Geodes are like nature’s surprise eggs, filled with sparkling crystals inside a plain-looking rock. Our state is a treasure trove for these hidden gems, with its many different landscapes that make it perfect for rock hounds.

If you’re itching to crack open your own crystal-filled wonder, you’re in the right place!

This article will show you the best spots in our state to find geodes. We’ll also share some handy tips to make your geode hunting adventure a success.

So grab your hammer and get ready to discover the beauty hiding in ordinary-looking rocks all around this state!

How Geodes From Here

Geodes form when bubbles in volcanic rocks or spaces in sedimentary rocks get filled with minerals over time.

First, water rich in minerals like quartz or calcite seeps into the hollow space. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals, which slowly build up layer by layer.

Eventually, these minerals create a crystal lining inside the geode. The outer shell stays rough, while the inside becomes a sparkling treasure.

The process can take thousands, even millions, of years, making each geode a unique and beautiful time capsule of Earth’s natural forces.

The Types Of Geodes Found in the US

There are many fascinating varieties of geodes that can be found across the United States, including in our own state. Each type is distinctly beautiful and intriguing:

Amethyst Geode

Amethyst geodes look plain on the outside, like a potato. But crack them open, and you’ll find stunning purple crystals. These crystals can be light lavender or deep purple.

The structure of crystals inside can vary widely. Some are tiny and densely packed, creating a sparkling surface. Others form large, distinct points that jut inwards.

The color range is impressive too, from pale lilac to deep royal purple. Some amethyst geodes develop unique features. “Stalactites” of amethyst might hang from the top.

In rare cases, you might find a water bubble trapped inside, a remnant from the geode’s formation millions of years ago.

Citrine Geode

Citrine geodes are eye-catching rocks with golden yellow to orange crystals inside. They sparkle when light hits them, looking like sunshine trapped in stone. The colors come from iron mixed in with the quartz.

Unlike many gemstones, citrine’s color is often evenly distributed throughout the crystal.

Most citrine on the market isn’t natural. It’s actually heat-treated amethyst. This process turns the purple amethyst into vibrant citrine. Natural citrine is rarer and often has a more subtle color.

Pyrite Geode

Ever cracked open a rock and found gold inside? Well, not real gold, but something that looks just like it. That’s a pyrite geode. Pyrite is called “fool’s gold” because it’s so shiny and golden.

Inside these geodes, pyrite forms in cool shapes. Sometimes it’s perfect cubes. Other times its clumps or even round balls called “pyrite suns”.

Pyrite has a fun history. People have been mixing it up with real gold for thousands of years. That’s how it got its nickname.

Selenite Geode

Selenite geodes stand out from the crowd. They’re white and see-through, with a glassy look. When you open one up, you’ll see crystals that look like they’re made of ice or moonlight.

Unlike harder geodes, selenite is soft. You can scratch it with your fingernail! This softness means you need to handle it carefully. But it also means selenite can be shaped into beautiful forms easily.

One cool thing about selenite is how it plays with light. Hold it up to a lamp, and you’ll see the light shine right through it. This makes selenite geodes popular for decorative lamps and light fixtures. They add a magical glow to any room.

Celestite Geode

Celestite geodes are like pieces of sky trapped in rock. Their crystals are typically a delicate blue, ranging from almost colorless to deep sky blue. In rare cases, celestite can form in other colors. Pink celestite is highly prized by collectors.

One unique feature of celestite is its perfect cleavage. This means the crystals can be easily split into rhombohedral shapes.

These geodes form in a unique way. They start as nodules of a soft mineral called alabaster. Over time, this dissolves and is replaced by celestite crystals. Some celestite geodes are huge, like the famous Crystal Cave in Ohio.

Celestite isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s used to make strontium, an element with many uses. You’ll find strontium in fireworks, where it creates red colors. It’s also used in making TV screens and ceramics.

Jasper Geode

Jasper geodes are the chameleons of the mineral world. They can appear in almost any color, often with multiple hues in a single specimen. Patterns can range from solid colors to intricate swirls, bands, or spots.

One fascinating type is picture jasper. These geodes contain patterns that resemble landscapes, with “skies,” “mountains,” and “rivers” visible in the stone. Each one is like a miniature painting created by nature.

Some jasper geodes contain orbicular patterns – spherical structures that formed as the jasper solidified. These create eye-catching bull’s-eye or flower-like designs in the stone, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Carnelian Geode

Carnelian geodes have vibrant orange to reddish-brown colors. They can be somewhat see-through, which makes them look even more interesting. The bright colors come from the iron in the stone.

These geodes stand out from other similar stones. They’re brighter than sard, which is usually darker and more brownish. And unlike agate, carnelian doesn’t have bands or stripes.

Carnelian has been popular for a long time. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it to make special rings. It’s tough enough for everyday jewelry.

Some people heat or dye carnelian to make its color even brighter. This makes it a favorite for both rock collectors and jewelry lovers.

Fluorite Geode

Fluorite geodes are like nature’s rainbow. They come in many colors – purple, green, blue, yellow, and sometimes even clear or black. When you open one up, you might see cube-shaped or eight-sided crystals inside.

What makes fluorite special is that you can often see more than one color in a single stone. This is different from many other geodes. Also, fluorite has a unique way of splitting when it breaks.

A cool fact: fluorite glows blue under ultraviolet light. This was first discovered back in 1852. Because of its many colors and this glowing ability, fluorite is sometimes called the “most colorful mineral in the world.”

Scolecite Geode

Scolecite geodes are like tiny crystal caves. They’re usually white or colorless, but sometimes you might find pink, yellow, or green ones.

What makes them special is the crystals inside. They look like thin needles or delicate hairs, all pointing out from the center.

These geodes are different from others because of their crystal shape. Instead of blocky or chunky crystals, scolecite has these fine, hair-like ones. This gives them a unique, delicate look.

Scolecite has an interesting property – it can hold a lot of water in its structure. This means it can absorb and release water easily. This makes scolecite useful in various ways, not just as a pretty rock to look at.

Apophyllite Geode

Apophyllite geodes are like nature’s disco balls. They often have dark or black crystals inside a hollow rock. These crystals can be see-through or slightly cloudy, with cube-like or flat shapes.

What makes apophyllite geodes stand out is how the crystals form. They grow in round clusters that look like tiny disco balls. This unique formation is rare and makes them special to rock enthusiasts.

Collectors really prize these “disco ball” clusters. They’re not common, which makes them valuable to people who love unusual rocks. The way apophyllite crystals catch and reflect light adds to their appeal, making them fascinating to look at and study.

What Rough Geode Looks Like

Identifying a rough geode might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you can spot one even if you’re not a rock expert. Here’s how you can do it.

Look for a Rounded Shape

A rough geode often has a rounded or egg-like shape. It might not be perfectly round but look for a generally bulbous form.

When you’re out searching, skip the flat, jagged rocks. Geodes usually have smoother exteriors because they’ve been rolling around in rivers or other environments for a long time.

Check for a Dull, Bumpy Surface

The outside of a geode isn’t usually shiny. Instead, it’s dull, bumpy, and a bit rough.

Imagine a potato or a clump of dirt with some bumps and dents. That’s how a geode might look before it’s cracked open.

The outside won’t give away much of what’s inside, so don’t be fooled by its ordinary appearance.

Test the Weight

Pick up the rock. Does it feel lighter than it looks? That’s a good sign!

Geodes are hollow or partially hollow, which makes them lighter than solid rocks of the same size. If it feels unexpectedly light, you might have found something special.

Look for Tiny Crystals or Mineral Patches

Sometimes, you can spot small crystals or mineral deposits on the outside. These could look like tiny sparkles or specks of color.

While the outside of a geode is usually dull, a little peek of what’s inside might show through. Keep an eye out for these hints, especially if you’re in a known geode-rich area.

Tips on Where to Look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Explore Riverbeds and Streams

Geodes often form in riverbeds or streams. Water flow smooths out their rough edges and deposits them in these areas.

When exploring, focus on gravel bars or the edges of rivers where rocks naturally gather.

Search in Sedimentary Rock Layers

Sedimentary rocks, like limestone, are prime spots for geodes. These rocks form in layers over time, trapping minerals inside.

Look for areas where sedimentary rocks are exposed, such as cliffs or road cuts.

Visit Old Mines or Quarries

Abandoned mines and quarries are excellent spots for geode hunting.

Workers often missed geodes while digging for other materials. Explore the tailings or leftover rock piles for hidden treasures.

Explore Hills and Rock Outcrops

Hills and rocky outcrops often reveal geodes. As erosion wears away the softer rock, it exposes the harder geodes.

Look for areas with exposed rocks and keep an eye out for rounded shapes.

The Types of Geodes You Can Find in California

Geodes come in various forms and are discovered in different parts of the world. The kind of crystal inside a geode significantly impacts how it looks and how much a geode is worth. You can locate the following geodes here in California:

• Agate geodes
• Amethyst geodes
• Chalcedony geodes
• Clear Quartz geodes
• Colemanite geodes
• Opal geodes
• Quartz geodes

The Best Places To Find Geodes in California

We’ll kick things off by listing our top picks for geode locations in California. There are many excellent locations to mine for gems in California, but only a few are ideal for geode hunting. Although some of these places are not well known, they’ve always provided us with excellent selections when looking.

Imperial County

Imperial County is located in the extreme southeast corner of California along the Arizona and Nevada border with Mexico to the south. Geographically, it’s primarily flat desert terrain with some mountain ranges scattered throughout. Geology mainly comprises alluvial fans, mudflows, and dunes.

Getting to Imperial County is relatively easy. You can take a short drive from San Diego or Los Angeles along Interstate 8 or fly to Imperial County Airport in El Centro. For those who want to make an adventure out of it, you can always take the scenic route through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on your way in.

Make sure you’ve read up on the most recent collecting guidelines from the State of California before you bring anything home.

Where we found geodes in Imperial County

Although geodes can be discovered across the county, there are a few locations that we’ve found are excellent:

• Along the shorelines of Imperial Valley
• The northern region of the Imperial Valley area
• In the Hauser Geode Beds in Wiley Will area

The tools every geode hunter will need

When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. 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 geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit 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 geode-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.

Riverside County

Riverside County is an expansive Southern California region between Los Angeles and San Diego. The terrain here is diverse – from deserts to mountains, rivers, and streams. The geology ranges from dunes to rocky cliffs, making it an excellent place for exploring. There’s plenty of wildlife too!

Riverside County is a diverse area with varied terrain, including mountains, deserts, and valleys. The Santa Ana Mountains are located on the county’s northern border, while the San Jacinto Mountains are located in the southeast corner. The Santa Rosa Plateau is a unique ecosystem characterized by rolling hills and oak woodlands. Geologically speaking, Riverside County features numerous faults and basins like the San Andreas Fault and Elsinore Fault Zone.

Where we found geodes in Riverside County

Nearly every place in the county has geodes. However, there are a few locations you should check out first:

• In the hills below the Desert Center camping area
• Desert Center near the Augustine Pass
• Abandoned mine and gravel pits located throughout the county

San Bernardino County

Situated in the heart of Southern California, San Bernardino County is a vast expanse of diverse geography and terrain. Its geology includes granite and limestone formations and sedimentary deposits from ancient sea beds.

The county also contains several large lakes, including Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead. San Bernardino County is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the great outdoors and explore various landscapes!

Where we found geodes in San Bernardino County

There are geodes almost everywhere in the county, but there are a few places you should see first:

• North-east of Lockheart area along both sides of secondary road
• North-west of Leadpipe Springs
• Hinkley area

Black Hills

The Black Hills are a majestic range located in California’s Central Valley. Their rolling hills and towering peaks provide a picturesque backdrop to many of the state’s towns and cities. Geographically, the Black Hills stretch from the San Joaquin Valley in the west to the Sierra Nevada in the east. The terrain is mostly hilly, with some flat areas covered with chaparral shrublands, oak woodlands, and coniferous forests. Geologically, the Black Hills are part of an ancient mountain range formed by uplift and erosion over millions of years.

They are composed mainly of granitic rocks once part of a larger mountain range before being separated by faulting along its length. The area is also home to several unique geologic features, such as granite domes, volcanic plugs, and mineral deposits mined for gold since the 19th century. Overall, these hills provide a stunning landscape for outdoor activities like hunting for geodes.

Where we found geodes at the Black Hills

Geodes can be found in many places in the Black Hills of California, including along the banks of dry creek beds, around old volcanic rock formations, and in the dirt and gravel of road cuts.

Slate Mountain

Slate Mountain in California is one heck of a sight to behold. Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this peak stands tall at 11,600ft and offers some truly stunning views. The terrain is a mix of rolling hills and steep inclines, while the geology is mostly metamorphic rock formed from sedimentary shale. This means it’s full of exciting shapes and textures, with some particularly impressive outcrops along the way.

Hikers and geode hunters alike will be delighted to know that there are plenty of trails to explore around Slate Mountain, ranging from strolls to more challenging paths for those looking for an extra adrenaline rush. If you’re looking for a fantastic geode hunting experience in California, Slate Mountain definitely won’t disappoint!

Where we found geodes at Slate Mountain

Geodes can be found in and around Slate Mountain in California. The best places to look are in streambeds, hillsides, rocky outcroppings, and near mineral deposits.

Other Great Places To Dig For California Geodes

We wanted to share the other locations on our list with you now that we’ve mentioned our favorites. Before moving on to more general areas, we’ll include our top picks per county. In the following section, we offer more detailed guides for any recommendation that we refer to as “county-wide.”

Our recommendations by county

County	Location
El Dorado	Pino Grande
El Dorado	Slate Mountain
Imperial	County wide
Imperial	Black Hills
Imperial	Northern region of Imperial Valley area
Imperial	Hauser Geode Beds in Wiley Well area
Los Angeles	Branch road off Escondido Canyon Road between Agua Dulce Canyon and Acton
Riverside	County wide
Riverside	Blythe area
Riverside	Desert center in the hills below the camping area
Riverside	Desert Center near the Augustine Pass area
San Bernardino	County wide
San Bernardino	Hinkley area
San Bernardino	15 miles north-northeast of Lockheart area along both sides of secondary road
San Bernardino	Northwest of Leadpipe Springs
San Bernardino	Yermo area Calico ghost town and in the Calico Hills beyond
Sierra	Crystal Mountains

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

It’s essential to address specific common questions about California geodes, including the following:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in California?

Amethyst geodes can be found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, as well as in the mountains near Santa Cruz and at the Crystal Hill Mine in Santa Margarita.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in California?

In California, collecting geodes is lawful as long as you abide by the local rules. If you’re on government property, ensure you’re following applicable local laws, and if you’re on private property, make sure you have permission.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In California

Not everyone likes spending hours exploring the outdoors in search of geodes. Sometimes all you want is something lovely for your workplace or collection that doesn’t require much effort.

Here are other places to get incredibly lovely geodes from our favorite local rock shops.

• Gems A Plenty – 575 N Central Ave, Upland, CA 91786, United States
• Amazon – It’s interesting that Amazon has a decent selection of geodes. Even whole kits with geodes to crack open are available for those who want to do it themselves. 
• Georges Geodes and Gems – 600 S Main St., Willits, CA 95490, United States
• Knott’s Berry Farm Geode Shop – 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, United States
• Miner’s Gems and Minerals – State Historic Park, 2616 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
• Mystic Journey Crystals – 2921 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

Additional places to find geodes in nearby states

Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:

• Geodes in Arizona
• Geodes in Nevada
• Geodes in Oregon

If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!