Quartz is among the most common minerals you can find in Missouri. Our state is dotted with numerous sites where you can find some of its most beautiful specimens.
The options are so vast that you might feel overwhelmed. If you need help, we’ll show you the best places to find quartz here. We’ll give special emphasis on our favorites: Indian Creek, Joplin, Chariton River, Fredericktown, and Pilot Knob.
We can’t wait to show you around our quartz-hunting places, so let’s get started!
- 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 Quartz
There are many gem mine sites in Missouri where you can find different rocks and minerals, but if you want to specifically uncover quartz, below are the places where we had the best time finding them:
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 directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Indian Creek
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the Indian Creek winds through rugged terrain, flanked by hills and dense forests.
Over millions of years, this area has undergone significant geological changes, resulting in a variety of rock formations. Most notably, it’s rich in quartz deposits, which is a testament to the ancient volcanic activity that once shaped the landscape.
The terrain around Indian Creek can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. You’ll navigate through wooded areas, rocky outcrops, and along the creek itself. This varied terrain increases your chances of finding unique quartz specimens.
Getting here is relatively straightforward. It’s located near the town of Ironton, so from St. Louis, you can take I-55 South to Highway 67 South, and then follow Route 32 to Ironton. Once in Ironton, follow the signs to Indian Creek.
But before you start packing, remember to review Missouri’s collecting guidelines so you can ensure your compliance.
Where we found quartz in Indian Creek
As you explore Indian Creek’s banks and the surrounding areas, you’ll likely find quartz in various forms, including drusy and smoky quartz.
The tools every crystal hunter will need
When you're out looking for crystals 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 crystal 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 crystal-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
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern 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.
Joplin
With its rich mining history, Joplin is not only a hub for quartz enthusiasts but also a place brimming with natural beauty and fascinating terrain. It features rolling hills, open plains, and scattered woodlands.
The terrain here is a mix of urban and rural landscapes, reflecting the area’s mining heritage. You’ll find both natural and historical sites, which tell the story of the region’s geologic past.
Joplin’s geology is particularly notable for its mineral wealth. It’s part of the Tri-State Mining District, an area famous for its lead and zinc mining in the past. But the real treasure is the quartz that can be found here.
Quartz here is often associated with lead and zinc deposits, so while searching, you might also come across other minerals like galena and sphalerite.
Joplin is located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, near the borders with Kansas and Oklahoma. If you’re driving from Kansas City, take I-49 South, which will lead you directly here. From Springfield, take I-44 West.
Where we found quartz in Joplin
You can find quartz in all the great regional mines of Joplin. Since it’s part of the Tri-State Mining District, you can also search for quartz in the nearby mining towns of Alba, Carterville, Carthage, Duenweg, Joplin, Neck, Reeds, Sarcoxie, Thoms Station, and Webb City.
Chariton River
Flowing through the northern part of our state, the Chariton River offers a unique landscape for exploring and discovering various treasures. It winds through a mix of flat plains and gentle hills.
This diverse landscape is home to a variety of plant and animal life, adding to the beauty of the area. As you explore along the river, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the Missouri countryside, with its lush greenery and tranquil waters.
If you’re coming from Kansas City and you want to get to the Chariton River, take I-35 North and then head east on Highway 36. If you’re starting in St. Louis, take I-70 West to Highway 63 North, and then connect to Highway 36 West.
There are several access points along the river, especially near the towns of Chariton and Salisbury. These towns are great starting points for your adventure.
Where we found quartz in the Chariton River
Chariton River’s banks and nearby areas are known for their quartz deposits, so we recommend searching through these areas. These quartz crystals can come in different forms, including clear, milky, and sometimes even rose quartz.
Fredericktown
Fredericktown is a small town nestled in the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. It has a mix of rugged hills and flat valleys. It’s part of the Ozark Plateau, known for its unique geological formations.
This town sits near the ancient St. Francois Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. These mountains are famous for their rich deposits of minerals, including quartz. This abundance of quartz is a result of the volcanic history here, which has left behind a rich legacy of mineral wealth.
Getting to Fredericktown is straightforward. If you’re coming from St. Louis, take I-55 South to Highway 67 South. This route will lead you directly to Fredericktown. It’s also accessible from other parts of Missouri via well-connected highways.
Where we found quartz in Fredericktown
Explore the different area mines of Fredericktown, such as Mine Lamotte, Park City, Consolidated Mines, Frederick Lead, Catherine, Madison, Ozark Lead, Hickory Nut, and others within 5 miles to find quartz.
Pilot Knob
Pilot Knob is located in Iron County in the southeastern part of our state. It’s part of the ancient St. Francois Mountains that’s why it’s not just rich in history but also in fascinating geology.
This area is marked by rugged terrain with rolling hills and dense forests. Its terrain can be a bit challenging, with steep slopes and rocky areas, but it’s definitely worth the effort for the amazing views and geological discoveries you can make.
Pilot Knob is famous for its iron mining history. But for rockhounds, it’s the quartz that’s the real attraction here.
Planning a visit? If you’re coming from St. Louis, take I-55 South to Highway 67 South. Then, follow the signs to Pilot Knob. The town itself is small but welcoming.
Where we found quartz in Pilot Knob
You can find quartz if you explore the Pilot Knob mine, just west of the surface outcrop, at the foot of Pilot Knob Mountain. It’s an underground mine that closed in 1980 but still contains lots of natural treasures.
Other Great Places To Find Quartz
On top of our favorite sites, there are many other quartz-bearing places that you can explore here, such as:
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Boone | Columbia area in Pennsylvanian age fossil wood |
| Butler | Williamsville quarry |
| Clark | Banks of Weaver’s Branch |
| Cole | Regional mines, especially the Boaz, Old Circle and Eureka mines |
| Crawford | Iron Ridge mine |
| Crawford | Powell prospect |
| Crawford | Area mines in Scotia |
| Crawford | Area mines in Steelville |
| Crawford | Huzzah Wildlife Area |
| Crawford | Copper Hill Mine |
| Dent | Simmons Mountain |
| Franklin | Leslie mine |
| Franklin | Ruepple Copper Mine |
| Franklin | Silver Hollow Mine |
| Franklin | Pea Ridge Iron Ore Mine |
| Iron | Annapolis Roofing Granule Plant |
| Iron | Sheahan Quarry |
| Iron | Crane Mountain South |
| Jefferson | Southwest Jefferson Co. Barite & Lead District |
| Jefferson | Palmer mines |
| Jefferson | Zinc mines in Valles Mines |
| Knox | Kelly Lime-Rock Quarry |
| Lewis | Keokuk Shale |
| Lewis | Keokuk Geode Beds |
| Lincoln | Watson quarry |
| Macon | Bee-Vee mine |
| Madison | Einstein Silver Mine |
| Madison | St. François River |
| Miller | Bolin Creek mine |
| Miller | Pioneer No. 2 Mine |
| Newton | Area mines in Granby |
| Osage | Filled sink iron deposit in Meta |
| Ozark | Alice Zinc mine |
| Phelps | DeCamp mine |
| Phelps | Meramec Iron Furnace |
| Phelps | Moselle Iron Mines |
| Randolph | Coal deposits in the west half of the county |
| St. Francois | Northwest County Barite District |
| St. Francois | Area mines and pits in Iron Mountain |
| St. Louis | Antire quarry off I-44 |
| Ste. Genevieve | Avon diatreme |
| Ste. Genevieve | Cornwall copper mines |
| Washington | Palmer mines in Coutois |
| Washington | Old Mines |
| Washington | Potosi Barite District |
| Washington | Old mines in Richwoods |
| Wayne | Shook Stone Quarry |
Laws about collecting quartz
Collecting quartz and other minerals on public lands in our state is generally allowed, but there are specific rules and regulations you need to follow.
For instance, in national forests, you are typically permitted to collect small amounts of rocks and minerals for personal use without a permit. However, this doesn’t apply to all public lands. Collecting minerals in national parks is prohibited.
When it comes to private lands, you must obtain permission from the landowner before collecting quartz. Some areas may also have specific regulations or restrictions, so it’s important to check with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Best Places To Buy Quartz
If you prefer a faster and easier way of finding quartz, you can opt to pay a visit to our local rock and mineral shops. Below are some of the best ones that we have:
- Ashley Fay Crystals – 7574 MO-266, Springfield, MO 65802
- Blue Lavender Sky – 1462 N Grant Ave, Springfield, MO 65802
- One Of A Kind – 1819 W 76 Country Blvd Suite E, Branson, MO 65616
- Prospectors Crystals, Rocks and Gift Shop – 1640 Gravois Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049
- STL Rocks – 2003 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118
