When I first started hunting for rocks, minerals, and gems here in New York, I had no idea just how much treasure was lying beneath my feet. Turns out, our state is a goldmine—literally, in some places—for collectors, hobbyists, or anyone looking to make a little extra cash.

Did you know Herkimer diamonds, those brilliant, naturally faceted quartz crystals, are some of the most sought-after gemstones in the country? And let’s not forget garnets, our state gem, which can fetch a pretty penny if you find the right ones.

What’s really exciting is how accessible these treasures are. You don’t need to be a geologist or have expensive equipment to uncover these hidden gems.

From the rich Adirondack mountains to the fertile riverbeds of the Hudson Valley, New York has plenty of hotspots where anyone can try their luck.

Now, I’ll show you exactly what you can find and the best places to start your hunt. Whether you’re hoping to strike it big or just want a fun weekend adventure, there’s something special waiting for you out there.

The Most Valuable Rocks, Minerals, And Gems You Can Find In New York

Let’s look at all the natural treasures that call our state home.

Silver

Silver is a shiny, precious metal that’s been prized for centuries. In New York, silver is mostly found as a mineral in rocks, often combined with other metals like copper and lead. It can also appear in small nuggets or flakes, though that’s less common here.

People who search for silver in the state usually focus on mining areas or places known for metal-rich deposits (You can read through our existing guide about Silver deposits in New York)

Why It’s Valuable

Silver is valuable for so many reasons! It’s not just a shiny thing for jewelry and coins; it’s also used in electronics, solar panels, and even medical devices.

Plus, it’s a great investment because its price tends to stay strong over time. If you’re lucky enough to find some, it could hold sentimental and financial value.

Great Places to Find It in New York

If you’re looking to hunt for silver in New York, there are a few spots worth exploring. These places are known for their geological features and mining history, which increases your chances of finding silver or other interesting minerals.

• Sparta Mine: Situated in the Hudson Valley, this historic mine has a reputation for yielding silver alongside other minerals. It’s a fascinating spot for enthusiasts looking to connect with New York’s mining heritage.
• Edwards Mine: Located in St. Lawrence County, this former mining site has yielded traces of silver along with other metals like zinc and lead. It’s a great place to start if you’re interested in the state’s mining history and geology.
• Inland Basin: This geologically rich region has layers of sedimentary rock that may contain traces of silver-bearing minerals. It’s worth exploring areas where mining activity once occurred, especially around metal deposits.

Explore additional Silver sites throughout New York with our detailed guide.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, and it comes in many colors, although blue is the most famous. In New York, the sapphires you’ll typically encounter tend to be smaller and sometimes have unique color variations, like yellow or green, due to the specific minerals in the soil.

These are often found in glacial deposits left behind from ancient ice movements. Browse our existing guide to finding Sapphire across New York.

Why It’s Valuable

Sapphires are prized for their incredible beauty, hardness, and rarity. They rank just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them perfect for jewelry that can last a lifetime.

Their value also comes from their vibrant colors, which symbolize qualities like loyalty, wisdom, and integrity. Plus, locally sourced sapphires can carry a special charm and story, making them even more special.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re ready to start hunting for sapphires, New York has some fantastic spots where you can try your luck. Here are my top recommendations:

• Ellenville Area: Nestled in Ulster County, its diverse geological makeup offers the potential to find sapphires, especially in riverbeds and gravel deposits.
• Thousand Islands Region: This area along the St. Lawrence River is known for its unique geological formations. Glacial activity here has left behind mineral-rich deposits where small sapphires can sometimes be found.
• Toddsville Area: Located near Cooperstown, this quiet area has a history of mineral exploration. Streams and glacial soils here occasionally yield small gemstones, making it a worthwhile stop for sapphire seekers.

Find the best Sapphire spots across New York in our complete guide.

Beryl

Beryl is a mineral made of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, and it’s best known for its colorful varieties like emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), and heliodor (yellow).

In New York, we don’t usually find emeralds, but we do get some beautiful examples of greenish beryl and aquamarine. Most of these are found in pegmatites, which are large, coarse-grained rocks formed deep underground.

Why It’s Valuable

SFor starters, it’s rare, and its colors can be absolutely stunning when cut and polished. Gem-quality beryl is often used in jewelry, but even the raw, less-perfect pieces have value to collectors and scientists.

Plus, beryl crystals are pretty tough, so they hold up well over time—making them ideal for display in collections or as keepsakes from your adventures.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re itching to go out and hunt for beryl, you’re in luck. There are several spots around New York where you find Beryl. Here are three great places to start:

• Cranberry Creek: Known for its pegmatite outcrops, Cranberry Creek has produced some beautiful beryl crystals over the years. Just make sure to bring the right tools for digging!
• Bedford District: Located in Westchester County, the Bedford District is a classic site for beryl hunting. Its pegmatite deposits have yielded greenish beryl and other fascinating minerals.
• Hobby Quarry: It’s known for its well-preserved pegmatites that often contain beryl, tourmaline, and other striking minerals.

Our comprehensive New York guide reveals more Beryl hotspots.

Herkimer Diamonds

Herkimer Diamonds are quartz crystals formed over 500 million years ago in pockets of dolostone rock. Their incredible clarity, sharp edges, and natural brilliance make them stand out among quartz varieties.

You can find a range of types, from tiny, flawless crystals perfect for jewelry to larger specimens with fascinating inclusions, like water or black carbon specks, that tell stories of their ancient formation.

Why They’re Valuable

Unlike most quartz crystals, which need cutting and polishing, Herkimer Diamonds come out of the earth already shaped like gems. Their clarity and unique double-termination make them highly sought after by collectors and jewelers.

Plus, they’re a tangible piece of geological history, formed in perfect conditions millions of years ago—pretty cool, right?

Great Places to Find Them in New York

If you’re itching to dig for your own Herkimer Diamonds, we’re lucky to have several spots right here in the state where you can hunt for these treasures yourself. Here are three of my top picks:

• Herkimer Diamond Mines: This is probably the most famous spot and a great place for beginners. They provide tools, and you can keep whatever you find. It’s a fun outing for families or solo adventurers.
• Ace of Diamonds Mine: Known for producing some high-quality finds, this location offers plenty of space to dig and explore. It’s well-organized and has a welcoming vibe for both seasoned rockhounds and newcomers.
• Crystal Grove Diamond Mine: This site is a hidden gem (pun intended) where you can camp out and make a weekend of it. The mine has a rustic charm, and the finds can be fantastic if you’re patient and persistent.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz that gets its purple hue from iron and other trace elements inside the crystal. The shade can vary from a light lavender to a deep, royal purple.

In New York, the amethyst you’ll find typically has a soft, pastel color, although deeper purples can show up too. Sometimes, it’s found with smoky quartz or other minerals, which makes for a cool, mixed look.

Why It’s Valuable

Amethyst isn’t just a pretty gemstone—it’s also popular for its spiritual and healing properties. People believe it can help with stress relief and mental clarity.

Locally, it’s valuable because it’s part of our state’s natural beauty and geological history. Plus, hunting for it is a great way to spend time outdoors.

Great Places to Find It Here

There are several spots where you can find amethyst in New York. Here are some places to check out:

• Mount Pleasant: This area has some hidden rockhounding opportunities, and amethyst can be found in local quarries or along trails.
• Wesley Hills: Known for its scenic views and nature trails, this area has pockets of mineral-rich grounds. Exploring small streams or rocky outcrops may lead to exciting finds.
• Central Catskills: The Catskill Mountains are not only beautiful but also a great area for rockhounding. Certain quarries and stream beds may surprise you with amethyst crystals.

See where else to find Amethyst in New York with our full guide.

Moonstone

Moonstone is a variety of feldspar that shimmers due to a phenomenon called adularescence. This effect creates a glowing, almost magical appearance as light dances across its surface.

Some feldspar varieties with similar qualities can be found in the state, including local orthoclase and albite feldspars (Check out the Moonstone locations throughout New York here).

Why It’s Valuable

Moonstone is treasured for its beauty and its symbolism. Many people associate it with intuition, creativity, and calming energy.

Even if you’re not into metaphysical properties, its delicate shimmer makes it a favorite for jewelry and collectors.

Great Places to Find It in New York

If you’re ready to try your luck at finding moonstone or similar stones, these spots in New York are worth a visit:

• Saranac Lake: Known for its stunning views and abundant natural resources, the Saranac Lake region offers excellent opportunities to find feldspar specimens, especially along rocky outcrops and trails.
• Newcomb Area: This area is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts. Its feldspar-rich environment offers a chance to discover shimmering moonstone.
• Rockdale Road Quarry: Located near Colton, this quarry is a fantastic spot to hunt for feldspar varieties. Just bring your tools and some patience—you might walk away with a gem-quality find.

Visit our in-depth New York guide for more Moonstone gathering locations.

Fluorite

Fluorite is made of calcium fluoride and forms in cube-like crystals that can sometimes grow to impressive sizes. It’s often found in association with other minerals like quartz and calcite.

In New York, we’re lucky to have fluorite in some stunning shades, most commonly purple and green. These colors often stand out when you hold a piece up to the light, revealing its translucent, glowing quality.

Why It’s Valuable

For collectors, Fluorite vibrant colors and unique shapes make it a must-have. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, fluorite is important industrially, used in the production of steel, aluminum, and even certain kinds of glass.

For crystal enthusiasts, fluorite is believed to have metaphysical properties, promoting clarity and focus. Whether you’re a science buff, collector, or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, fluorite holds special value.

Great Places to Find It in New York

New York has some fantastic spots for rockhounds and nature lovers who want to hunt for fluorite. If you’ve got some time and a little patience, here are my top picks for places to explore:

• Lake Erie: Near the Lake Erie shoreline, quarries sometimes turn up fluorite as a byproduct of industrial mining. Check with local collectors or clubs for guidance on where to start.
• Walworth Quarry: Located near Rochester, this active quarry is famous for its fluorite specimens in a range of colors. They occasionally hold open collecting events for the public.
• St. Lawrence County: This area is a hotspot for mineral collecting in general. The Benson Mines in Star Lake have produced some stunning fluorite crystals in green and purple hues.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone known for its incredible range of colors. It’s made of a complex boron silicate mineral, and its hues can range from deep greens and rich reds to blues and even black.

In New York, the most common types of tourmaline you’ll find are black (schorl) and occasionally green varieties. While colorful varieties like pink and watermelon are rare here, it’s always exciting to stumble upon a beautiful, earthy piece.

Why It’s Valuable

Tourmaline is valuable for both collectors and gem enthusiasts. Its vibrant colors make it a sought-after stone for jewelry, and its rarity in certain forms adds to its allure.

Even black tourmaline, which is more common, has unique properties that make it prized for use in metaphysical practices—some people believe it can repel negative energy!

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re itching to hunt for tourmaline in New York, you’re in luck! There are some great spots to find Tourmaline in New York. You can start your search from these locations:

• Barrett Quarry: Located in the Hudson Valley, this quarry is a treasure trove for rockhounds. You’ll often find black tourmaline in the tailings and rock exposures here.
• Rocky Hill: This area is known for its mineral-rich rock formations. With a little digging and patience, you might uncover black tourmaline crystals nestled among other finds.
• Hailesboro Area: Near Gouverneur, this region has a history of mining activity and is a fantastic spot for discovering black tourmaline in addition to other minerals.

See our complete New York guide for additional Tourmaline hunting grounds.

Garnet

Garnet is a beautiful, deep red gemstone that has been cherished for centuries. It forms naturally under intense heat and pressure, making it a common mineral in metamorphic rocks.

Here in New York, we’re lucky to have some of the world’s finest garnet deposits. The most prominent type found in the state is the almandine garnet, known for its rich, dark red hue.

In fact, the garnet is New York’s official state gemstone, and the quality of our almandine garnets is so exceptional that they’re even used as industrial abrasives in addition to being polished into stunning jewelry pieces.

Why It’s Valuable

Garnets are valuable for a few reasons. First, their deep red color makes them highly sought after for use in jewelry. The almandine garnets from New York have a reputation for their clarity and vibrant tones, which make them particularly desirable.

Beyond their beauty, garnets have practical uses too. Their hardness and sharp edges when crushed make them excellent for cutting, sanding, and polishing materials. This versatility adds to their value, whether you’re looking at them as gemstones or as tools for industry.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re up for an adventure, you can actually try your hand at finding garnet yourself. Some places in New York are famous for their garnet deposits, and visiting them is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while searching for these gems:

• Barton Garnet Mine: This is one of the most famous garnet mines in the world. They offer tours where you can learn about the history of garnet mining and even collect some garnets to take home.
• Hooper Garnet Mine: Another great location for garnet hunting, this mine allows visitors to dig through rock and gravel to uncover their own pieces of New York’s state gemstone.
• Gore Mountain: Known for its high-quality garnet deposits, this spot has been a favorite for mineral enthusiasts for years. The garnets here are some of the largest and most vibrant you’ll find anywhere.

Pyrite (Fool’s Gold)

Pyrite is a mineral composed of iron sulfide, and it forms in a variety of shapes and structures, from cubes to intricate clusters.

In New York, you’ll often find cubic pyrite, which looks like tiny golden dice, as well as pyritohedrons, which have a rounded, multi-faceted look. Some samples even come with a tarnished surface, giving them a rainbow-like shimmer.

Why It’s Valuable

Collectors love Pyrite for its stunning appearance and symmetry, while educators use it to teach geology and mineralogy.

Pyrite is also important in industry, where it’s used to produce sulfuric acid and other chemicals. Plus, it’s just plain fun to find a chunk of shiny pyrite and marvel at its natural beauty.

Great Places to Find It Here

New York is home to some amazing spots for pyrite hunting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for a fun weekend activity, these places are worth checking out:

• Schoharie County: Known for its rich geology, this area is a hot spot for pyrite, especially in the road cuts and near limestone formations.
• Dutchess County: Near Poughkeepsie, there are old quarries and rock outcrops where pyrite is often found alongside other minerals like garnet and mica.
• Catskill Mountains: This region has a mix of natural beauty and mineral-rich areas. Streams and exposed rock faces can sometimes reveal stunning pyrite specimens.

Opal

New York doesn’t have the classic rainbow-colored opals you might picture, but we do have some interesting types worth checking out. Common opals, also known as “potch,” can be found here, though they don’t have flashy colors.

You can also come across dendritic opals, which are white or gray with black, fern-like patterns. These are just as fascinating for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Why Opal is Valuable

Even the simpler forms of opal found in New York are valuable because of their rarity and beauty. Opal collectors love the natural patterns and textures that make each stone unique.

Plus, the dendritic designs in some opals are like nature’s artwork, making them perfect for one-of-a-kind jewelry or display pieces.

Great Places to Find Opal in New York

If you’re up for a little adventure, there are some amazing spots in New York where you can find opal. Here are my top recommendations:

• Putnam Valley: This area in the Hudson Valley is a fantastic spot for amateur rockhounds. Check the wooded trails and rocky outcroppings for potential finds like common opal or other unique minerals.
• Westchester County: Known for its mix of urban and natural landscapes, Westchester has several areas with exposed bedrock and creeks that may reveal opals or interesting geological surprises.
• Warwick Area: Located in Orange County, Warwick offers a peaceful setting for rock collecting. Explore fields, creek beds, and forested areas for dendritic opals or other beautiful stones.

View our complete New York guide for more Opal locations near you.

Barite

Barite is a sulfate mineral made up of barium sulfate (BaSO₄). Its high density makes it special—it’s much heavier than most other non-metallic minerals.

In New York, barite often occurs as tabular or prismatic crystals. You’ll mostly see it in shades of white, gray, and even pale blue, depending on the impurities it carries. The types of barite found here include crystalline varieties and those that form as veins within rocks.

Why It’s Valuable

Barite is incredibly valuable for both industrial and scientific purposes. It’s used in the oil and gas industry as a weighting agent in drilling fluids, which helps prevent blowouts by stabilizing pressure in wells.

Outside of industry, its high density and non-toxic properties make it useful in medical imaging, radiation shielding, and even paints. For us hobbyists and collectors, its beauty and rarity in certain forms make it a prized addition to any collection.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to explore and find barite, New York offers several excellent spots. These locations are rich in geological history and make for a great day trip if you’re up for a little adventure:

• Franklin County: Known for its crystal-clear barite specimens, Franklin County offers a treasure trove for mineral collectors. Keep an eye out for old quarries and exposed rock formations.
• Saratoga County: In this region, barite is often found alongside other minerals like calcite. Local stream beds and road cuts can yield some interesting finds.
• Orange County: This area is particularly notable for its mining history and the variety of minerals found. Barite can be discovered in areas with old mine tailings and abandoned quarry sites.

Agates

Agates are a type of quartz made up of tiny crystals, forming layers that create their signature bands. They come in a variety of colors, from earthy browns and reds to more vibrant oranges and whites.

In New York, you can find banded agates, fortification agates (with patterns that look like a fortress or walls), and moss agates, which have green, plant-like inclusions that remind you of little forests trapped inside a stone.

Why Agates Are Valuable

Agates are meaningful to many people because of their supposed metaphysical properties, like promoting balance and grounding.

Even if you’re just a rockhound like me, finding one feels like uncovering a little piece of natural art shaped over millions of years.

Great Places to Find Agates in New York

We’re lucky here in New York because our state has some great spots to search for agates. Whether you’re an experienced rockhound or just starting, these locations offer a chance to find some real treasures:

• Genesee River: Flowing through western New York, this river is a prime location to search for agates, especially in gravel bars and exposed riverbanks after the water level drops.
• Eighteen Mile Creek: Located in Erie County, this creek is a fantastic spot for finding banded agates along its banks and in the shallow waters. The area is also scenic, so you’ll enjoy the hunt as much as the discovery.
• Natural Bridge: This small hamlet in the Adirondack region is a hidden gem for rockhounds. The local rock formations and stream beds are excellent for uncovering moss agates and other varieties.

Discover the best Agate locations across New York in our full guide.

Corundum

Corundum is prized for its strength and stunning range of colors. In New York, you can mostly find sapphire, which can range from deep blue to a light, almost translucent hue.

While rubies are less common here, traces have been found in specific geological formations. New York’s corundum is often discovered in metamorphic rocks, such as schist and gneiss, which were formed under immense heat and pressure over millions of years.

Why It’s Valuable

Corundum’s incredible hardness makes it useful not just for jewelry but also for industrial applications like abrasives and cutting tools. When it comes to gemstones, the rarity of large, high-quality pieces makes them especially desirable.

For collectors and gem enthusiasts, the chance to find natural corundum in New York is both thrilling and rewarding.

Great Places to Find It Here

New York has plenty of spots where corundum can be unearthed if you know where to look. Here are some of the best places to start your search:

• Orange County: Certain quarries and road cuts in Orange County have been known to yield sapphire crystals. Always check with local authorities to ensure collecting is allowed.
• Franklin County: Known for its deposits of corundum in metamorphic rocks, this area offers a mix of accessible outcrops and scenic views.
• Adirondack Mountains: The Adirondacks are a hotspot for all kinds of minerals, including corundum. Try exploring areas with exposed schist and gneiss formations, particularly near old mining sites.

Geodes

Geodes are hollow rocks with sparkling crystals or mineral formations inside. They’re formed when mineral-rich water flows into cavities in rocks, leaving behind deposits that crystallize over time.

In New York, we mainly find quartz geodes, sometimes with amethyst or chalcedony crystals. Explore Geodes sites throughout New York with our detailed guide.

Why Geodes Are Valuable

Geodes are more than just pretty rocks—they’re miniature natural artworks that showcase the wonders of geology. They’re valuable for their beauty, rarity, and scientific importance.

Some people collect them, while others turn them into jewelry or home decor. And let’s be honest, cracking one open to reveal its glittering secrets is just plain fun.

Great Places to Find Geodes in New York

If you’re ready to go on an adventure and try your luck, here are three fantastic spots to check out:

• Penfield Quarry: Located near Rochester, this quarry is a popular spot for rockhounds. You can find geodes with beautiful quartz crystals, along with other interesting minerals.
• St. Lawrence County: Near Gouverneur and in some parts of the Adirondacks, you might stumble upon geodes with quartz or calcite crystals.
• Western New York: Check out creek beds and limestone quarries in the area around Buffalo. Geodes sometimes pop up as you’re exploring.

Browse our extensive guide to uncover more Geodes locations in New York.

Fossils

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life, like plants, animals, and even microscopic organisms. In New York, we’re especially lucky to have a diverse range of fossils.

Most of the fossils here come from the Devonian period, about 400 million years ago, when this area was covered by a shallow sea.

Why Fossils Are Valuable

Fossils are like time machines, giving us a glimpse into what life was like millions of years ago. They help scientists understand how life has evolved, what the environment was like back then, and even how Earth’s continents have shifted.

For us locals, they’re a tangible connection to New York’s natural history—and let’s be real, they’re just plain cool to find and collect. Fossil hunting is also a great way to get outside and explore the beauty of our state.

Great Places to Find Fossils in New York

If you’re ready to try your hand at fossil hunting, there are some amazing spots around New York where you can start. Remember to bring the right tools and check the local rules about collecting fossils.

• Gilboa Fossil Forest: Located in Schoharie County, this is one of the world’s oldest fossilized forests. You can see tree stumps that are over 380 million years old!
• Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve: Near Buffalo, this is a fantastic spot to dig for Devonian fossils like trilobites and brachiopods. It’s family-friendly and perfect for beginners.
• Central New York Fossil Sites: Places like the Herkimer Diamond Mines often have fossils mixed in with the quartz crystals. Keep an eye out for small marine fossils like corals and brachiopods.

Discover hidden Fossils locations with our complete New York guide.

Calcite

Calcite is a mineral made of calcium carbonate, and it comes in all sorts of shapes and colors. Some of the most beautiful varieties found in New York include clear crystals, golden calcite, and even some fluorescent types that glow under UV light.

It’s a big deal in the mineral world because it forms in so many different environments—from limestone caves to marble quarries.

Why It’s Valuable

This mineral isn’t just pretty—it’s practical too. Calcite is used in everything from making cement to neutralizing acids in soil and water.

On top of that, the crystals make for stunning specimens that collectors love. If you’re into exploring or displaying cool finds, calcite can be a real treasure.

Great Places to Find It Here

New York is a fantastic place to hunt for calcite, with spots that are perfect for both beginners and experienced rockhounds. Here are some of the top places you should check out:

• Warren County: This area offers calcite crystals, often in unique formations within metamorphic rocks.
• Lockport area: The dolostone formations here are rich in minerals, including calcite. You might find clear or amber-colored crystals in quarry areas or along rock cuts.
• Fonda, Montgomery County: The dolomite quarries around Fonda are still a standout for their golden calcite crystals, making it a must-visit spot.

Basalt

Basalt is a type of igneous rock, which means it comes from cooled lava or magma. It’s usually black or dark gray and often filled with small holes or bubbles called vesicles. In New York, basalt appears in forms like columnar basalt, which forms dramatic hexagonal columns, massive basalt, which is more solid and dense, and vesicular basalt, with its characteristic sponge-like texture from trapped gases. These variations showcase the state’s volcanic history and diverse geology.

Why Basalt Is Valuable

Basalt is more than just a pretty rock—it’s incredibly useful. Its strength and durability make it a top choice for construction projects, like road building and railway ballast. Crushed basalt is often used for gravel and decorative stone, while its heat-resistant properties make it ideal for industrial uses. Plus, its unique look makes it a favorite among artists and designers.

Great Places to Find Basalt in New York

New York has some amazing spots where you can see basalt in its natural glory. Whether you’re a rock enthusiast or just love exploring nature, here are a few places I’d recommend:

• The Palisades: This iconic cliffside offers stunning views and some of the best examples of columnar basalt in the state.
• Thacher State Park: Known for its fossil-rich limestone, this park also features basalt formations in its rock outcrops and cliffs. You’ll find a mix of geological wonders here.
• Lake Ontario Shoreline: The basalt boulders along parts of the shoreline are perfect for exploring. Keep an eye out for vesicular basalt, especially after storms that expose new rocks.