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 Colorado

Geodes are a little shy and won’t just materialize in your backyard. Don’t worry, though! Considering that these can be found anywhere on earth. How much a geode is worth, and its beauty is based on the kind of crystal it contains. The following geodes are located in Tennessee:

• Agate geodes
• Amethyst geodes
• Barite geodes
• Calcite geodes
• Celestite geodes
• Chalcedony geodes
• Goethite geodes
• Jasper geodes
• Quartz geodes

The Best Places To Find Geodes in Colorado

Here are some of our favorite geode hunting locations in the state to start. We can only find what we’re looking for in a few extraordinary gem mining places in Colorado. Even though some of these areas may not be widely known, they typically provide excellent options when we’re looking.

Fremont County

Fremont County is known for its unique terrain and geography, which offers a wide range of rock formations and geologic wonders. With the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Great Plains to the east, the county is prime for some serious natural beauty. The county is home to several national forests, which make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Geologically speaking, Fremont County has a diverse range of rock formations, including sandstone, limestone, and granite. The county is also home to the Royal Gorge, a deep and narrow canyon carved by the Arkansas River.

The county is a great spot for anyone interested in geology and the natural world. So if you’re looking for a good spot to find geodes, check out Fremont County and all it has to offer!

Before bringing anything home, make sure you’ve read the State of Colorado’s most recent collecting regulations.

Where we found geodes in Fremont County

Despite the fact that geodes can be found all throughout the county, we’ve discovered the following locations to be excellent:

• Canon City, 6.5 miles north, Felch Creek upstream and downstream
• Canon City, 9.8 miles to Felch Creek, in the area’s badlands
• 7 miles north, on the hills west of Oil Creek, south of Garden Park
• Garden Park, a quarry in Canon City

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY GREAT FINDS!

While you're out searching for Geodes 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!

Houselog Creek

Houselog Creek is a hidden gem in the heart of Colorado. This beautiful creek is located in the Rocky Mountains and is a favorite destination for hikers, anglers, and nature lovers.

The creek runs through a beautiful valley, with steep cliffs and rolling hills on either side. It’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some leisure time.

Geologically speaking, Houselog Creek is a fascinating place. The creek has cut through sedimentary rock layers, creating beautiful rock formations and unique geological features.

The terrain is rugged and steep, with boulders and fallen trees creating challenging obstacles for hikers and hunters. But despite the challenges, Houselog Creek is a beautiful spot to explore, with its crystal-clear water and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Where we found geodes in Houselog Creek

The creek is known for its rugged terrain, beautiful rock formations, and geological wonders. Geodes are typically found in the sedimentary rocks around the area.

Mesa County

Mesa County in Colorado is a geologic and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. This county, located on the western slope of the state, is known for its unique terrain and geography, which offer an extensive range of natural wonders.

The area also boasts several mountain ranges, including the Grand Mesa, which is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world.

Geologically speaking, the area is rich in natural resources and is known for its abundant coal, oil, and natural gas deposits. The county’s terrain is rugged and varied, with sandstone cliffs, canyons, and rolling hills that make for excellent hiking, rock climbing, and geode hunting.

Mesa County is an excellent place for anyone interested in geology and the great outdoors. With its unique rock formations, abundant natural resources, and stunning vistas, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Where we found geodes in Mesa County

Almost everywhere in the county contains geodes. Nonetheless, there are a few locations you should see first:

• Area of Grand Junction at Book Cliffs
• Grand Junction is located in Whitewater, about 3.4 miles east of 1st Street.

Rio Grande County

Located in the southern part of the state, Rio Grande County is home to the stunning San Juan Mountains, which offer some of the most beautiful views and outdoor activities in the area.

With its rugged terrain, towering peaks, and winding rivers, the area is a perfect place for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the natural world.

The terrain is varied, with steep canyons, rolling hills, and winding rivers. The Rio Grande River, which runs through the county, is one of the longest rivers in the United States. Because of its stunning scenery, unique geology, and abundant outdoor activities, it’s a place that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Where we found geodes in Rio Grande County

• Sands and gravel from the Rio Grande River
• Park near Baxterville beneath the Twin Mountains in the spacious area surrounding the parking lot.

Wolf Creek Pass

Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado is a breathtaking and unique mountain pass that’s located in the San Juan Mountains. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to take advantage of its rugged terrain, towering peaks, and stunning natural beauty.

Geologically speaking, Wolf Creek Pass is a fascinating place. The area is known for its unique rock formations and diverse geology, with ancient volcanoes, sedimentary rocks, and mineral deposits that can be seen throughout the region. The terrain is rugged and varied, with steep canyons, rolling hills, and winding rivers that make for excellent hunting and hiking.

Where we found geodes in Wolf Creek Pass

Geodes are usually found in the stream beds around Wolf Creek Pass.

Other Great Places To Dig For Colorado Geodes

We’ll list the other places we’ve found after mentioning our favorites in order to be more helpful to you. We’ll give recommendations for places we’ve found in each county before moving on to more broad areas.

Our recommendations by county

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

The following list of frequently asked questions about geodes from Colorado must be addressed:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Colorado?

Amethyst geodes can be found in several locations throughout Colorado, but the most well-known and productive areas are typically in the western part of the state.

One of the most popular places to find amethyst geodes in Colorado is the Mount Antero area near Buena Vista, which is famous for its abundance of high-quality amethyst crystals. The Crystal Hill mine near La Garita is also known for producing amethyst geodes.

You can also find amethyst geodes in Mineral county and Rio Grande county.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Colorado?

As long as you follow local regulations, collecting geodes is legal in Colorado. If you’re in a public area, ensure you follow any local laws that may be in force. When on private land, make sure you have permission to collect as well.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Colorado

Not everyone enjoys spending hours searching for geodes outside. Sometimes it’s only bought for display in the office or something to add to your collection.

Here are a couple more locations where you may get stunning geodes from our favorite nearby rock shops.

• Geofossiles Rock Shop – 5631 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, United States
• Amazon – We found that geodes are available on Amazon in a wide variety. For those who would prefer to do it themselves, there are also complete kits with geodes that can be cracked open. 
• Leonard Crystals – 6801 S Emporia St #106, Greenwood Village, CO 80112, United States
• Ore Cart Rock Shop – 119 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
• The Crystal Garden – 27925 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439, United States
• The Rock Doc – 17897 US Hwy 285, Nathrop, CO 81236, 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 Kansas
• Geodes in Nebraska
• Geodes in New Mexico
• Geodes in Oklahoma
• Geodes in Utah
• Geodes in Wyoming

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