Alaska is not just your usual spot for picking up average-quality jade— it’s a treasure trove of world-class, gem-quality jade! In fact, nephrite jade is our official state gemstone.
If you’re thinking about where to start your hunting adventure here, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves. We’ll share with you the sure sites where you can find jade here, such as the famous Jade Mountain, Jade Creek, Shungnak River, Squirrel River, and Bismark Mountain.
What makes finding jade in Alaska so special is not just the specimen itself, but the whole experience. It’s about the thrill of discovery and the beauty of nature. So, if you’re ready to start your jade-hunting journey, we’ll be waiting for you here!
What Is Alaska Jade Anyway
Jade is actually made of two different minerals called nephrite and jadeite. Both of these minerals are tough and strong, which is why it’s been used for tools and jewelry since ancient times.
One of the coolest things about this gem is its color, which makes it a bit easier to identify jade. It can be many different shades of green, but sometimes it can also be white, orange, yellow, or even purple and black!
This makes jade a favorite for making things like necklaces, bracelets, and other kinds of jewelry. Some cultures, especially in Asia, also use it for sculptures and other artworks.
What influences the value of jade is not just its beauty, but also its toughness and how rare some of its types can be. Jadeite, for example, is rarer than nephrite and can be really expensive.
People also value jade because of its history and cultural importance. In many places around the world, it’s seen as a symbol of good luck and purity.
You can find this precious gem in different parts of the world. Some of the most famous places for it are Myanmar (which used to be called Burma), New Zealand, and China. But, you can also find jade in the United States, especially in Alaska.
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice rock enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Jade
Alaska is brimming with great gem mine sites, but if you want information exclusive to jade-bearing areas, below are our top recommended places for you:
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain is located in the remote, northern part of our state, far from big cities. It’s part of the vast Brooks Range, which stretches across northern Alaska.
The terrain around here is rugged and challenging, with steep slopes and valleys. The mountain is made up of a type of rock called peridotite, which is not only rich in jade but also gives the mountain its unique, greenish hue.
The jade that you can find here is nephrite, and it’s considered some of the highest-quality jade in the world.
If you want to visit Jade Mountain, be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, so if you’re planning a trip, it’s important to be prepared for anything. It’s also important to review Alaska’s collecting guidelines before engaging in rock hunting.
Where we found jade in Jade Mountain
You can find high-quality nephrite jade if you explore and search through the stream gravels and outcrops in Jade Mountain.
The tools every gem hunter will need
When you're out looking for gems it's very important that you bring the right tools with you. 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 gem miners which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding equipment 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 gem-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
Northwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Northwestern 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.
Jade Creek
Located in the rugged and remote Kobuk Valley National Park, far north of the Arctic Circle, the Jade Creek area is wild and largely untouched. And the geography around it is nothing short of stunning.
The creek winds through a valley surrounded by high mountains, including the famous Brooks Range. It has a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, and open tundra. It’s known for its deposits of nephrite jade that’s deep green and very tough.
Since Jade Creek is quite isolated, the best way to get here is by small plane, as there are no roads leading directly to the area. You can explore on foot or by boat, or you can also camp, but be prepared for a true wilderness adventure.
Where we found jade in Jade Creek
The general area of Jade Creek, especially its bed and along its banks, contains amazing specimens of nephrite jade, so we highly recommend exploring its nooks and crannies.
Shungnak River
Shungnak River is nestled in the northwest part of our state, a bit to the east of the famous Kobuk River. It’s remote and wild, filled with the natural beauty of Alaska’s rugged landscape.
The geography around this river is breathtaking. It flows through a landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and wide-open tundra. It’s a bit easier to navigate compared to the more mountainous regions here because it has a mix of gentle slopes and flat areas.
Geologically, the Shungnak River area is known for its jade deposits, specifically nephrite. If you’re on the lookout for this gem here, it’s important to be well-prepared for a wilderness trip, as facilities are limited.
Where we found jade in the Shungnak River
To find nephrite jade in the Shungnak River, search through its riverbed and along its banks. The specimens you can find here are often smooth and rounded, shaped by the river’s flow over time.
Squirrel River
Squirrel River flows through the breathtaking landscapes of the western part of our state. It’s characterized by a mix of dense forests and open tundra, with the river cutting a winding path through the landscape.
The geography here is marked by a relatively flat and accessible terrain. The river itself is surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Like our other recommended places, this area is also known for excellent-quality nephrite jade deposits.
Reaching Squirrel River is part of the adventure. The most common way to get here is by small aircraft from larger towns in Alaska, as there are no direct road routes.
Where we found jade in the Squirrel River
Nephrite jade can often be spotted in the riverbed or along the riverbanks at the Squirrel River area, smoothed over time by the flowing water.
Bismark Mountain
Tucked away in the northeastern part of our state, Bismark Mountain stands as a part of the majestic Brooks Range. This location is quite remote, offering a true wilderness experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.
The mountain itself is part of a rugged landscape, with steep slopes and rocky outcrops. It can be tough to navigate, but it’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure in their rock hunting.
The area around Bismark Mountain is a mix of sharp peaks and valleys. It’s known for its deposits of nephrite jade that’s renowned for its hardness and deep green color.
Where we found jade in the Bismark Mountain
You can explore and search through the prospects at Bismark Mountain to find gem-quality nephrite jade.
Other Great Places To Find Jade
If you want more sure sites to find jade apart from our top recommendations, we’ll indulge you. Below is a list of more places by region:
Our recommendations by county
| Region | Location |
| Interior | Patten Prospect |
| Kobuk River | Jade Hills |
| Kobuk River | Prehistoric Eskimo village sites between Shungnak and Kiana |
| Kobuk River | Dahl Creek Head |
| Kobuk River | Cosmos Creek Prospect |
| South and Southeastern | Peters Creek |
Laws about collecting jade
The legality of collecting jade here depends on where you are and who owns the land. On state-owned public lands, small-scale recreational rock collecting, including jade, is generally allowed without a permit. However, if you plan to collect large amounts or for commercial purposes, a permit is required.
On federal lands, like national parks, collecting any natural materials including rocks and minerals is typically prohibited. Private lands require permission from the landowner.
It’s crucial to check the specific regulations of the area you plan to visit, as rules can vary. As a general rule, always respect the land and adhere to local laws and regulations when rock hunting. For more information, visit the official website of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
The Best Places To Buy Jade
Another great way that you can see, touch, and take home jade finds from Alaska and all over the world is to visit our trusted local shops. Below are some of our favorites:
- Gems of the Searth & More – 5465 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654
- HigherSelfGemstones – 110 Muldoon Rd, Anchorage, AK 99504
- Kobuk Valley Jade Company – 41735 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
- Nature’s Jewels – 5861 Arctic Blvd # B, Anchorage, AK 99518
- Stars of Alaska – 2217 E Tudor Rd #1, Anchorage, AK 99507
