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 Vermont

Even though you may know of the excellent places to mine gems in Vermont, locating geodes in their natural habitat can be very challenging. It’s safe to say you’ve had a lot of trouble finding geodes in Vermont. This is because the state has fewer geodes than other states. Due to how rare they are, there are no known locations where you would have a good chance of locating one.

On the other hand, we can guide you on where in the state to look for geode-like rock formations.

Ely Mine

Ely Mine, located in northern Vermont, is a historic mining site known for its unique geology and rugged terrain. The mine is in a hilly, forested area rich in natural beauty and offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

The geology of Ely Mine is particularly interesting, as it’s home to several unique rock formations and mineral deposits. The area is known for its rich talc deposits, and other industrial minerals mined extensively during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Where we found geode-like formations

• There are quartz crystals you can find in Ely Mine in the Copperfield area

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!

Rutland County

Rutland County, located in southern Vermont, is a scenic area known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and charming small towns. The county sits on the edge of the Green Mountains, which means it has a rich variety of geological formations and outdoor activities. Aside from containing geode-like formations, this spot is well-known by those who want to find amazing Vermont crystals.

The terrain in Rutland County is characterized by its gently rolling hills, which offer a picturesque backdrop for exploring the great outdoors. The county is also home to several notable bodies of water, including Lake Bomoseen and Otter Creek, which offer a range of recreational activities.

Where we found geode-like formations

• Excellent smoky and clear quartz varieties are found in local schists in the Danby area, along the road to outcrops on the east side.
• These outcrops along the Route 155 road cut about 6 to 8 miles south of East Wallingford contain large calcite crystals.
• Along the west side of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad right-of-way, numerous quarries south of Fair Haven have quartz and calcite.

Windham County

Windham County, located in southeastern Vermont, is a charming area known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and unique geology. The county sits on the edge of the Green Mountains and the Connecticut River, which means it has a diverse range of geologic formations and terrain.

The terrain in Windham County is varied, with everything from lush river valleys to rugged, rocky outcroppings. The county is also home to several notable bodies of water, including the West River and the Harriman Reservoir, which offer a range of recreational activities.

Where we found geode-like formations

• The park at the Reads-boro New England Power Plant has calcite crystals.
• Gather agate and quartz crystals along Adam’s Creek and in the outcrops north of the roadcut in the Williamsville area.

Windsor County

Windsor County, located in central Vermont, is a scenic area known for its charming small towns, beautiful landscapes, and unique geology. The county sits on the edge of the Green Mountains, which means it has a diverse range of geologic formations and terrain.

Rolling hills, luxuriant forests, and winding rivers comprise Windsor County’s landscape, providing a lovely outdoor setting. The White River and Quechee Gorge, two prominent waterways in the county, provide various recreational opportunities.

Where we found geode-like formations

• Several outcrops in the Gassetts road cut toward Williams River south contain quartz crystals.
• You can also collect calcite crystals at a minor outcrop northwest of the river bridge.
• Outcrops in the long Ludlow road-cut have black tourmaline and calcite crystals.
• Smoky quartz and calcite crystals can be gathered in the quarry just east of the Springfield Dam in the Perkinsville area.

Visit St. Lawrence County

Take a trip to the west in New York, a close-by-state, to find additional geodes that occur naturally. St. Lawrence county is one of the best areas to look for geodes.

St. Lawrence County, located in northern New York, is a picturesque area known for its rugged terrain, stunning natural beauty, and unique geology. The county sits on the edge of the Adirondack Mountains, meaning it has diverse geological formations and terrain.

The undulating hills, deep valleys, and flowing rivers that makeup St. Lawrence County’s landscape make it ideal for outdoor activities. The county is also home to several notable bodies of water, including St. Lawrence and Raquette Rivers.

Where we found geodes in St. Lawrence County

• You can find geodes successfully in Fowler in St. Lawrence County. The local stream beds and exposed sedimentary rocks are the ideal places in New York where naturally occurring geodes are located. Barite and hematite crystals are typically seen in these geodes.

Common Vermont Geode-Hunting Questions

The following common questions concerning geode hunting are the ones we wanted to address in case you also have the same queries:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Vermont?

Vermont, unfortunately, lacks natural amethyst geodes and crystals, but there are a few rock shops nearby where you might be able to find them and other jewels. We’ve created a list of these shops below.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Vermont?

Collecting and buying geodes are completely legal in Vermont if you follow the relevant rules and regulations. Make sure you follow any special laws governing public and private locations by checking them before you plan your hunt.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Vermont

Visiting local shops that sell geodes in Vermont is the most reliable approach to bringing one home. Many shops feature other natural wonders, including gems and rocks.

• The Crystal Cottage – 176 Battery St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States
• Amazon – Various geodes can be bought on Amazon. In addition, whole kits are offered for those who desire to crack it themselves.
• Fred Rocks Rock Shop – 1993 Pine Banks Rd, Putney, VT 05346, United States
• Paula’s Rock Shop – 126 Washington Ave, Bennington, VT 05201, 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 Massachusetts
• Geodes in New Hampshire
• Geodes in New York

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