You’re right to set your eyes on New York if you want to find stunning quartz specimens. In fact, among the many things it’s famous for is the Herkimer diamond, its official state mineral. Despite the name, it’s actually a special kind of quartz that has a unique shape and excellent shine.

You can find Herkimer diamond and other quartz crystals in plenty of verified spots here, such as Crystal Grove, Ace of Diamonds Mine, Lyon Mountain, Herkimer Diamond Mine, and Lake Harris.

As we discuss these places, you’ll see New York in a different light— it’s not just filled with towering skyscrapers but brimming with natural treasures, too!

The Best Places To Find Quartz

Gem mines in New York are bountiful, but to find quartz, we recommend exploring spots where we’ve had the most success locating them, such as:

Crystal Grove

Crystal Grove, located in St. Johnsville, is part of the Mohawk River Valley. The land here is a mix of gentle hills and lush green forests.

This area is renowned for its abundance of quartz crystals, particularly the sought-after Herkimer diamonds. The campground provides tools and guidance, so even if you’re new to rockhounding, you’ll have a great time digging for your own quartz.

To go here, you’ll have to do about an hour and a half’s drive from Albany, easily accessible via the New York State Thruway (I-90). Once you’re off the thruway, a short drive on local roads leads you directly to Crystal Grove.

But before you start digging, it’s important to review New York’s collecting guidelines so you can ensure your compliance with them.

Where we found quartz in Crystal Grove

You can dig for and uncover quartz crystals in pockets within the local dolostone bedrock at Crystal Grove. The site also provides areas where you can dig and split open rocks to find these crystals.

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 supplies 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 

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.

Ace of Diamonds Mine

Situated in Middleville, Ace of Diamonds Mine is part of the larger Mohawk Valley, known for its rolling hills and lush, green landscapes. The setting here is not just beautiful but also rich in geological history.

The mine’s terrain is diverse, with open fields and rocky areas where Herkimer diamonds are found.

Reaching the Ace of Diamonds Mine is a straightforward journey. Located near Herkimer, it’s about an hour and a half drive east from Syracuse or west from Albany. The best route is via the New York State Thruway (I-90), exiting near Herkimer and following the signs to the mine.

Where we found quartz in the Ace of Diamonds Mine

Ace of Diamonds Mine features open-pit areas where you can dig into the soil and bedrock. You can split open the dolostone to reveal any quartz crystals hidden inside them.

Lyon Mountain

Lyon Mountain is part of the Adirondack Mountains, known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. The area is rich in forests, streams, and wildlife, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration.

Geologically, this mountain is unique because of its composition. It’s made of a special type of magnetic iron ore, which is pretty rare. This makes it a fascinating place to find different kinds of rocks and minerals, including quartz.

If you’re eager to visit, Lyon Mountain is accessible via a drive through the scenic Adirondack Park. The closest major town is Plattsburgh, which is about a 45-minute drive away. From Plattsburgh, you can take Route 374 to Dannemora, and then follow the signs to Lyon Mountain.

Where we found quartz in Lyon Mountain

You can explore and search for quartz at the various area mines at Lyon Mountain.

Herkimer Diamond Mine

Herkimer Diamond Mine is nestled in the beautiful Mohawk Valley and located in Herkimer, a town that’s surrounded by gentle rolling hills and lush greenery typical of the Central New York region.

The mine’s terrain is a mix of open fields and rocky areas, and its geology is fascinating. It’s rich in dolostone, the rock where quartz crystals are typically found.

This place is located just north of the New York State Thruway (I-90), making it easily accessible by car. The closest major city is Utica, about a 30-minute drive away. From Utica, you can take Route 5S east to Herkimer, then follow the signs to the mine.

Where we found quartz in the Herkimer Diamond Mine

Herkimer Diamond Mine provides the necessary tools and offers guidance for both beginners and experienced rockhounds. You can find quartz crystals, specifically the renowned Herkimer diamonds, within the dolostone rock formations.

Lake Harris

Lake Harris is situated in the northeastern part of the Adirondack Mountains, a region known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s covered in dense forests and interspersed with clear streams and rivers.

The geology around Lake Harris is as varied as it is fascinating. The Adirondacks are known for their ancient rock formations, including granites and metamorphic rocks. Its diverse mineralogy ensures quartz finds and other interesting minerals.

Getting to Lake Harris is an enjoyable journey through the wilderness of the Adirondacks. The closest town is Newcomb, which is accessible via State Route 28N. From there, the lake is just a short drive away, with well-marked signs.

Where we found quartz in Lake Harris

You can find captivating specimens of smoky quartz if you explore the area outcrops in Lake Harris.

Other Great Places To Find Quartz

On top of our top recommended places, you have plenty of other options for your next quartz hunting here, such as:

Our recommendations by county

Laws about collecting quartz

The legality of collecting quartz in New York depends on the location and ownership of the land. On state-owned land, such as state parks and forests, collecting quartz is generally prohibited without specific permission.

However, on private land, you can collect quartz as long as you have the landowner’s permission. There are also designated public sites and mines where you can legally collect quartz for a fee.

It’s important to respect property rights and environmental regulations when searching for quartz. Always check the rules of the area you’re in and obtain any necessary permits or permissions. For more information, check with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The Best Places To Buy Quartz

Another great way to get your hands on our beautiful quartz here is to pay a visit to our excellent local crystal shops. Below are some of our favorite finds:

• Castle Crystals & Healing – 2374 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033
• Crystals Garden NYC – 247 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009
• Namaste Crystal Shop – 4 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
• Rock Star Crystals NYC – 146 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001
• Ruby’s House of Crystals – 119 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231