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 South Dakota

Geodes appear in many different parts of the world, and certain geodes are regularly found in South Dakota. The kind of crystal the geode contains defines the price of a geode and its allure. Here are a few examples of them:

• Agate geodes
• Amethyst geodes
• Barite geodes
• Chalcedony geodes

The Best Places To Find Geodes in South Dakota

You might already know where to look for gems in South Dakota. However, not all of them offer geodes to discover. Even though the locations we’ll discuss with you below might not be as familiar, they are some of the best areas in this state to go geode hunting.

Custer County

Custer County in South Dakota has natural beauty and rugged terrain. The area is home to the iconic Black Hills, a series of mountains that jut out of the ground like a dragon’s spine. The rocks here are ancient and made of granite, which is why they’re so tough and rugged. The granite cliffs and boulders are a sight and a geologist’s dream come true.

The county is also famous for its caves and underground caverns. There are more than 300 known caves in the area, with Wind Cave being the most famous. The caves are formed by water dissolving the limestone and leaving intricate formations and chambers behind. The terrain here is wild and untamed, with deep valleys and cliffs that will take your breath away.

Before planning any geode hunting adventures, familiarize yourself with the most updated South Dakota State collection regulations.

Where we found geodes in Custer County

• In the Custer area, in Hell Canyon, it’s reachable via road from US-16
• From the US 16 area, go north up Hell Canyon and west for 14 miles to Jewel Cave National Monument
• In the Pringle area, the area in Minnekahta of Fall River county.

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!

Elk Creek River

Elk Creek River in South Dakota is a pristine, wild waterway perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The river winds through the rolling hills and valleys of the Black Hills and is home to various wildlife, including elk, deer, and mountain lions. The water here is crystal clear and icy cold, making it perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

The geology of Elk Creek River is fascinating and unique. The area is part of the Dakota Formation, a layer of rock formed millions of years ago by ancient seas. The rock here is mostly sandstone and shale, which has been shaped and eroded by the flowing water of the river. The terrain is rugged and wild, with steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings lining the banks of the river.

Where we found geodes in Elk Creek River

Geodes are typically found in areas with geological formations such as limestone, dolomite, or basalt. However, Elk Creek River is still a great place to explore other types of rocks and minerals that may be present in the area. Collect geodes upstream and downstream on both sides and in both sides’ banks. The rocky cliffs and outcroppings along the river may also provide opportunities to find interesting specimens.

Lawrence County

Lawrence County in South Dakota is a land of rugged beauty and rich history. The county is named after John Lawrence, who was an early settler and prominent figure in the area. The county is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and is home to some of the most stunning geological formations in the country. The rocks here are ancient and made of granite, which is why they’re so tough and rugged.

The terrain in Lawrence County is wild and untamed, with deep valleys and steep cliffs that will take your breath away. The county is also home to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is a massive sculpture of the faces of four US Presidents carved into the side of a mountain.

Where we found geodes in Lawrence County

• In the Whitewood area, in gravel bars and banks of Whitewood Creek.
• In Spearfish Canyon in the Spearfish area.
• Upstream on both sides of the two forks of the same stream, downstream in Spearfish Canyon, and along both sides of Spearfish Creek

Pennington County

The county is located in the Black Hills region and is home to some of the most iconic geological formations in the country. The rocks here are ancient and made of granite, which gives the terrain a wild and rugged look.

The county is also home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. The terrain in Pennington County is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find a variety of wildlife in the area, including elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.

Where we found geodes in Pennington County

• In the southeast of the Scenic area, gather along the south side of the road to Imlay, is particularly prodigious just southwest of Imlay.

Common Geode-Hunting Questions

We discovered that geode collectors frequently ask a range of questions. We’ll respond to them here because we figured you might have the same inquiries.

Where can you find amethyst geodes in South Dakota?

Amethyst geodes can be found in several areas in South Dakota, a state renowned for its vast geological diversity. A few of the most well-known locations for discovering amethyst geodes are the Spearfish and the Whitewood areas in Lawrence county.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in South Dakota?

You shouldn’t have trouble gathering geodes here if you abide by the laws and restrictions. You must first know the local rules before collecting geodes from public property. Obtaining authorization before beginning your search is also necessary if you’re searching on a private website.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In South Dakota

Discovering geodes in their natural settings is an incredible experience for geode collectors. But not everyone can endure the tiresome quest for them. We can assist if you fit these criteria and wish to purchase geodes without effort.

The following is a list of the top rock stores in the state where you can find and buy different geodes.

• Dakota Stone Rock Shop – US-385, Hill City, SD 57745, United States
• Amazon – We now know that geodes are also sold on Amazon. There are complete kits that contain geodes you may crack open for individuals who would prefer to do it themselves.
• Dave’s Rock Shop – 1020 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, United States
• Indigo Iris Rocks and Stones – 7275 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States
• Ken’s Minerals and Trading Post – 12372 US-16, Custer, SD 57730, United States
• Rock Shed – 515 1st St, Keystone, SD 57751, 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 Iowa
• Geodes in Minnesota
• Geodes in Montana
• Geodes in Nebraska
• Geodes in North Dakota
• Geodes in Wyoming

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