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 Found In Nevada

Geodes are a common sight worldwide and come in various sizes. The kind of crystal that lives inside a geode affects the value of a geode and its attractiveness. The following geodes can be found in Nevada:

• Agate geodes
• Gummy geodes

The Best Places To Find Geodes in Nevada

You might be aware of where to look for gems in Nevada. Sadly, not all of them have geodes available to find. Although the places we’re going to share with you below may not be as popular, they are by far the greatest spots to go if you want to hunt geodes in this area.

Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert is a vast and rugged expanse of northern Nevada that’s home to some of the most spectacular geological features in the region. This unique landscape was formed over millions of years through a process of volcanic activity, sedimentation, and erosion. The terrain is varied, with everything from stark, flat playa surfaces to towering mountain peaks. The area is also known for its hot springs, which bubble up from underground aquifers and provide a welcome respite for weary travelers.

One of the most fascinating features of the Black Rock Desert is its geology. The area is rich in a variety of minerals and rocks, including obsidian, jasper, and petrified wood. There are also plenty of geodes to be found if you know where to look! The terrain is also marked by a number of unusual rock formations, including arches, hoodoos, and pinnacles.

Be sure to read the most recent Nevada State collecting regulations before making geode hunting plans.

Where we found geodes in the Black Rock Desert

Within our search, we have found that geodes are abundant in the area surfaces of the Black Rock Desert.

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 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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.

Humboldt County

Humboldt County is a hidden gem in the heart of northern Nevada, renowned for its stunning landscapes, unique geology, and rugged terrain. The area is characterized by wide-open vistas, sprawling valleys, and towering mountain ranges.

One of the most interesting aspects of Humboldt County is its geology. The Humboldt Range, which runs through the center of the county, is a treasure trove of geological wonders, featuring everything from limestone caves to volcanic tuff formations.

The county is situated in a region of Nevada known as the Great Basin, which is characterized by its high desert climate, unique flora and fauna, and lack of outlet to the sea. The region is also home to a number of important rivers and waterways, including the Humboldt River, which runs through the center of the county. Whether you’re a geology buff, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring new places, Humboldt County is definitely worth a visit.

Where we found geodes in Humboldt County

• At the South Black Rock Range
• Area of Paradise Valley to the north along Hinkly Summit road

Nye County

One of the most fascinating aspects of Nye County is its geology. The area is rich in various minerals and rocks, including gold, silver, and copper. The terrain is marked by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and rolling hills. The county is also home to several hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties and provide a welcome respite for weary travelers.

The geography of Nye County is equally impressive. The area is situated in a region of Nevada known as the Basin and Range Province, which is characterized by its stark, desert landscapes and its vast, interconnected mountain ranges.

The county is home to several important rivers, including the Amargosa River and the Mojave River. Whether you’re a geology buff, a history lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring new places, Nye County is definitely worth a visit.

Where we found geodes in Nye County

• In Beatty area, collect on the area surfaces of Yucca Mountains

Pershing County

Pershing County is a rugged and beautiful region in the heart of northern Nevada, known for its stark, desert landscapes, unique geology, and rich history. The area is characterized by wide-open vistas, sprawling valleys, and towering mountain ranges. It’s a great destination for hikers, campers, and anyone who loves to get off the beaten path and explore the great outdoors. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the famous mining town of Lovelock and the historic Thunder Mountain Monument.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Pershing County is its geology. The area is rich in various minerals and rocks, including gold, silver, and turquoise. The terrain is marked by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and rolling hills. The county is also home to several hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties and provide a welcome respite for weary travelers.

Where we found geodes in Pershing County

• Mill City, southwest to Star Peak, find geodes on the east side area

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

The following list of frequently asked questions about geodes in Nevada must be answered:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Nevada?

Sadly, Nevada does not naturally contain amethyst geodes. While you can’t really dig for them here, you can buy them from many local rock shops. Several of these are listed below.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Nevada?

In Nevada, collecting geodes is permitted. However, it’s important to abide by the local collecting regulations. On government property, be sure to follow any rules that may be in place. Also, before entering any private property to look for geodes, permission must be obtained.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Nevada

Finding geodes in their natural habitat is an amazing experience for geode collectors. Yet, not everyone can handle the rigorous search for them. We can help if you fit into this category and want to buy geodes without exerting too much effort.

We compiled a list of some of the top local stores where you can discover and purchase various kinds of geodes:

• Earthe Energe – 1023 Rock Blvd A, Sparks, NV 89431, United States
• Amazon – Geodes are commonly available on Amazon, as we discovered. There are whole kits with geodes to break open for individuals who would prefer to do it themselves. 
• I Love Crystals – 6643 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite B-121, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States
• Jewelry and Minerals – 410 E Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104, United States
• Queendom Cultivation – 8450 W Sahara Ave suite 109-110, Las Vegas, NV 89117, United States
• The Honey Pot – 1409 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104, 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 California
• Geodes in Idaho
• Geodes in Oregon
• Geodes in Utah

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