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 Pennsylvania

Geodes come in various forms and are discovered in different parts of the world. The type of crystal inside a geode affects how much a geode is worth and its attractiveness. You can locate the following geodes here in Pennsylvania:

• Amethyst geodes
• Limonite geodes
• Quartz geodes

The Best Places To Find Geodes in Pennsylvania

Here are our top suggestions for geode places in the state to get things started. While there are many great places to mine for gems in Pennsylvania, only a few are the best for looking for geodes. Although some locations aren’t common, they’ve always given us great search options.

Armstrong County

Armstrong County is located in the Allegheny Plateau region of the state. It’s comprised of rolling hills and valleys, with a mix of both flat and hilly terrain. The county has numerous streams and rivers, including the Allegheny, Kiskiminetas, and Redbank Creek.

Geologically speaking, Armstrong County is part of the Appalachian Plateau physiographic province, which consists mainly of sedimentary rocks from the Paleozoic Era. The area is known for its rich deposits of coal and shale.

The county has a mix of both rural and urban areas, with some small cities such as Kittanning and Leechburg. Rural areas are primarily agricultural, with many farms scattered throughout.

Since most of the land is privately owned you will need to get permission to search but it’s worth it. There are a lot of great streams and creeks around that can be great places to start looking if you don’t want to go to a mine.

Make sure you’ve read up on the most recent collecting guidelines from the State of Pennsylvania before you bring anything home.

Where we found geodes in Armstrong County

Although geodes are all across the county, we’ve found that the following areas are excellent:

• Old lead/zinc mines in North Vandergrift’s Gravel Bar Hollow stream bed.
• Echo mine system.

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 

Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Northeastern 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.

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is a natural limestone cave located in Kutztown. It’s known for its unique geology, featuring a vast array of colorful crystals and stalactites, which makes it a must-visit if you’re looking for Pennsylvania crystals as well. The cave is situated on the Appalachian Plateau, an area of rolling hills and mountains characterized by its limestone bedrock. This terrain has allowed for the formation of many underground rivers and streams.

Geologically speaking, the cave was formed over hundreds of thousands of years from acidic rainwater that slowly dissolved away at the limestone bedrock. This process created large underground chambers and passageways filled with sparkling crystal formations. Visitors to Crystal Cave can explore these caverns on guided tours, which allow them to get up close to some of the most spectacular formations in the world. With its incredible beauty, Crystal Cave offers visitors a chance to learn about the geology and history of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Plateau region.

Where we found geodes in Crystal Cave

You can find them in certain cave areas near the entrance and in some of the larger rooms.

Delaware County

Delaware County is an amazing place to explore. Located just west of Philadelphia, it’s a great spot to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Geologically, Delaware County is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain Province, with rolling hills and valleys formed by ancient streams. The terrain mostly comprises sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and shale. Delaware County has a variety of ecosystems, including deciduous forests, wetlands, meadows, and grasslands.

The geography is quite varied – some rivers and streams flow through the county, and numerous lakes and ponds. Several state parks in the area offer plenty of outdoor activities like hunting geodes, hiking, biking, and more. Delaware County also has an abundance of wildlife that can be seen in its forests and wetlands.

Where we found geodes in Delaware County

Nearly everywhere in the county has geodes, but there are a few locations you should visit first:

• Upland area, north of Chester Creek, in the vicinity of Henvi’s Quarry
• Upland area, 1/2 mile west, south of Chester Creek on the Peter Green Farm
• Upland neighborhood surrounding Waterville Road

Gravel Bar Hollow

Gravel Bar Hollow in Pennsylvania is a geologic wonderland. Located in the Juniata Valley, it’s a lush green valley with plenty of rolling hills and streams. The terrain is primarily wooded, with abundant trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. It’s also home to various wildlife, including foxes, deer, and wild turkeys.

The hollow’s geology is unique, too – it’s composed of gravel bars formed by centuries of erosion from the nearby Susquehanna River. These gravel bars are made of sandstone and quartzite and create an interesting landscape that looks like something out of an old Western movie! The geography here is diverse, too – steep hillsides with rocky outcroppings, meadows blanketed in deep grasses, and small creeks that meander through the area. Gravel Bar Hollow is a stunning spot to explore and take in the sights – it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Where we found geodes at the Gravel Bar Hollow

You can find geodes along the banks of Susquehanna River. The geodes are typically located in gravel bars and islands eroded by the river.

Henvi’s Quarry

Henvi’s Quarry is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain is rugged and hilly, with a few flat areas. The quarry comprises limestone and shale rocks that are millions of years old. These sedimentary rocks have been weathered and shaped by wind and water, giving the quarry unique characteristics. The quarry’s geography is varied, with cliffs, deep ravines, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. The area around the quarry is heavily forested, so it’s a great spot for hikers looking to get off the beaten path.

Geologically speaking, Henvi’s Quarry offers a fascinating glimpse into Pennsylvania’s history. The sedimentary layers tell stories about how the region has changed over time. The limestone deposits indicate an ancient sea that once covered this region, while the shale indicates more recent changes in climate and erosion patterns.

Where we found geodes at Henvi’s Quarry

Henvi’s Quarry is specifically located near the intersection of PA-286 and T-379 in Indiana County. Geodes have been known to be found in the gravel pits of the quarry.

Other Great Places To Dig For Pennsylvania Geodes

After mentioning our favorites, we wanted to help you more by sharing the other places we’ve found. We’ll list our top options for each county before moving on to more broad areas.

Our recommendations by county

County	Location
Armstrong	In the steam bed of Gravel Bar Hollow near North Vandergrift
Armstrong	Echo Mine System
Berks	Crystal Cave
Delaware	Upland area around Henvi’s Quarry to the north of Chester Creek
Delaware	Upland area, 1/2 mile west, south of Chester Creek on the Peter Green Farm
Delaware	Upland neighborhood surrounding Waterville Road
Lancaster	General area in Grubb Lake and Mudd Lake soils and gravels.
Schuylkill	McAdoo woodland area

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

It’s important to answer frequently asked questions concerning geodes from Pennsylvania, such as the following:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Pennsylvania?

While amethyst geodes are not commonly found in Pennsylvania, there are a few places where they can be discovered. Here are some potential locations to check out:

• Area of upland on the Peter Green Farm, 1/2 mile west, south of Chester Creek
• Upland neighborhood near Waterville Road

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Pennsylvania?

As long as you follow local laws, collecting geodes is legal in Pennsylvania. Be sure you follow applicable local regulations if you’re on government land. If you’re on private property, ensure that you have permission.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Pennsylvania

Not everyone enjoys spending hours outdoors looking for geodes. Sometimes, you just need something attractive and simple to display in your workspace or collection.

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

• Appalachian Rock Shop – 228 N Washington St, Butler, PA 16001, United States
• Amazon – It’s interesting that Amazon has a decent selection of geodes. Even whole kits with geodes to crack open are available for those who want to do it themselves. 
• Bey’s Rock Shop – 615 PA-100, Bechtelsville, PA 19505, United States
• Geology Rocks! – 5124 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, United States
• The Gem Den – 50 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603, United States
• TJ’s Rock and Gem Shops  – 4433 Lincoln Hwy, Downingtown, PA 19335, 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 Delaware
• Geodes in Maryland
• Geodes in New Jersey
• Geodes in New York
• Geodes in Ohio
• Geodes in Virginia

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