Nevada is one of the best places in the country for gem hunting. It is home to a great variety of gems found in the state’s numerous public and private hunting grounds. Here, you can explore mountains, deserts, and even abandoned mines to uncover beautiful and rare gems. If you are looking for a day trip or a longer adventure, Nevada offers some of the best opportunities for gem hunting.
Silver State’s diverse geological landscape is ready to provide you with the perfect gem hunting experience. This article lists the best locations we’ve discovered in this state to dig for gems and advice on maximizing your hunt. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, many opportunities are available for everyone!
Our state’s parks, mines, quarries, mountains, hillsides, and pay-to-dig mines are the best places to look for gemstones. Some of our favorite locations are the Black Rock Desert, Gemfield, Lahontan State Recreation Area, Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine, and Royal Peacock Opal Mine, which we have explored in great depth 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 Nevada You Can Mine
Nevada has quite a few different native gemstones. Understanding that access to these resources may vary, we’ve put together several tips and guides to help people find gem mines close to them. Gem hunters can find rare and more common gems here with the right information and a little luck.
Rare gemstones found in Nevada
- Amethyst
- Azurite
- Beryl
- Opal
- Quartz
- Turquoise
- Vanadinite
More common gemstones found here
- Agate
- Barite
- Chalcedony
- Cinnabar
- Citrine
- Epidote
- Garnet
- Jasper
- Malachite
- Obsidian
- Rhodonite
- Rubies
- Thulite
- Tourmaline
- Variscite
Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Nevada
We’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite places to dig for gemstones. These will be excellent options if you’re planning to start somewhere. We’ve included spots available for seasoned gem hunters and youngsters beginning their gem mining journey.
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.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Black Rock Desert
Gerlach, NV, United States
The Black Rock Desert is known for its vast deposits of rare and valuable gems, minerals, and fossils. Gem hunters can use traditional methods such as sluicing or dry washing to search for gems in the desert landscape. Some areas also allow panning and metal detecting to help locate potential finds.
With careful observation and some luck, we even uncovered some rarer gems found in the area, such as amethyst or tourmaline. Because of this, we are certain that the Black Rock Desert is an exciting location to dig for gems and explore nature’s hidden treasures!
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Black Rock Desert
This location contains gems and minerals of excellent quality. The most typical gems that can be discovered here are:
- Agate
- Almandine Garnet
- Azurite
- Barite
- Epidote
- Fire Opal
- Gypsum
- Jasper
- Malachite
- Obsidian
- Spessartite Garnet
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
The Best Time To Visit Black Rock Desert
The best time of year to visit the Black Rock Desert is during the cooler months, from October through April. The cooler weather and the days are not as harsh, making spending more time in the desert looking for gems easier. The area experiences very little rain during this time, so the ground will be dry and easier to search on.
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 rockhounding equipment 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
Northwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northwestern 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.
Gemfield
Goldfield, NV 89013, United States
Gemfield is an exciting location to look for gemstones in the state’s beautiful desert landscapes. It allows people of all ages to search for precious gems and minerals hidden within the earth. Gemfield offers various packages, from beginner to advanced, so that everyone can find the perfect adventure for their skill level. All packages have everything needed to start, including tools, equipment, and expert instruction.
You can bring home the gemstones found as a souvenir or use them to create stunning jewelry pieces. Gemfield is the perfect place to explore Nevada’s wild lands while searching for gems!
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Gemfield
The following are the most often found gems in this area:
- Agate
- Chalcedony
- Jasper
- Quartz
The Best Time To Visit Gemfield
Gemstone mining season typically runs from mid-April through October. During this time, you can find a variety of gems and minerals in the area. We had the best experience searching for gemstones by joining a guided tour and renting equipment from a local outfitter.
Lahontan State Recreation Area
16799 Lahontan Dam Rd, Fallon, NV 89406, United States
Lahontan State Recreation Area is a state park in Churchill County. It is located along the eastern shore of the largest natural lake in the state, Lake Lahontan. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities like finding gems.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Lahontan State Recreation Area
It is well-known that the following gems are abundant in the area:
- Agate
- Chalcedony
- Jasper
The Best Time To Visit Lahontan State Recreation Area
The park experiences warm, dry weather from June to September, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to the low 90s. Gem hunters can look for gems in the park during these months. However, pack plenty of water as temperatures can get very hot during the day.
Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine – Great for kids
Denio, NV 89404, United States
Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine is a small, family-owned opal mine located in the heart of Virgin Valley. This location offers gem hunters a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of mining their opals. You can purchase buckets of ore containing beautiful specimens of precious opals and other gemstones such as quartz and agate.
Experienced guides instruct how to identify and extract these unique gems from their host rock. You can also take part in educational tours that introduce you to the history and geology of this fascinating gemstone mining area.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
This location is great for teaching kids about several gemstones, but it is famous for the following gems in particular:
- Black Opal
- Boulder Opal
- Crystal Opal
- Fire Opal
- White Opal
The Best Time To Visit Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
From April to October, temperatures are milder, and the weather is more comfortable for exploring the mine. The mine is open year-round but can get hot in the summertime, making exploring uncomfortable.
Royal Peacock Opal Mine – Great for kids
10 Virgin Valley Rd, Denio, NV 89404, United States
The Royal Peacock Opal Mine offers a special experience to gem hunters who want to learn firsthand the process of mining and collecting opals. You can take part in guided tours that take you through the mine and teach you about the geology and history behind the area.
We had the chance to buy rough and cut opals directly from miners at the on-site store and purchase finished pieces from local artisans.
The Types Of Gemstones Found At Royal Peacock Opal Mine
This place is especially well-known for the following gems:
- Black Fire Opals
- Crystal Opals
- Jasper
- Jelly Opals
- Turquoise
- Variscite
- White Opals
The Best Time To Visit Royal Peacock Opal Mine
The best time to visit Royal Peacock Opal Mine is from late May to August. During this time, the temperatures are mild, and the days are long, making it easier to explore and mine for opals.
Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Nevada
You can visit many more fantastic locations to go real gem mining in Nevada after you’ve had a chance to explore the regions we previously highlighted. These locations are designed for individuals who have extensive experience mining gems and wish to seek more active mines.
- Agate Point – Agate, Chalcedony, Flint, Jasper
- Aurora Ghost Town – Jasper, Quartz
- Crescent Peak Mine – Turquoise
- Excelsior Mountain – Turquoise
- Fish Lake Valley – Opal
- Fox Mine – Turquoise
- Garnet Hill – Garnet
- Gold Mountain – Citrine, Quartz
- Las Vegas Wash – Amethyst
- Little High Rock Canyon – Obsidian
- Monte Cristo Range – Variscite
- Montezuma Mining District – Opal
- Nightingale Mountain Range – Garnet
- Pine Nut Mountains – Topaz
- Royston Turquoise Mine – Turquoise
- Sugar Loaf Peak – Turquoise
- Valley of Fire State Park – Chalcedony
- Virgin Valley – Opal, Turquoise
- Walker Lake Recreation Area – Agate, Chalcedony, Turquoise
The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Nevada
Even though there aren’t many kid-friendly public gem mining sites in the state, you can take your kids to the following areas so they can learn more about hunting gems.
- Bonanza Opal Mine – 43255 Sagebrush Rd, Denio, NV, United States
Nevada Gem Mining Laws And Regulations
In Nevada, recreational gem mining is subject to the same regulations as other mining activities. The state has various laws and regulations governing mineral exploration and mining. The Nevada Division of Minerals administers all mineral-related activities, including gemstone mining. It is important to note that all prospecting and mining activities on public land require a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
For further details on Nevada’s gem mining laws and regulations, visit the Nevada Division of Minerals and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) links 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:
- Gem Mining in Arizona
- Gem Mining in California
- Gem Mining in Idaho
- Gem Mining in Oregon
- Gem Mining in Utah
If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!
