The Common And Valuable Rocks, Minerals, and Gems of Arkansas You Should Know

metallic galena crystal cluster

Galena provided by Spirifer Minerals

There’s a rich variety of minerals and gems beneath our feet. From the unique types of rocks found in Arkansas, including bauxite and adularia, to the exciting search for diamonds, each discovery adds to the adventure. Finding these treasures, however, can be quite a challenge without knowing the right spots or understanding what makes each … Read more

The Common And Valuable Rocks, Minerals, and Gems of West Virginia You Should Know In 2026

Sunflower-shaped honey-brown gypsum specimen

Gypsum photo provided by Mineral Masterpiece

West Virginia, often visited for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also a favorite destination among geology enthusiasts. From the ancient, coal-rich Allegheny Mountains to the rivers that carve the Appalachian Plateau, the diversity of rocks and minerals found in West Virginia is not just vast but incredibly beautiful. Whether you’re trekking through … Read more

The 55 Verified Spots To Find And Mine For Quartz In New Jersey In 2026

A stunning faceted piece of rutilated quartz

Rutilated quartz photo provided by Little Miner Crystal

New Jersey might not be the first place you think of when you’re dreaming about hunting for shiny, beautiful quartz, but you’ll be surprised! Our state is like a hidden treasure chest for rock enthusiasts on the lookout for this gem. From the northern highlands to the sandy shores of the south, our unique geology … Read more

The 54 Guaranteed Places To Find Quartz In Washington In 2026

A beautiful rock crystal faceted on one side

Rock crystal photo provided by Atelier Alain Ellouz

If you’re wondering where to mine for quartz in Washington, you’re in luck because there are several amazing places to explore. What’s more, our state boasts different types of this natural wonder. Among our top recommended sites for your quartz exploration are Devil’s Canyon, Bald Butte, Gifford Pinot National Forest, Mount Olympus, and Denny Mountain. … Read more

The 19 Crystals That Can Be Found in the Mountains (Photos Included)

agate with red and orange bands

Agate provided by AbstractRockShop

Mountains are home to many cool crystals, including sapphire, galena, and garnet. These crystals have different colors and shapes, making them interesting to learn about.  Rockhounds often explore mountain areas to find these crystals. Each crystal, like sapphire, galena, and garnet, has its own story of how it ended up there. The Different Crystals That … Read more

The 57 Proven Options To Find Quartz In Nevada In 2026

rough purple and brown ametrine crystal

Ametrine provided by Spirifer Minerals

Finding quartz in Nevada is an exciting adventure, and knowing how to find quartz is key to a successful hunt. We’ve been to various places in Nevada where quartz crystals can be found, and it’s always a thrilling experience.  Mineral County, Petersen Mountain, and Garnet Hill are some of the best spots we’ve discovered for … Read more

Amethyst vs Purple Sapphire – The Similarities and Differences (With Photos)

pear cut purple sapphire

Purple sapphire provided by SparsileCo

I’m always thrilled to talk about the amazing world of gemstones. One interesting topic is how to differentiate purple sapphire vs amethyst, two gems that might look similar but are actually quite different.  Purple sapphire is actually a type of corundum, which is the same mineral family as rubies and blue sapphires. Amethyst, on the … Read more