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 Best Places To Find Geodes in Maine

If you’ve been searching for naturally occurring geodes in Maine you’ve probably had a very tough time. That’s because geodes are incredibly rare in Maine compared to other states. So rare in fact that there aren’t any known locations where you would have any realistic chance of finding one.

However, we have some great recommendations to find rock and gem formations that are very similar to geodes as well as recommendations on locations closest to Maine to find them.

Oxford County

Oxford County is located in the southwestern part of the state and covers an area of 1,848 square miles and it’s an especially great place to find large quartz crystals, tourmaline, and amethyst which are often what you find in geodes. The geography is varied and includes mountainous terrain, rolling hills, lakes and ponds which all have their benefits when it comes to finding quartz.

There are also several rivers running through the county including the Androscoggin River and the Saco River. Much of Oxford County is covered by forest land with white pine being the most common type of tree found throughout the region.

The geology of Oxford County is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks such as shale and sandstone which were formed during the Cambrian period some 500 million years ago. These rocks are rich in minerals such as copper, zinc, lead, silver and iron ore which were historically mined for commercial use. Mining operations began in Oxford County during the late 19th century but were largely abandoned by World War II due to declining demand for metals from local sources.

Where we found geode-like formations

There are several different geological formations and specimens that you can find in Oxford that are very similar to geodes:

• Large tourmaline and quartz crystals in Andover around Plumbago mountain
• Rose and smoky quartz at the Bumpus Quarry dumps outside of Bethel
• Amethyst and smoky quartz at the Warren Quarry outside of East Fryeburg
• Large amethyst crystals around Deer Hill north of Stow

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!

The Mines Around Newry

Newry is a small town located in the western part of the state. It is situated on the edge of the White Mountains, which are a part of the Appalachian Mountains. Newry is characterized by its rugged terrain and rocky landscape with several mountain peaks, including Mount Abram and Sunday River Ski Resort.

You can find a variety of rock types, such as granite, schist, quartzite and marble here and there has been commercial mining dating back to the early 19th century when copper was mined in several local locations. Over time, other minerals such as zinc and lead were also mined from the area. Today, you can even find Maine crystals here.

Where we found geode-like formations

• The Newry mines have quite a few options including large quartz, pyrite, and tourmalines
• The Scotty Mine also has some nice quartz
• You can also find some nice Tourmaline around Knoll

The Mount Mica Mines

Mount Mica is a beautiful mountain located in Oxford County. It’s the oldest gem mine in the United States, and has been producing gemstones since 1820. The geology of Mount Mica is quite unique and is composed primarily of granite and mica schist, which provides the raw materials for gemstones such as tourmaline and quartz. This combination of minerals has made Mount Mica a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors around the world.

The history of mining at Mount Mica dates back to the early 19th century when it was discovered by two brothers who were looking for tourmaline. Since then, many miners have come to the mountain in search of gems and mineral specimens.

Where we found geode-like formations

• All along Quarry Road you can find places for citrine, rose, and smoky quartz of decent sizes
• Quartz and tourmaline of decent sizes can be found in the Foster Mine, Haveringen Mine, and Mills Quarry
• The Bowker Mine is also a great place for rose quartz

Take a trip to North Vandergrift

The closest place we’ve been able to find real geodes has been North Vandergrift in western Pennsylvania. That’s quite a trip from Maine! If you absolutely must find geodes in person this is going to be the closest available location.

You should know though that it isn’t an amazing place to try. You can find geodes there but they are still pretty rare. If you’re going to take a trip you might as well go a bit further south and east and track down some Kentucky geodes. That is probably the easiest place in the country to find geodes and isn’t too much further past Vandergrift.

Where we found geodes in North Vandergrift

• You can find decent-sized geodes in Gravel Bar Hollow around the various abandoned prospects in the area

Androscoggin County

Located in the northern portion of Maine and is bordered by Canada to the north and New Brunswick to the east Androscoggin County is mostly rugged and mountainous, with many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the region. This geography makes finding various rocks and minerals much easier.

It’s mostly composed of sedimentary rocks, with some areas containing granite, schist, and gneiss. These rocks are estimated to be around 500 million years old and are part of an ancient mountain range that once stretched across much of northern Maine.

Mining has been a prominent feature in County’s history for centuries now. Iron ore was mined here extensively in the late 19th century to fuel the industrial revolution. Later on, other minerals such as copper, zinc, lead, molybdenum were also mined here. As a result, there are some great abandoned mines and dumps that you can explore.

Where we found geode-like options

• Some of the best apatite crystals can be found around Mount Apatite
• Pulsifer Quarry has some great apatite and tourmaline
• Phillips Mine is a solid source for amethyst and smoky quartz crystals of nice sizes

Common Maine Geode-Hunting Questions

There are also a few questions that always come up when it comes to finding geodes that we wanted to be sure to cover:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Maine?

While you won’t be able to find amethyst geodes naturally in the state, there are some great places to find some beautiful amethyst crystals:

• Phillips Mine in Androscoggin County
• Hall’s Quarry in Hancock County
• The streams around Jagged Mountain
• Pleasant Mountain and Warren Quarry near Fryeburg

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Maine?

It isn’t illegal to collect geodes as long as you are following local rules and regulations. Every piece of land tends to have it’s own specific rules, both public and private, so make sure you’re spending a few minutes to read through the regulations or talking to the land owner ahead of time.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Maine

The only reliable way to find geodes in Maine is going to be from the several really great rock shops we have. Since this is such a great state for finding all kinds of beautiful rocks and gems we are spoiled with several great options:

Unique Rock Shop – 135 US-1, Verona Island, ME 04416

Amazon – There is actually a pretty solid selection of geodes on Amazon. You can even find whole kits to for breaking open your own geodes including geodes to crack open.

Northern Main Minerals – 16 Pritham Ave, Greenville, ME 04441

Willis Rock Shop – 69 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Sonny’s Museum & Rock Shop – 226 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330

The Rock and Art Shop – 36 Central St, Bangor, ME 04401

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 New Hampshire

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