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 Minnesota

You might be familiar with the great spots to mine gems in Minnesota, but finding geodes in their natural environment can be incredibly hard to do here. Compared to its surrounding states, Minnesota doesn’t have much geode reserves. In fact, there’s no known spot where you can readily find or dig for them here.

But this doesn’t mean you should give up on your quest! We prepared some great recommendations where you can find rocks and gems that are very similar to geodes. We also included places in nearby states where you can find geodes. Let’s begin!

Lake Superior Beaches

Lake Superior Beaches are located in the northeastern part of our state. Its terrain and geology are both top-notch! The beaches are surrounded by towering cliffs, forests, and crystal-clear water, which makes for a truly breathtaking view.

You can find all kinds of rocks and minerals here, including agates and basalt. The beaches themselves are mostly rocky, but there are some sandy areas too. It’s like a treasure hunt when you’re searching for cool rocks and crystals!

Getting here is pretty easy. There are several towns and campgrounds nearby, so you can make a day trip out of it or stay overnight. But before you do some serious planning to collect here, checkout the updated guidelines of Minnesota first.

Where we found geode-like formations

There are around 72 beaches along the beautiful, vast shorelines of Lake Superior. On these beaches, you can easily find Lake Superior Agates that are as stunning as geodes. In fact, people from all over the state and even outside go to Lake Superior just to get their hands on these fascinating gems.

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.

Ely Creek

Ely Creek is a hidden gem of a spot that’s totally worth checking out. Located in the northern part of our state, it’s surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which makes for some great outdoor opportunities. Its terrain can be a bit rough in some spots, but it’s totally manageable if you have some decent hiking boots.

One of the things that make Ely Creek so unique is the geology of the area. You can find all kinds of rocks and minerals, including some pretty impressive quartz formations. You can also expect this site to be among the best places to find Minnesota crystals.

There are some parking areas near the trailhead, and the hike to the creek is only about 2 miles or so. So if you plan to go here, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way as the trail is well-marked, too.

Where we found geode-like formations

When you visit here, you can find mesmerizing quartz samples if you explore the area creeks, streams, washes to southwest of Ely.

Bronk Quarry

Located in the southeastern part of our state near the town of Red Wing, Bronk Quarry is a pretty sweet spot for rockhounding. The area is pretty flat, but the quarry itself is really impressive. It’s this massive hole in the ground that was created by years of mining. Its terrain can be a bit rough, with lots of loose rocks and gravel.

The geology of the quarry is what makes it so special. You can find all kinds of rocks and minerals, including some really cool fossils.

It’s really easy to go here. There’s a parking area near the entrance, and the quarry is only about a 10-minute walk from there. Just be sure to watch your step, bring some water, and a good pair of shoes, and you’ll be good to go!

Where we found geode-like formations

Take your time to explore the different spots and zones of the Bronk Quarry that are rich in different kinds of gems and rocks. You can find some cool samples of Dogtooth Calcite here which are just as pretty as the crystals in a geode.

Keokuk Geode Beds

As a nearby state to Minnesota, Iowa has some of the best spots to find geodes in the country, so we thought of including here the Keokuk Geode Beds. In this incredible spot, you can find some of the biggest and most beautiful geodes in the world. The beds are located in the southeastern part of Iowa, near the town of Keokuk.

Its geography is pretty typical for the Midwest, with lots of flat farmland and rolling hills. But the geode beds themselves are really something special. It’s a bit rugged in some spots, with lots of rocky areas and caves to explore.

The geology of the Keokuk Geode Beds is what makes it so unique. Formed from limestone deposits, the geodes here can range in size from small marbles to huge bowling balls. There are a few different spots where you can access this area, and they’re all pretty well marked, so you won’t have any difficulty visiting here.

Where we found geodes in Keokuk Geode Beds

You can find Keokuk geodes in the stream gravels and rocky exposures of the Keokuk Geode Beds.

Lawrence County

Another nearby state to Minnesota, South Dakota is also abundant in places to find geodes. One of the best that you can visit is Lawrence County, located in the western part of the state, near the Wyoming border.

Its geography is really diverse, with lots of mountains, valleys, and rolling hills. It’s also home to some really cool rock formations and different types of rocks and minerals. The county is pretty rugged in some spots, with lots of steep inclines and rocky areas.

If you’re driving, getting here is pretty easy. It’s just a few hours from Rapid City, and there are lots of great scenic drives in the area. Overall, Lawrence County is definitely worth a visit!

Where we found geodes in Lawrence County

When you visit here, you can find geodes in the gravels near the Spearfish Canyon and on the banks of the Whitewood River.

Common Minnesota Geode-Hunting Questions

We came across common questions when it comes to finding geodes here and we’ll address them here in case you have the same queries.

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Minnesota?

It’s unfortunate that amethyst geodes don’t naturally occur in Minnesota, but there are several local shops that you can visit here where you can find amethyst geodes and more. We made a list of these stores below.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Minnesota?

It’s perfectly legal to collect (or buy) geodes in Minnesota for as long as you follow the local rules and regulations. Also, checkout any specific rules for private lands and government lands and make sure you comply with them, too.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Minnesota

The surest way to take home a geode from Minnesota is to visit the local shops that sell them here. What’s even better is that these stores don’t only contain geodes, but lots of other natural wonders, like other gems and rocks.

• The Enchanted Rock Garden – 1228 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
• Amazon – There’s actually a great selection of geodes on Amazon. Plus, you can find complete kits to crack them open. How cool is that?
• ZRS Fossils and Gifts – 3018 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
• SeashellsbyShelly Rock and Crystal Shop – 2625 County Rd 37 NE, Monticello, MN 55362
• Crystal Zones – 1595 MN-36 #662, Roseville, MN 55113
• Dream in Jasper Crystal – 107 N Meridian St, Belle Plaine, MN 56011
• Prairie Pandey – 425 Dudrey Ct, Moorhead, MN 56560

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 North Dakota
• Geodes in South Dakota
• Geodes in Iowa
• Geodes in Wisconsin
• Geodes in Michigan

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