gem Mining Laws And Regulations
Connecticut doesn’t have any official gem mining regulations or laws. However, any activity that disturbs the ground or vegetation may require a permit from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). It’s also important to note that all recreational activities, such as gem hunting, rock collecting, and prospecting, must comply with state and federal laws. These laws protect archaeological sites, historic sites, and the environment. Collecting gems from state parks is also prohibited.
For more information about the state’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) through the 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:
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!
