Our 56 Favorite Places To Find And Dig For Crystals In California In 2026

chlorite quartz crystals from California

Tucked between deserts, mountains, and forests, crystals in California have drawn collectors for decades. The state’s size and variety mean countless environments where minerals quietly wait to be uncovered. Each region holds its own kind of beauty, and part of the fun is learning how different landscapes reveal different crystal types. Sometimes, the best clues … Read more

The 17 Best Spots For Gem Hunting In Iowa In 2026

pyrite from Iowa

Hunting for gems in Iowa is a lot of fun and more fruitful than you might think. The state has some fantastic opportunities to go home with a bucket full of beautiful finds if you focus your hunt in the right places. It’s entirely possible to amass a high-quality, diverse assortment of specimens, from vibrant … Read more

The 18 Most Popular Places To Find Peridot In Iowa In 2026

I’ve always been fascinated by peridot hunting in Iowa. While it’s not as famous as other gem locations, our state has some interesting spots where you can find these olive-green crystals. Most folks don’t know this, but peridot can be found in several areas across Iowa. These gems aren’t just pretty – they’re actually pieces … Read more

24 Most-Promising Places To Find Sapphire In Iowa In 2026

Iowa’s rich glacial history has blessed the state with some fascinating mineral deposits. While we’re famous for our geodes, many don’t know that sapphires can occasionally be found in our glacial deposits. Finding sapphires isn’t easy, and many rockhounds waste time searching in the wrong places. After talking to local geologists and experienced collectors, we’ve … Read more