The 35 Verified Places To Find Tourmalines in South Carolina in 2024

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

| Updated

The 35 Verified Places To Find Tourmalines in South Carolina in 2024

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

Updated

From the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, from the Savannah River to the North Carolina border, South Carolina is a treasure trove for gem enthusiasts.

But finding tourmaline can be challenging and time-consuming in such a big state. Searching in the wrong places leads to frustration and wasted effort. Don’t worry! We’ve done the legwork for you.

We will show you the best spots to discover tourmaline in South Carolina. We’ve sourced top locations to save you time and energy.

Get ready to explore South Carolina’s hidden gem hotspots and uncover stunning tourmaline specimens.

How Tourmaline Forms Here

Tourmaline forms deep underground through intense heat and pressure. It originates from hot, mineral-rich fluids that move through fractures in rocks like granite and pegmatite. As these fluids cool, the minerals within them start to crystallize, forming tourmaline.

The color of tourmaline depends on the specific minerals involved, leading to a wide range of hues including pink, red, green, and blue.

Over millions of years, these crystals grow and become the beautiful, multifaceted stones we see today. Tourmaline is prized for its variety of colors and is often used in jewelry and decorative items.

The Types Of Tourmaline

Several incredible types of Tourmaline can be found in the US as well as in our state. Each is uniquely beautiful and interesting including:

Elbaite

Elbaite is found in pink, red, green, blue, yellow, and even colorless forms. What makes elbaite special is its ability to show multiple colors in a single crystal, like the famous “watermelon” tourmaline with pink and green hues.

This gem stands out due to its complex chemical makeup, which includes lithium, sodium, and aluminum. This composition gives Elbaite its diverse color range and dichroism, allowing it to display different colors when viewed from different angles.

Elbaite has a unique place in history as the first tourmaline variety in which lithium was discovered back in 1818. Some rare types, like the neon blue Paraiba elbaite, are highly sought after by collectors and jewelers.

Schorl

Schorl is known for its deep, rich color. It typically forms long, prismatic crystals with a shiny, glass-like surface when polished. Unlike other tourmalines, schorl gets its distinctive black color from high iron concentrations.

One of Schorl’s most fascinating features is its ability to become electrically charged through heating or rubbing. When charged, it can attract or repel small particles.

This unique electrical property makes Schorl valuable in various industries. It’s used in electronics and manufacturing to control static electricity and electromagnetic interference.

Despite being less colorful than other tourmalines, schorl’s practical applications make it an important and interesting variety.

Rubellite

Rubellite stands out with its vibrant pink to red colors. The most prized ones show a pure, saturated red without any brown or orange hints. This beautiful color comes from manganese in its makeup.

One cool thing about rubellite is its double refraction. It can look like it has two different colors when you view it from different angles.

Dravite

dravite

Dravite, or Brown Tourmaline, comes in shades from dark brown to light brown-yellow. It can look a bit like Smoky Quartz, with a semi-see-through quality.

Its crystals are often needle-like or prismatic, with points at both ends. This sets it apart from other tourmalines like the darker schorl or the colorful elbaite.

What makes dravite special is its rich sodium and magnesium content. This sets it apart from other tourmalines. It was first discovered in 1883 and named after the Drava River in Slovenia.

Indicolite

Indicolite is a rare and captivating blue to blue-green stone. It’s prized for its pure, bright blue color, which is considered the rarest within the tourmaline family. The hues can range from light blue-green to deep, rich blue, often with high clarity.

What sets Indicolite apart is its unique optical effects. It shows pleochroism, appearing to change color when viewed from different angles. Some specimens also display chatoyancy, creating a “cat’s eye” effect when cut in a certain way.

Indicolite is sometimes called “Brazilian sapphire” due to its resemblance to the precious gem. However, they’re different minerals.

The increasing demand for blue tourmalines has made indicolite highly sought-after in the gemstone market, appreciated for its beauty and rarity.

Watermelon Tourmaline

Watermelon tourmaline is truly one-of-a-kind. It looks just like a slice of watermelon, with a pink or red center and a green outer layer. This unique look happens because different elements join the crystal at different times as it grows.

These crystals often form in a rounded triangle shape. They’re see-through to somewhat clear and have a glass-like shine. When cut into slices, they really do look like little watermelons!

Cat’s Eye Tourmaline

Cat’s eye tourmaline is known for its mesmerizing chatoyancy effect. This creates a bright band across the stone’s surface, resembling a cat’s eye.

This stone comes in various colors, from green to pink to brown, and is usually semi-translucent to opaque.

What makes this stone special is the perfect alignment of tiny, needle-like inclusions inside it. These scatter light in a unique way, creating that eye-catching effect. It’s quite different from other tourmalines that don’t have this feature.

Unlike other cat’s eye stones, Tourmaline offers a wider range of colors and is often more affordable.

Achroite

Achroite is a rare, colorless variety of tourmaline that looks like a drop of clear water turned to stone. It’s completely transparent, making it unique among tourmalines which usually have color. The name comes from Greek, meaning “without color.”

What’s special about achroite is that it doesn’t change color when viewed from different angles. It means the stone can be cut in many ways without losing its clarity.

Verdelite

Verdelite is known for its beautiful green color. It can range from light green to deep emerald.

One thing that makes verdelite special is that you can find big, clear crystals of it. This isn’t always easy with other gemstones.

People love using verdelite in jewelry because its rich color and interesting light effects make it a popular choice for all kinds of accessories. Each piece of verdelite is like a little piece of nature you can wear.

Paraíba Tourmaline

Paraíba Tourmaline is a rare gemstone that catches the eye with its vibrant neon blue or green color. It’s like no other tourmaline you’ve seen before. The intense glow comes from copper in the stone, making it stand out from its cousins.

This stone is one of the rarest. For every 10,000 diamonds mined, only one Paraíba tourmaline is found.

It was only discovered in the late 1980s, making it a newcomer in the gem world. But Paraíba tourmaline’s unique color and rarity quickly made it a favorite among gem lovers.

Its discovery caused quite a stir in the gem community. Even small stones can be valuable because of how rare and beautiful they are.

What Rough Tourmaline Looks Like

When you’re out looking for rough Tourmaline on your own it’s important to know what you’re looking for.  Here are some tips to help you recognize rough tourmaline.

Look for Color Variations

Tourmaline comes in many colors, like pink, green, blue, and even black. Some pieces have multiple colors, like watermelon tourmaline, which is pink and green.

If you see these color mixes, it’s likely tourmaline. Keep an eye out for vibrant shades.

Assess the Density and Weight

Rough tourmaline is relatively heavy for its size. If you pick up a piece and it feels denser than expected, it could be tourmaline. This weight can help you confirm your find.

Examine the Crystal Structure

Tourmaline features distinctive crystal shapes, ranging from slender and elongated to chunky forms. Look for triangular cross-sections and striations on the surface, which indicate its unique growth patterns.

Check for Transparency

Some rough tourmaline can be slightly transparent. If you hold it up to the light, you might see through it a bit. This transparency can be a good sign that you have tourmaline.

A Quick Request About Collecting

Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!

Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.

Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing. 

Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups

Tips on where to look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Look for Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are great places to find tourmaline. These rocks form from layers of sand, mud, and minerals. Over time, minerals like tourmaline can get trapped.

Look in riverbeds or areas where sediment has built up. You might find small pieces or even larger crystals. 

Explore Mines

Mines are great spots to find tourmaline. Many mines across the U.S. extract various gemstones, including tourmaline.

Some mines even allow visitors to search for gems themselves. Always check if they have guided tours or special digging days.

Search in Gravel Pits

Gravel pits are often overlooked, but they can be treasure troves. These pits dig deep into the earth, exposing layers of rock.

Tourmaline can be found in the gravel. Just sift through the material carefully.

The types of Tourmaline can you find around the state

In South Carolina, two notable types of tourmaline are commonly found: black tourmaline and indicolite.

Black tourmaline, known as schorl, is the most abundant variety and is characterized by its opaque black color. This type of tourmaline is typically found in areas with igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Indicolite is a blue to greenish-blue variety of tourmaline that is also popular in jewelry. The color of indicolite comes from the presence of iron, and it can range from light blue to deep teal.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the top locations in South Carolina where you can begin your search for tourmaline. These places are among the best in the state for finding this beautiful gemstone.

Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!

Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.

Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing. 

Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups

McCaskill Creek

McCaskill Creek is a scenic stream located near the town of Lugoff and flows through gently sloping terrain rich in mineral deposits. The creek’s alluvial beds are a treasure trove for gemstone seekers, particularly those hunting for tourmaline.

The area’s geology is a rockhound’s dream, featuring a mix of quartz, feldspar, and mica. These minerals create the perfect environment for tourmaline formation.

Lucky searchers might spot black tourmaline, known as schorl, or even colorful varieties like green or pink tourmaline.

To find tourmaline, focus on the creek’s gravel beds and eroded banks. Look for areas where water flow slows down, as heavier minerals tend to settle there.

The creek’s constant erosion exposes new layers of sediment, increasing your chances of a lucky find.

Otter Lake

Otter Lake is a serene reservoir near Rembert that offers more than just picturesque views. It’s a hotspot for tourmaline hunters, thanks to its rich geological history.

The lake’s shoreline is dotted with pegmatite veins, formed by ancient tectonic activity. These veins are treasure troves of various minerals, including the sought-after tourmaline.

For the best chances of finding tourmaline, focus on exposed rock faces around the lake’s edge. Look for areas where pegmatite veins are clearly visible. The loose gravel near these spots can also yield discoveries.

The lake’s varying water levels sometimes reveal new areas for exploration, so each visit can offer fresh opportunities.

Wateree River

The Wateree River, winding through central South Carolina, offers a unique setting for tourmaline hunters. This 75-mile-long waterway, a tributary of the Santee River, flows through Sumter County’s diverse landscape.

The area’s geology is a treasure trove for rockhounds, featuring river swamps, high hills, and remnants of old railroads.

Tourmaline seekers can explore the riverbanks and surrounding swamps, where the mineral is known to hide. The river’s connection to the Blue Ridge Mountains via the Catawba River contributes to its mineral-rich environment.

The upper coastal plain region, where the Wateree flows, has a history of yielding various minerals. While searching for tourmaline, keep an eye out for other interesting geological finds as well.

Gum Swamp

Nestled in the heart of Sumter County, Gum Swamp is a great place for tourmaline hunters. This wetland area, near the hamlets of Claremont County and Horatio, offers a unique rockhounding experience.

The swamp’s mix of poorly drained, wooded, and grassy areas creates a diverse environment for mineral deposits.

Tourmaline seekers should focus on exposed sediment layers, particularly where water has receded. The swamp’s edges, where the forest meets the wetland, are prime spots for uncovering these colorful crystals.

The area’s poorly drained soil and ancient riverbeds contribute to the formation of various minerals, making Gum Swamp a promising location for rockhounds.

Gum Swamp’s ever-changing landscape, shaped by seasonal flooding, continually uncovers new rockhounding opportunities. This dynamic environment keeps the hunt for tourmaline exciting and rewarding for gemstone seekers.

Sixmile Creek

Sixmile Creek is located in the Six Mile area of Pickens County, in the northwestern part of South Carolina. This area is characterized by its natural beauty, including creeks and forested landscapes.

The creek itself is part of a larger network of waterways that flow through the region, eventually draining into Lake Issaqueena.

The creek’s bed and banks are a treasure trove for rockhounds, thanks to its diverse geological makeup. Quartz veins and pegmatites in the area create ideal conditions for tourmaline formation.

To boost your chances of finding these colorful crystals, focus on slower water areas like creek bends or behind large rocks. Don’t overlook the surrounding forest either – pegmatite outcrops there can yield surprising finds.

The creek’s mineral wealth extends beyond tourmaline, making each trip a potential multi-gem adventure.

Places Tourmaline has been found by county

After discussing our top picks, we wanted to discuss the other places on our list. Below is a list of the additional locations where we have succeeded, along with a breakdown of each place by county.

County Location
Anderson McConnell Mica Prospect
Anderson in pegmatite outcrops of Pelzer area
Beaufort Hilton Head Island
Cherokee Headwaters Cole Creek Monazite Placer
Cherokee Headwaters Irene Creek Monazite Placer
Cherokeet Love Springs Mine
Cherokee Troy Blanton Mica Mine
Cherokee Northern Triburary Cherokee Creek Monazite Placer
Cherokee Northern Tributary Ross Creek Monazite Placer
Cherokee Sarratt Creek Monazite Placer
Cherokee Southern Trib Cherokee Creek Monazite Placer
Cherokee Thicketty Creek Monazite Placer Eastern Tributary
Cherokee Upper Cole Creek Monazite Placer
Cheroke Kings Creek Mine
Cheroke Cowpens, Buffalo Church area
Chesterfield Brewer Mine
Greenville Boling Prospect
Kershaw Ancrum Ferry
Richland Sumters Landing
Saluda Clouds Creek Pluton
Spartanburg Cowpens Mica Mine
Spartanburg at abandoned Mica Mine
Sumter Horatio
York Barnett Mine Charlotte District
York Hull Prospect and Placer
York Kings Creek Mine
York Henry Knob in Clover area
York HICKORY GROVE
York rock outcrops in Smyrna
York the Hull Mine

About Keith Jackson - Geologist

Keith Jackson is an avid rockhound who is constantly exploring new sites to expand his collection. He is an active Geologist with a wealth of experience and information from across the country that he loves to share with the Rock Chasing crew.

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