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 Oklahoma

These are a few of our top geode-hunting spots in the state to get you started. There are only a few spectacular gem mining locations in Oklahoma where we can find what we’re looking for. Even while some of these places might not be well-known, they frequently offer top choices when we’re looking.

Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is one of the most important rivers in Oklahoma, flowing over 400 miles from Colorado through Kansas, and into our fine state. It’s a mighty river, and it plays a big role in the economy and culture of Oklahoma. The river is surrounded by a diverse range of landscapes, from rocky canyons and cliffs to lush forests and wetlands.

The geology of the Arkansas River is what makes it such an important resource. It’s a major source of water for irrigation, and it provides vital habitat for a wide range of plants and animals. The terrain along the river is characterized by deep canyons and cliffs, with dramatic drop-offs and steep inclines. There are also plenty of shallow areas where you can wade in and cool off on a hot summer day. The geography of the area is also pretty varied. You’ll find rolling hills and expansive plains, as well as dense forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife.

Be sure you’ve studied the most recent collection rules published by the State of Oklahoma before taking home your finds.

Where we found geodes in Arkansas River

While geodes are present throughout the area, we have found that these rocks can be found in the White Eagle neighborhood. Along the Arkansas River upstream and downstream on both sides.

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!

Comanche County

Comanche County is a real gem in Oklahoma, located in the southwest part of the state. It’s home to the city of Lawton, which is a major hub for the area. The county is characterized by a mix of flat plains and rugged terrain, and it’s known for its striking natural beauty.

The geology of Comanche County is pretty diverse. You’ll find everything from sedimentary rock to volcanic formations, which have created a unique landscape that’s rich in resources. The terrain is also varied, with some areas characterized by rolling hills and others by deep canyons and cliffs. The area is known for its abundance of mesas and buttes, which are scattered throughout the county. More interestingly for us, it’s also a great spot to find Oklahoma crystals.

Where we found geodes in Comanche County

• North of the Fort Sill Military Reservation, among the mines at Indiahoma area

Harper County

Harper County is a real hidden gem in Oklahoma, located in the northwestern part of the state. The county is known for its wide-open spaces and stunning natural beauty. The terrain is pretty flat, with rolling hills and expansive plains, and the county is home to several creeks and rivers.

The geology of Harper County is pretty unique. It’s characterized by sandstone formations and red shale, which have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. You might even be lucky enough to find a plethora of geodes if you’re willing to do a bit of digging!

Where we found geodes in Harper County

Geodes are found almost everywhere throughout the county. However, there are a few places you must see first:

• The nearest point to the twin buttes is on US-283, 7 miles north of Rosston area, 2 miles northwest on US-64, and 1 mile east on US-283.

Lake Thunderbird

Lake Thunderbird is one of the most popular recreational areas in Oklahoma, located in the central part of the state. The lake covers over 6,000 acres and is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forests. If you’re fortunate enough, you might discover a lot of geodes with various crystals hiding around the lake!

The geology of Lake Thunderbird is pretty diverse. It’s situated in an area of rolling hills and valleys, which were formed over millions of years through a combination of erosion and volcanic activity. The lake itself was created in the 1960s as a reservoir, and it’s been a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts ever since. The terrain around the lake is also characterized by lush forests and wetlands, which provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

Where we found geodes in Lake Thunderbird

We have found small geodes in the surrounding area of Lake Thunderbird.

Pontotoc County

Pontotoc County is a real hidden gem in Oklahoma, located in the southern part of the state. The county is known for its striking natural beauty, with rugged terrain, rolling hills, and expansive plains. The area is home to several creeks and rivers where you can find geodes, including the Canadian River and Blue River, which also provide habitat for a wide range of plants and animals.

The geology of Pontotoc County is pretty diverse, with a mix of sedimentary and volcanic rock formations. The terrain is characterized by deep canyons and cliffs, as well as shallow creeks and rivers.

Where we found geodes in Pontotoc County

• In the gravel pits of the Fittstown area, 1 mile south on SR-99

Other Great Places To Dig For Oklahoma Geodes

To be more helpful, we’ll name our favorites first, then list the additional location we’ve discovered. Before moving on to larger area, we’ll recommend locations in each county that we’ve found.

Our recommendations by county

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

It’s necessary to respond to the following list of frequently asked questions about Oklahoma geodes:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Oklahoma?

Amethyst geodes are available in many Oklahoma rock shops, despite the fact that they are not naturally found in the state. You can also look for vendors selling amethyst geodes at local rock shows.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma law permits geode collecting as long as you abide by local rules. Make sure to follow any applicable regulations if you’re in public locations. Be sure you also have the authorization to collect when on private property.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Oklahoma

Spending hours outside looking for geodes is not for everyone. Sometimes geodes are merely purchased to add to your collection or to display at your workplace.

Here are a few more places where you can find gorgeous geodes from our top picks for local rock shops:

• Andaluz Artisan Ltd. Co. – 1922 N Eastern Ave, Moore, OK 73160, United States
• Amazon – We discovered a large selection of geodes on Amazon. Full kits with crackable geodes are available for individuals who want to do it themselves.
• Good Earth Rocks – 824 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States
• Mine Shaft Rocks and Minerals – 1000 Rodeo Dr, Comanche, OK 73529, United States
• Nature’s Treasures – 6223 SE 15th St, Midwest City, OK 73110, United States
• Rock’n It Treasures – 106 N 5th St, Ponca City, OK 74601, 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 Arkansas
• Geodes in Colorado
• Geodes in Kansas
• Geodes in Louisiana
• Geodes in Missouri
• Geodes in New Mexico
• Geodes in Texas

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