If you’re looking for a treasure trove of gems and minerals, look no further than the state of Maine! Our state is full of secret spots where you can search for gemstones. With a bit of effort and with the help of our guides, you can find some of the world’s most beautiful gems here.
The state’s quarries, mines, rivers, beaches, and mountains are the ideal places to look for gems. This list has our top suggestions, including Lubec Lead Mine, Mount Apatite, Bumpus Quarry, Dig Maine Gems, and Poland Mining Camps, which we all described in detail below.
- 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 Maine You Can Mine
Gem hunters are lucky because there is a vast collection of gemstones available to be discovered in Maine. Since the accessibility of gem resources varies, and there are different conditions in every state, we’ve developed several guides to assist you in finding gems close to you. You’ll learn how fun gemstone hunting in our state can be with the right knowledge and good fortune!
Rare gemstones found in Maine
- Beryl
- Quartz
- Tourmaline
More common gemstones found here
- Albite
- Amethyst
- Analcime
- Andalusite
- Anglesite
- Aquamarine
- Beryl
- Bloodstone
- Bornite
- Calcite
- Cerussite
- Chalcedony
- Clinochlore
- Datolite
- Diopside
- Dolomite
- Epidote
- Feldspar
- Garnet
- Hematite
- Jasper
- Lepidolite
- Malachite
- Microcline
- Phenakite
- Prehnite
- Pyrite
- Pyrrhotite
- Quartz
- Scheelite
- Smithsonite
- Staurolite
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
- Wulfenite
- Zircon
Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Maine
We’ve chosen a few of our all-time favorite locations to dig for gems. These exciting choices are available to adults who are more experienced in hunting gems and young children who are just starting.
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
Lubec Lead Mine
Lubec, ME 04652, United States
The Lubec Lead Mine is located in Lubec, and offers gem miners the chance to search for various gems and minerals in an authentic setting. The area is rich in history and geology, and you will have the opportunity to learn about both. The mine also offers guided tours that give gem miners educational information about gemstones and their formation.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Lubec Lead Mine
There are a lot of gemstones you can mine here. Some of these are:
- Anglesite
- Bornite
- Calcite
- Cerussite
- Dolomite
- Epidote
- Hematite
- Malachite
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Smithsonite
- Wulfenite
The Best Time To Visit Lubec Lead Mine
The summer months bring warm weather and plenty of sunshine, making it a great time to explore this historic site for mining gems. The mine is open from 9 am to 4 pm each day, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
Mount Apatite
Auburn, ME 04210, United States
Mount Apatite is a mountain located in Auburn known for gem hunting. The mountain contains a variety of gemstones that gem hunters can take home. You can also find amazing Maine crystals here. To mine for various gems, you can take part in a guided tour or purchase your mining equipment and dig them yourself.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Mount Apatite
You can find different types of gems here, including:
- Albite
- Aquamarine
- Beryl
- Garnet
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Rhodochrosite
The Best Time To Visit Mount Apatite
The best time to visit Mount Apatite to go gem hunting is spring and summer. The warmer weather makes it easier to search for gems, and the ground is softer. The area also offers plenty of places to camp, hike, and explore during your visit.
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.
Bumpus Quarry
Albany, Oxford County, ME, United States
Bumpus Quarry is a gem mining attraction where gem miners can sift through buckets of dirt to find gems. The quarry also offers educational activities and displays about the state’s geology. The site also has a gift shop where you can purchase jewelry made from the gemstones found at the quarry.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Bumpus Quarry
This area has been known to be filled with various gems you can mine. This includes the following:
- Albite
- Aquamarine
- Beryl
- Feldspar
- Mica
- Quartz
- Zircon
The Best Time To Visit Bumpus Quarry
The ideal time to go to Bumpus Quarry is during the summer months of June, July, and August. This is when the weather is usually warm and dry, making it easier to search for gems in the quarry.
Dig Maine Gems – Great for kids
110 Bethel Rd, West Paris, ME 04289, United States
Dig Maine Gems is a family-owned business that allows gem hunters to search for and collect various gems and minerals from locations throughout the state. The company is based in Auburn and has been operating since 1997. Dig Maine Gems gives gem hunters a chance to embark on an exciting journey of discovery as they explore the outdoors and uncover various beautiful gems and minerals.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Dig Maine Gems
Kids will be ecstatic to dig for gems in this spot. They can discover gemstones like:
- Amethyst
- Beryl
- Garnet
- Peridot
- Quartz
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
The Best Time To Visit Dig Maine Gems
The best time to visit Dig Maine Gems is during the summer months of June, July and August. The weather is usually warm and sunny, perfect for digging up gems. With long days and short nights, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and find some beautiful gems. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as temperatures can often reach into the 90s during the day.
Poland Mining Camps – Great for kids
38-32 Groves Lane next right after 1466, Maine St, Poland, ME 04274, United States
Poland Mining Camps are a series of abandoned sites in Poland, Auburn, and Mechanic Falls. These camps extracted lead and zinc ore from the ground during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, many of these camps are utilized for mining gems.
We had a chance to visit Poland Mining Camps and were surprised by the number of gemstones we discovered. We recommend that you bring your young ones here for a gem mining experience of a lifetime!
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Poland Mining Camps
There are different sorts of gemstones found here, including:
- Beryl
- Feldspar
- Mica
- Quartz
- Tourmaline
The Best Time To Visit Poland Mining Camps
The best time to visit Poland Mining Camps to hunt for gems is from June through August. The weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to explore the outdoor attractions and participate in outdoor activities like looking for gems. The winter months can be pretty cold and snowy, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Maine
After you’ve had a chance to explore the areas we previously featured, there are many more great sites in Maine to go real gem mining. These spots are intended for people who are experienced with mining and want to look for more active mines.
- Acton Lead Mines – Bornite, Pyrite, Pyrrhotite, Quartz, Sphalerite
- Catherine Mountain – Pyrite, Quartz, Scheelite
- Cole Quarry – Albite, Beryl, Feldspar, Garnet, Mica, Pyrite, Quartz, Sphalerite, Zircon
- Edgecomb Quarry – Aquamarine, Beryl, Feldspar, Garnet, Quartz
- Hedgehog Hill Quarry – Albite, Beryl, Feldspar, Mica, Quartz
- Heikkinen Quarry – Albite, Beryl, Feldspar, Garnet, Mica, Opal, Pyrite, Zircon
- Jasper Beach – Jasper
- Pingree Ledge Quarry – Albite, Beryl, Feldspar, Fluorite, Garnet, Mica, Quartz
- Pitts Garnet Mine – Beryl, Calcite, Clinochlore, Diopside, Feldspar, Garnet
- Porcupine Hill Quarry – Albite, Beryl, Quartz, Tourmaline
- Scribner Ledge Quarry – Albite, Beryl, Garnet, Mica, Quartz
- Singepole Quarry – Beryl, Garnet, Quartz
- Swift River – Garnet, Scheelite, Staurolite
- Ragged Jack Mountain – Feldspar, Garnet, Mica, Quartz
The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Maine
Although there aren’t many public gem mining locations in our state, you may still take your children to visit these spots and enjoy gem hunting together.
- Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area – Shell Pond Rd, Stow, ME 04037, United States
- Lord Hill Mineral Collecting Area – Evergreen Valley Rd, Stoneham, ME 04231, United States
Maine Gem Mining Laws And Regulations
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) oversees the collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from state-owned lands in the state. There are no restrictions on recreational collecting from private land in Maine. However, if you plan to collect on public land, you must obtain a permit from the DACF. A collection permit costs $25 per year and includes access to all state-owned lands for collecting rocks, minerals, and fossils.
For further information about Maine’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) website 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!
