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 Rhode Island
Finding naturally occurring geodes in Rhode Island is probably something you’ve struggled with a lot. This is a result of Rhode Island’s geode rarity compared to other states. As they are so rare, there are no known locations where you would have a good chance of finding one.
On the contrary, we have some excellent tips on where to seek rock and gem formations that most closely resemble geodes in Rhode Island.
Diamond Hill
Diamond Hill in Rhode Island is a top spot for rockhounds and geology enthusiasts. It’s located in Cumberland, near the Massachusetts border, and is known for its unique geology and beautiful terrain. The hill is part of the larger Massachusetts-Rhode Island State Line Kimberlite District, home to volcanic rocks containing diamonds and other precious minerals.
Diamond Hill is a small, forested hill that rises to just over 500 feet. The terrain is hilly and rocky, with lots of boulders and outcroppings of volcanic rock. The best spots for finding gems are along the trails and near the volcanic rock outcroppings. You can find beautiful crystals and other minerals with some luck and persistence.
Where we found geode-like formations
- You can find quartz crystals in the area quarries of Diamond Hill
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.
Newport County
Newport County is a stunning area in the southeastern part of Rhode Island. It’s known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and coastal charm, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The county is situated on Aquidneck Island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Narragansett Bay, and Rhode Island Sound.
The terrain here is varied and includes everything from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches. Newport County is located on the coastal plain of Rhode Island and is home to a mix of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated sediments. In addition, the county is home to several historic landmarks, including the famous mansions of Newport, that offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Where we found geode-like formations
- Quartz crystals may be found in the Tiverton area, in the quarries on Fish Road.
Providence County
Providence County is a vibrant area in the north-central part of Rhode Island. It’s known for its diverse landscape, rich history, and bustling urban centers, making it a fascinating place to explore. The county is home to the city of Providence, the state capital, and several smaller towns and villages. The terrain here is varied and includes everything from rolling hills to dense forests.
From a geological perspective, Providence County is located on the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains and is home to a mix of metamorphic and igneous rocks. The area is rich in minerals and has a long history of mining and quarrying.
Where we found geode-like formations
- Sagenite quartz crystals are found in the Calumet Hill area quarries and the Diamond Hill granite quarry.
- The county’s best locations to mine for amethyst crystals are the beach gravels of Mt. Hope Bay, the mine dumps of Iron Hill, and the beach gravels of Pawtuxet.
- Quartz crystals are abundant at the area quarries of Cumberland Hill, Diamond Hill, Conklin Lime Company Quarry, and Wanskirch Granite Quarry.
Washington County
Washington County is a picturesque area in the southern part of Rhode Island. It’s known for its stunning beaches, rolling hills, and charming small towns, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals. The county is bordered by Connecticut to the west and is home to several miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
Washington County is located on the coastal plain of Rhode Island and is home to a mix of sedimentary rocks and unconsolidated sediments. The terrain here is varied and includes everything from rocky cliffs to sandy dunes.
Where we found geode-like formations
- Quartz rocks are abundant here in the county, specifically in the Narragansett area. You can find them at Fort Varnum, Watson Pier, the Narragansett Pier area, and the Westerly Granite Quarry.
Quarries near East Deerfield
Real geodes have only been found as close as East Deerfield in Massachusetts. We are aware that it’s a significant distance from Rhode Island. Although it’s a long drive, this will be the state’s nearest location to geodes.
East Deerfield is a small but charming area in western Massachusetts. It’s known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and unique geological formations, making it a fascinating place to explore. The area is situated in the foothills of the Berkshires and is home to several hills and valleys.
East Deerfield is located on the eastern edge of the Connecticut River Valley and is home to a mix of sedimentary and igneous rocks. The area is rich in fossils and has a long history of quarrying and mining. In addition, the area is home to several unique geological formations, including Pocumtuck Ridge and Mount Sugarloaf.
Where we found geodes at the quarries near East Deerfield
- Because the process of creating them is the same, geodes can be found in any area where agates are found. You should search the area upstream and close to basalt exposures to locate geodes.
Common Rhode Island Geode-Hunting Questions
We also wanted to make sure to answer the following questions about geode hunting:
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Rhode Island?
Even if you can’t find amethyst geodes naturally in the state, there are a lot of great places to find some stunning amethyst crystals:
- The area beach gravels at Mt. Hope Bay in Providence County
- At the mine dumps of Iron Hill in Providence County
- The area beach gravels of the Pawtuxet area in Providence County
Is it illegal to collect geodes in Rhode Island?
Geode collection is permitted in Rhode Island as long as you follow the rules and laws of the area. Make sure you take the time to read the regulations or first communicate with the owner. Each property typically has specific public and private laws.
The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Rhode Island
You can only find geodes in Rhode Island from numerous top-notch rock shops. This state is fantastic for having a collection of beautiful rocks and minerals, so we are fortunate to have so many options:
- Apple Valley Minerals – 7 Homestead Ave, Smithfield, RI 02917, United States
- Amazon – We discovered that geodes could be bought on Amazon as well. For those who would rather do it themselves, there are complete kits containing geodes you may crack open.
- Natural Elements – 435 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840, United States
- Natures the Rock Shop – 416 Metacom Ave, Bristol, RI 02809, United States
- The Lion’s Gateway – 699 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI 02842, United States
- Third Rock Emporium – 75 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818, 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:
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
