Utah has some sweet spots for finding garnets. These deep red gems hide in the state’s rocky terrain, waiting for rockhounds to discover them. I’ve spent years hunting for these beauties across Utah’s landscape. The search for garnets often leads to remote areas. You might need to hike through canyons or climb small hills. The … Read more
Maryland might be a small state, but it’s packed with interesting rocks and minerals if you know where to look. Garnets show up in several spots, and they’re not too hard to recognize once you get the hang of it. Most of the garnets you’ll find here are a deep reddish-brown, usually tucked into metamorphic … Read more
When you walk along Virginia’s mountain streams, look down. The sunlight might flash on something red among the pebbles, probably a garnet waiting to be found. Garnets form in the state’s old rocks over millions of years. The pressure of mountain-building squeezed ordinary minerals into these beautiful stones. Now they wash out of hillsides after … Read more
New York has a deep history with garnets. In fact, it’s home to one of the largest garnet mines in the world, the Barton Garnet Mine in the Adirondacks. These gems have been mined here for over a century, making the state a true hotspot for garnet lovers. You can find these garnets in streams, … Read more
Taking a field trip to find crystals in Virginia can be an amazing experience, but it helps to know which part of the state to aim for. Virginia is long and narrow, and its geology changes dramatically from the coast to the mountains. The collectors who have the most success don’t just pick a random … Read more
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 variety of crystals in Missouri has long made the state a quiet favorite among collectors. From surface finds to those tucked within quarries and creek beds, opportunities to uncover them stretch across the state. You can spot everything from clear quartz to richly colored minerals that form in pockets where water once flowed. Many … Read more
It can be really tough to find good gem hunting spots. So many of the best ones are closely guarded secrets that you have to know somebody to find out about. Fortunately, we can help! Our state is home to some of the best gem mining spots in the country, and you’re sure to find … Read more
Gem hunting in South Carolina is a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience for all ages. The state is home to a diverse landscape and numerous gemstones, making it an excellent spot for gem hunters. Whether you are an experienced gem miner or a beginner looking to find your first semi-precious stone, there are many great … Read more
Montana’s rugged landscapes hold more than just breathtaking views. Scattered across our mountains, rivers, and ghost towns are stories of lost gold, forgotten mines, and treasures waiting to be rediscovered. Think about panning for glittering flakes in Libby Creek or exploring abandoned mines near Butte where fortunes were once dug from the earth. Places like … Read more