Texas is a fantastic place for anyone interested in rocks and minerals, especially if you’re wondering how to find quartz. In Texas, quartz can be found in various spots, like riverbeds, rocky hills, and old mining areas.

Quartz hunting can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure where to look. That’s where we come in! We’ve spent lots of time exploring places like Big Bend National Park, Sierra Blanca, and Llano County. These areas and more are great places to search for quartz. 

We’re sharing our knowledge and experience to help you find the best spots. We’ll give you tips on what to look for and how to be successful in your search.

What Is Texas Quartz Anyway?

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on our planet. Identifying quartz is pretty easy once you know what to look for. It’s usually clear or white, but it can also be in other colors like pink or black.

Quartz is hard, harder than a knife, so it can scratch glass. This is a handy trick we use to tell if it’s real quartz.

We usually find quartz in places where the earth has been really active, like near volcanoes or in areas with a lot of geothermal activity. It also pops up in riverbeds and beaches, where water has carried it over time.

People use quartz in all sorts of things, from watches to electronics. That’s because quartz can turn pressure into electric energy, which is super handy.

The value of quartz can vary, and some types are really valuable. It’s used in things like watches and electronics because it can turn pressure into electricity, which is super cool.

The Types Of Quartz Found In Texas

For enthusiasts keen on crystal mining in Texas, there’s much to explore. You can find an array of these quartz types in Texas, from clear crystals to colorful varieties like smoky quartz and amethyst.

Here are the types of quartz you can expect to find in the state:

• Clear quartz
• Smoky quartz
• Rose quartz
• Blue quartz
• Amethyst
• Chalcedony
• Citrine
• Milky quartz

The Best Places To Find Quartz in Texas

For those eager to mine gems in Texas, the right information can make all the difference. We’ve explored and learned a lot about where to find these beautiful crystals.

To help you on your quest, here are our top five recommended areas to look for quartz in the state:

Llano Uplift

The Llano Uplift is a unique geological area where we’ve had some great adventures. It’s a dome-shaped region around a billion years old, and it stands out because of its interesting rocks and minerals.

The terrain here is varied, with hills, rivers, and rugged landscapes that are not only beautiful to explore but also rich in geological history. You’ll also find an abundance of minerals in the area, especially quartz.

But remember, when you’re out looking for rocks, you need to be mindful of the rules. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has guidelines for rock collectors, and it’s important to check with TPWD before collecting rocks.

Where we found quartz at the Llano Uplift

You can find quartz in several forms, like clear crystals and milky quartz. These quartz crystals are often nestled in granite outcrops.

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 tools 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 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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.

Big Bend National Park

The Big Bend National Park is huge, covering a vast area with mountains, deserts, and rivers. We’ve hiked through its varied terrain, from the rocky Chisos Mountains to the flat desert lands.

The Rio Grande River carves its way through the park, creating a natural border and adding to the beauty.

Geologically, The Big Bend is fascinating. We’ve seen rocks that are millions of years old, telling stories of the earth’s past. The park is known for its fossil finds, showing us what creatures lived here long ago.

Where we found quartz at the Big Bend National Park

You can find quartz in the form of clear crystals and smoky quartz nestled in the park’s rocky areas, especially near the Chisos Mountains. Hike along the trails and you might spot quartz in the gravel paths and near riverbeds.

Llano County

The landscape in Llano County is a mix of rolling hills, winding rivers, and rocky terrains. Geologically, this county stands out because it’s part of the Llano Uplift, an area known for its unique rock formations.

You can find a variety of rocks here, from ancient granites to metamorphic rocks like gneiss and schist.

But it’s not just the Llano Uplift that’s interesting; the county has many other spots where you can find Texas quartz. We’ve also found other minerals like topaz and gold in this region.

Where we found quartz in Llano County

You can find different types of quartz in the granite outcrops and hills around the county. Walk along the Llano River and explore old mines (carefully!), and you’re more likely to come across quartz crystals.

Sierra Blanca

The small town of Sierra Blanca is dominated by a large mountain range, which makes for some challenging but rewarding hikes.

The terrain here is a mix of rocky slopes and flat desert areas, offering a variety of landscapes to explore. Geologically, Sierra Blanca is known for its unique rock formations, including a variety of volcanic rocks.

The region’s geology is diverse, with evidence of past volcanic activity that has shaped the landscape over millions of years. You can find interesting minerals and rocks in this area, thanks to this volcanic history.

Where we found quartz in Sierra Blanca

You can look for quartz in the areas around the mountain base. These quartz crystals are sometimes hidden among the rocks.

Alpine

The city of Alpine is set in a scenic valley, surrounded by mountains, offering a diverse terrain for exploration. The landscape varies from flat grasslands to rocky, mountainous areas.

Geologically, it’s a rich area, with a mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks.

We often find a variety of rocks and minerals around the city and its outskirts. The nearby hills and mountains are particularly good spots for rock collecting.

Where we found quartz in Alpine

You can find quartz crystals in the rocky hills and mountainous regions. These quartz pieces sometimes emerge in the loose soil and gravel, especially after rainfall.

We’ve also discovered quartz in the dry riverbeds, where water has washed and deposited various minerals over time.

Other Great Places To Find Texas Quartz

We’ve put together a list of areas where to mine for quartz, based on our experiences in the state. Check them out below:

Our recommendations by county

Common Quartz-Hunting Questions

Here are the most common questions we get asked about quartz hunting in Texas:

Collecting quartz in Texas is generally legal, but there are important rules to follow. On public lands, like state parks, collecting any rocks or minerals, including quartz, is usually not allowed.

However, on private property, you can collect quartz as long as you have the landowner’s permission. It’s always important to ask first, because trespassing to collect rocks is illegal and disrespectful.

There are also some designated public lands where rockhounding is allowed. These places might have specific rules about how much you can collect and what tools you can use.

It’s a good idea to check with the local managing agency, like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, before you go. They can tell you the current rules and any permits you might need.

The Best Places To Buy Quartz In Texas

We’ve found that these shops are not just places to buy quartz, but also great spots to find different types of crystals. So, we’ve put together a list of the best shops where you can find quality quartz in Texas:

• Nature’s Treasures Texas – 4103 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78722
• Spirit Quest Rock Gem & Unique Boutique – 303 Main St, Spring, TX 77373
• Johnson’s Rock Shop – 238 N Lincoln Wiggins St, Livingston, TX 77351
• Crystal Rock Shop – 2136 Roy Rd, Tyler, TX 75707
• Katy Rock Shop – 535 Pin Oak Rd, Katy, TX 77494