From the Pacific Ocean to the Idaho Panhandle, from the Canadian border to the Columbia River, Washington State offers a treasure trove for rock enthusiasts.

Many rockhounds dream of finding tourmaline but struggle to locate prime spots. The search can be frustrating and time-consuming. That’s where we come in.

We’ve done the hard work for you, scouring the state to compile this list of the top-notch tourmaline locations.

Save yourself endless research and fruitless expeditions. Our guide will lead you straight to the best tourmaline hunting grounds in Washington, maximizing your chances of a successful find.

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, 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

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

Washington is home to several types of tourmaline, with black tourmaline and achroite being among the most notable.

Black tourmaline, also known as schorl, is the most common variety found in the state. It typically appears in dark hues and is often sought after for its protective properties and aesthetic appeal.

Achroite, on the other hand, is a colorless variety of tourmaline that can sometimes exhibit slight tints. This type is less common but valued for its clarity and brilliance.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the top locations in Washington to begin your search for tourmaline. These sites are among the best in the state for finding this gemstone.

Nelson Ridge

Nelson Ridge is a mountain stretch in Yakima County that offers a unique backdrop for tourmaline hunters. This 10-mile ridge, nestled between Bumping Lake and Mount Aix, boasts elevations mostly above 7,000 feet.

The ridge’s geological makeup is a treasure trove for rockhounds. Its exposed rocky terrain, shaped by natural erosion, often reveals hidden gems.

Tourmaline seekers should focus on gravel beds, creeks, and road cuts along the ridge. These areas are prime spots where the prized stones may be uncovered.

While searching, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Bismark Peak. The high elevation and diverse mineral content make Nelson Ridge a standout location for gemstone enthusiasts.

Castle Peak

Nestled in the northwest corner of the Pasayten Wilderness, Castle Peak stands tall at 8,343 feet in Whatcom County. This rugged mountain, part of the North Cascades, offers a unique opportunity for tourmaline hunters.

The peak’s complex massif, with its numerous drainages and ridges, creates an ideal environment for mineral formation.

Rockhounds can explore the gravels of Pass Creek and Freezeout Creek on the mountain’s northwest and west sides. These areas are known for yielding tourmaline specimens.

The mountain’s diverse geological history, shaped by volcanic activity and glaciation, has produced a variety of rock formations rich in minerals.

Agnes Creek

Nestled in the heart of Wenatchee National Forest, Agnes Creek offers a unique gem-hunting experience. This rugged stream flows through the North Cascades and eventually joins the Stehekin River.

Tourmaline can be specifically found at the Blankenship Prospect within Agnes Creek.

The area’s complex geological history includes volcanic activity and significant mineral deposits. This has led to the formation of various minerals, including tourmaline.

Rockhounds can explore the creek’s gravel bars and surrounding hillsides, where eroded tourmaline may have settled. The area’s challenging terrain adds to the adventure, with dense forests and steep slopes surrounding the mineral-rich zones.

Mount Roosevelt

Mount Roosevelt is a big mountain in Washington’s Cascade Range. It’s part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and sits about six miles from Snoqualmie Pass. At 5,835 feet tall, it’s a great spot for finding tourmaline.

The mountain’s diverse geology, shaped by volcanic activity and glacial forces, creates a prime environment for mineral formation. Look for tourmaline in the granite rocks and areas where glaciers left behind rocks and dirt.

While exploring, keep an eye out for the mountain’s unique craggy peaks and deep glacial valleys – telltale signs of its complex geological history.

The area’s rich mineral composition also makes it a potential hotspot for other fascinating finds.

Deer Flat Area

The Deer Flat Area is located near the village of Index and offers a unique rockhounding experience. The area’s rich geological history, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial movements, has created a diverse mineral playground.

Tourmaline enthusiasts will find the alluvial deposits along creek beds particularly promising.

The nearby Deer Creek Falls, a stunning 60-foot cascade, adds to the area’s natural beauty and may offer opportunities for mineral exploration. The varied terrain, from flat plains to rugged canyons, provides the best conditions to search for tourmaline.

The Deer Flat Area’s proximity to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest makes it a great base for extended rockhounding trips.

Remember to explore the base of hills and areas of historical water flow, as these spots often yield the best tourmaline finds.

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.