Have you ever thought about how much cool stuff might be lying just beneath your feet here in Pennsylvania? Our state is packed with valuable rocks, minerals, and gems that are perfect for collectors—or even for making a little extra cash.

Whether you’re into sparkling crystals, colorful stones, or even metals like gold, Pennsylvania has something amazing to offer.

For instance, did you know you can find amethyst in some parts of the state? Those deep purple crystals are not just beautiful—they can also be worth a decent chunk of change if you find a good piece.

And let’s not forget about pyrite, or “fool’s gold.” Sure, it’s not real gold, but its shiny, golden look makes it a favorite for collectors. Speaking of gold, yep, we’ve got that too! It’s rare, but it’s definitely been found in our rivers and streams.

The best part is that these treasures aren’t hidden in some far-off place—they’re right here in Pennsylvania, waiting for you to uncover them.

I’ll show you some of the most valuable finds you can come across and where to start looking, whether you’re up north, down south, or anywhere in between. Let’s dig into what our state has to offer—you won’t believe what you can discover!

The Most Valuable Rocks, Minerals, And Gems You Can Find

Here are the most valuable finds out there ready to be found:

Amethyst

Amethyst is a quartz crystal that gets its purple color from iron and radiation exposure over millions of years. Here in Pennsylvania, the amethyst you’ll find often comes in shades ranging from light lavender to deep, dark purples.

Sometimes it’s mixed with clear quartz, giving it a layered or banded appearance. You’re most likely to find it in geodes or as clusters in veins of rock, and occasionally, you might stumble across single crystals broken free by erosion.

Why It’s Valuable

Amethyst is highly prized for both its beauty and its versatility. Deep purple amethyst is the most valuable, especially if it’s transparent and free of cracks. Even lighter-colored stones can be worth something if they’re well-formed or used in decorative pieces.

Beyond its monetary value, it’s also a popular stone for jewelry and collectors, which makes it a great find whether you’re looking to sell or keep it as a prized possession.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re ready to get out there and start searching, you’re in luck since we’ve already written a full guide to finding Amethyst in Pennsylvania. Southeastern Pennsylvania is the best area to look, but there are some specific spots where amethyst has been discovered:

• Lancaster County: Quarries and rocky areas around Lancaster are known for producing amethyst. Check exposed rock faces and rubble piles.
• York County: This area has had reports of small but beautiful amethyst crystals, often in conjunction with other quartz varieties.
• Delaware County: Look for old mining areas or rocky streambeds where erosion might have exposed amethyst deposits.

For more locations check out the full guide to finding Amethyst in PA here.

Garnet

Garnet is a mineral made up of silicate compounds, and it comes in a variety of colors depending on the specific chemical makeup. In Pennsylvania, the most common type of garnet is almandine, which has a deep red or reddish-brown color.

These garnets often form as small crystals in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, especially in areas that have experienced intense heat and pressure over millions of years.

Why It’s Valuable

Garnets are valuable for both their beauty and their practical uses. Deep red almandine garnets are popular for jewelry and can fetch a good price if they’re large and well-formed.

Even smaller, less perfect specimens are highly prized by collectors because of their unique crystal shapes and vibrant colors. Plus, garnets are used industrially as abrasives, so they have practical value as well.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to find garnets in Pennsylvania, there are some great places to explore. Most of the state’s garnet deposits are in the eastern part, especially where metamorphic rocks are exposed:

• Delaware Water Gap: The rocks around the Delaware Water Gap are rich in garnets. Look for exposed rock faces or loose stones along hiking trails.
• Lehigh County: This area is known for its schist formations, which often contain small, bright red garnet crystals. Old quarries and rocky outcrops are good spots to search.
• Schuylkill County: Garnets have been found in metamorphic rocks here, especially near areas of exposed bedrock or along streambeds.

Pyrite (Fool’s Gold)

Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral that forms in a variety of shapes and sizes. Its metallic gold color and shiny surface make it stand out, and it often forms in cubic or crystalline shapes.

In Pennsylvania, pyrite is commonly found in coal beds, limestone formations, and along streams. Sometimes, it appears in clusters of small crystals or as single, well-formed cubes embedded in rock.

Why It’s Valuable

Even though it’s called “fool’s gold,” pyrite has value in its own right. Collectors prize it for its bright metallic luster and unique crystal shapes. It’s also used in some industries for its sulfur content and as a source of iron in certain processes.

But for most of us, its value lies in its beauty and the thrill of discovering something that looks like treasure in the wild.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re up for some rockhounding, there are plenty of places in Pennsylvania where pyrite can be found. The key is to look in areas with coal deposits, sedimentary rocks, or streambeds. Here are some of the best places to start:

• Coal Regions in Western Pennsylvania: Pyrite is commonly found in the coal beds of western Pennsylvania. Look in mine tailings or exposed rock layers near old mining sites.
• Kittanning and Clarion Formations: These sedimentary rock layers, found in central and western Pennsylvania, are known for producing pyrite crystals.
• Streambeds in Southeastern Pennsylvania: Streams that cut through limestone-rich areas often reveal pyrite deposits. Bring a sieve or shovel to explore gravel bars and eroded banks.

Gold (The Real Stuff)

Gold is a precious metal that forms deep in the Earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure. In Pennsylvania, the gold you’ll find is mostly placer gold, which means it’s been carried by rivers and streams and deposited in their beds.

These small flakes and nuggets are often mixed with sand, gravel, or other sediment, so you’ll need a good eye and maybe a gold pan to spot them.

Why It’s Valuable

Gold has been prized for thousands of years because of its rarity, beauty, and resistance to tarnishing. Even tiny amounts can be worth something, especially if you find enough of it.

Beyond its monetary value, gold also has a kind of mystique—it’s thrilling to uncover even the smallest piece, knowing it’s a treasure that’s been hidden for millennia. Plus, gold prospecting can be a great way to spend time outdoors.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re ready to give gold prospecting a shot, Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers are your best bet. Check out our full Guide To Finding Gold In Pennsylvania to find all the best spots.

Many of the state’s gold deposits are found in areas shaped by glacial activity. Here are a few great places to start:

• Lehigh River and its tributaries: This area in eastern Pennsylvania has a history of gold sightings, especially in sandy or gravelly stretches of the riverbed.
• Youghiogheny River: Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, this river has produced small amounts of placer gold in the past. Focus on bends in the river where gold might settle.
• French Creek: This stream in Chester County has been a favorite among prospectors for years and is known for producing small amounts of placer gold.

For even more locations read through our Guide To Finding Gold In Pennsylvania.

Jasper

Jasper is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz, known for its vibrant colors and patterns. The jasper found in Pennsylvania often comes in shades of deep red, mustard yellow, and earthy browns, sometimes with streaks or patterns that make each piece one of a kind.

In some places, you might even find banded or brecciated jasper, which has intricate patterns that collectors love.

Why It’s Valuable

Jasper has been prized for thousands of years, and for good reason. Its vibrant colors make it a favorite for jewelry and decorative items, while its hardness and smooth texture made it a key material for arrowheads and tools in prehistoric times.

Today, it’s still sought after by collectors and lapidary enthusiasts for its beauty and rarity in large, high-quality pieces.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re ready to look for jasper, southeastern Pennsylvania is where you’ll want to start. The state has a rich history of jasper use, especially by Native Americans, and some of the best locations are easily accessible.

• Lehigh County: The famous Jasper Quarry near Vera Cruz is one of the top spots. This area has been known for jasper discoveries for centuries.
• Berks County: Streams and hillsides around Kutztown often reveal jasper, especially after heavy rains.
• Chester County: Look in the French Creek area for scattered jasper pieces among the rocks and streams.

Agate

Agate is a variety of chalcedony, which is a type of microcrystalline quartz. It forms in layers, creating stunning bands of color that make each piece unique.

Here in Pennsylvania, the agate you’ll find typically comes in shades of red, orange, brown, and even yellow. These colors come from the iron and other minerals that were present during its formation.

Most of the agates here are small but can still be incredibly striking when polished.

Why It’s Valuable

Agate is valued for its beauty, especially when it has bold, well-defined bands or rare color combinations. Collectors love it because no two pieces are the same, and even smaller specimens can make beautiful additions to displays.

It’s also popular in jewelry-making, where polished slices or tumbled stones can fetch a nice price. Plus, finding a good piece is a thrill in itself, making it a great choice for hobbyists and rockhounds.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to hunt for agate in Pennsylvania, you’re in for a treat, we’ve even written a full guide to finding Agates in Pennsylvania here. While it’s scattered across the state, there are a few places where your chances of finding it are much better:

• Venango County: This area in northwestern Pennsylvania is a hotspot for agate, often found in riverbeds and glacial deposits.
• Montour County: Known for its iron-rich rocks, Montour County has been a good source of red and orange agates, often discovered near exposed bedrock.
• Lehigh Valley: The quarries and rocky areas in this part of eastern Pennsylvania have yielded beautiful agates with intricate banding.

To find even more locations check out the full guide on Agate hunting in PA.

Moonstone

Moonstone is a variety of feldspar, known for its shimmering, almost magical glow called adularescence. This effect happens when light scatters between thin layers inside the stone, creating that soft, glowing sheen.

In Pennsylvania, moonstone tends to come in shades of white, gray, or peach, and while the glow might not be as dramatic as stones from other regions, it’s still a beautiful and collectible find.

Why It’s Valuable

Moonstone is prized for its ethereal beauty and its connection to folklore, where it’s often thought of as a “stone of intuition” or “gem of the moon.” High-quality moonstone with a strong adularescent glow is especially valuable.

Even more subtle specimens are sought after for jewelry, decorative use, and by collectors who love its unique properties. Pennsylvania moonstone may not fetch top market prices, but its rarity in the state makes it a prized find for local rockhounds.

Great Places to Find It Here

Moonstone isn’t super abundant in Pennsylvania, but with a little effort, you can still track it down in a few key spots found in our guide to Pennsylvania Moonstone. Check these places to start your search:

• Southeastern Pennsylvania: Feldspar-rich areas around Chester and Delaware counties sometimes produce moonstone as part of their mineral deposits. Look in quarries or rocky streambeds.
• Northern Pennsylvania: Near the Endless Mountains region, feldspar-rich pegmatites can occasionally yield moonstone. This area requires careful exploration, but it’s worth the effort.
• Western Pennsylvania: Along streams and exposed rock formations in Greene and Fayette counties, you might stumble across feldspar stones, some of which can include moonstone.

To find even more locations check out the full list of PA Moonstone locations here.

Malachite

Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral that forms in areas rich in copper deposits. It’s known for its bright green color and the way it forms concentric bands or swirling patterns, almost like tree rings.

In Pennsylvania, malachite is typically found in small deposits near areas where copper mining once took place. The pieces here may not be huge, but they’re still striking and worth adding to a collection.

Why It’s Valuable

Malachite is valuable for a few reasons. First, its vivid green color and natural patterns make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items. High-quality specimens with clear banding or unusual formations can be worth quite a bit.

Plus, because it’s tied to copper deposits, malachite is also of interest to geologists and historians who study Pennsylvania’s mining past. Even smaller pieces are prized by collectors for their beauty and uniqueness.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to hunt for malachite in Pennsylvania, the best places are near old copper mines and areas where copper deposits were historically discovered. Here are a few spots to check out:

• Cornwall Mines, Lebanon County: This old mining area is one of the most well-known locations for malachite in the state. Look for greenish rocks in the debris piles.
• New Garden Township, Chester County: Copper deposits in this area have yielded small amounts of malachite, especially near exposed rock faces and old quarries.
• Pittsburg Area Mines, Allegheny County: Western Pennsylvania’s history of mining sometimes reveals malachite among other minerals in tailings and rocky areas.

Serpentine

Serpentine is a metamorphic rock formed when ultramafic rocks (rich in magnesium and iron) undergo intense heat and pressure deep below the Earth’s surface. Here in Pennsylvania, serpentine often appears in shades of green, ranging from pale olive to deep, dark forest hues.

It has a waxy or silky texture and can sometimes include veins of other minerals like chrysotile or talc. Pennsylvania serpentine has even been used historically as a decorative stone in buildings and monuments.

Why It’s Valuable

Serpentine is valuable for a few reasons. Its striking green color makes it a favorite for decorative uses, like countertops, tiles, and carvings. It’s also of interest to geologists and collectors because it’s tied to ancient geological processes.

Some varieties of serpentine can contain small amounts of precious minerals, making it even more intriguing to rockhounds. Plus, its rarity in certain areas means that finding a good specimen can feel like hitting the jackpot.

Great Places to Find It Here

Southeastern Pennsylvania is the best region for finding serpentine, as the rock formations there are rich with deposits. Here are three spots to check out:

• Nottingham County Park (Chester County): This park is known for its serpentine barrens, an area with exposed serpentine bedrock. You can find chunks of green serpentine in the rocky soil.
• Lancaster County Quarries: Some quarries in this region occasionally yield serpentine, especially in areas with exposed metamorphic rock.
• Delaware County Hills: Look along ridges and natural outcroppings where erosion has revealed serpentine-rich layers.

Beryl

Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum silicate, and it forms in hexagonal crystals that can grow quite large. While emerald (green) and aquamarine (blue) are the most famous varieties of beryl, Pennsylvania typically yields light green to yellowish beryl, sometimes called golden beryl.

You might also find some pale blue or colorless beryl, depending on the location. These crystals often form in pegmatite rocks, which are coarse-grained igneous formations.

Why It’s Valuable

Beryl’s value comes from its rarity and beauty. Even the light green and golden varieties can fetch a good price if the crystals are large, well-formed, and free of cracks. Its association with precious gemstones like emerald and aquamarine makes any beryl find exciting.

Plus, collectors and jewelers alike love it for its clean, geometric crystal shapes and natural shimmer.

Great Places to Find It Here

Finding beryl in Pennsylvania takes a little effort, but it’s definitely worth the hunt. Pegmatite deposits in the state are your best bet, especially in areas where mining activity has exposed these rocks. You can find the full lost of locations in our Pennsylvania Beryl guide here.

Here are a few great spots to start your search:

• Chester County: The granite quarries and pegmatite exposures in Chester County have produced beryl crystals, particularly around the Coatesville area.
• Delaware County: Known for its rich geology, Delaware County has several spots where pegmatites contain beryl. Check out old mine tailings for potential finds.
• York County: Some areas in York County, especially near igneous rock outcrops, have been known to produce beryl crystals in light green and yellow shades.

You can see even more locations here in the full Beryl guide.

Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is essentially fossilized wood that has been preserved over millions of years. In Pennsylvania, most petrified wood comes from ancient trees that lived in swampy areas during the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago.

You’re likely to find specimens with rich, earthy tones of brown, gray, and black, and some pieces may even show the intricate grain patterns of the original tree.

Why It’s Valuable

Petrified wood is valuable for a few reasons. First, it’s a fossil, so it has scientific significance, showing us what kinds of trees once thrived here. Second, it’s a unique collectible. Larger or well-preserved pieces can be great for displays or even cut and polished for decorative purposes.

Plus, its rarity in some areas makes finding a good specimen feel like a real accomplishment.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re ready to hunt for some petrified wood, there are a few areas in Pennsylvania where you’re more likely to find it (you can see the full guide to finding it here in PA). Look for locations with exposed sediment or near coal deposits, as these areas often reveal fossils:

• Western Pennsylvania (Coal Regions): The coal fields near Pittsburgh and other parts of western PA are great places to look, especially near old mining sites.
• Loyalhanna Creek, Westmoreland County: This creek has been known to yield petrified wood and other fossils, especially after heavy rains.
• Central Pennsylvania (Moshannon State Forest): This area is rich in Carboniferous-era fossils, including petrified wood. Check areas with exposed rock formations and streambeds.

For all the rest of the locations check out the full petrified wood guide here.

Opal

Opal is a hydrated silica mineral that can form in cracks and cavities of rocks. It’s famous for its iridescent play of colors, but not all opals show this effect. In Pennsylvania, the opals you’ll find are usually “common opal,” which can appear in shades of white, gray, yellow, or even pale blue.

Occasionally, you might stumble upon opals with subtle color flashes, but they’re rare here. These opals typically form in sedimentary rocks and old volcanic areas.

Why It’s Valuable

Opal is valued for its unique look and rarity. Even common opal, without the rainbow effect, is prized for its smooth texture and natural beauty. Collectors love it for its aesthetic appeal, and even small pieces can be polished and used in jewelry.

Its rarity in Pennsylvania makes finding a good specimen feel like a real achievement, adding to its value in both monetary and sentimental terms.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking for opal, Pennsylvania has a few promising areas (you can see them all in our full guide to finding opal in PA here. Most finds come from places with sedimentary rock formations or areas where silica-rich groundwater was once present. Here are some good places to start your search:

• Schuylkill County: Old coal mines and surrounding areas sometimes reveal opal in sedimentary rocks. Keep an eye out near exposed rock faces or tailings piles.
• Northumberland County: Known for its unique geology, this area has produced small opals in streambeds and eroded rock formations.
• Lancaster County: Certain quarries in this area have reported opal formations, often found in veins alongside quartz.

See all the rest of the spots in the full guide here.

Hematite

Hematite is a mineral made primarily of iron oxide, giving it its distinctive reddish color when powdered. In Pennsylvania, you can find two main types: the shiny, metallic-looking variety and the earthy, reddish-brown type.

The metallic version is often found in clusters or veins, while the earthy form shows up in soft, rust-colored deposits. Both are unique and worth adding to a collection.

Why It’s Valuable

Hematite is valuable for a couple of reasons. First, it’s one of the primary ores of iron, which has been crucial to Pennsylvania’s industrial history. The mineral also has aesthetic value—those shiny, metallic specimens are especially popular among collectors.

On top of that, hematite has a unique magnetic property and is even used in alternative medicine and jewelry, which adds to its appeal.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to hunt for hematite, Pennsylvania offers some fantastic spots to explore. Here are a few places where you’re likely to find it:

• Cornwall Mines, Lebanon County: These historic iron mines are a great place to find hematite. While active mining has long since stopped, the surrounding areas are rich in remnants of this mineral.
• Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Cumberland County: This area, once an important iron-making site, is known for hematite deposits. Look near the old furnace structures or in the rocky areas around trails.
• Mount Pisgah, Carbon County: This region is home to iron-rich deposits, including hematite. The mountain’s geology makes it a great spot for both collectors and amateur rockhounds.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, known for its rich blue color. However, sapphires can also appear in other shades, like pink, yellow, and even colorless, depending on the trace elements they contain.

In Pennsylvania, sapphires are typically small and light in color, most often blue or grayish-blue. They’re found in areas with certain types of metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits where erosion has carried the stones downstream.

Why It’s Valuable

Sapphires are prized for their beauty, rarity, and durability. High-quality sapphires with vivid color and clarity can fetch high prices, especially when used in jewelry.

Even smaller or less vibrant stones can still hold value to collectors who love their history and uniqueness. Plus, there’s something priceless about finding a sapphire yourself—it’s like unearthing a hidden treasure that’s millions of years old.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re interested in hunting for sapphire, you’ll need some patience and a good eye, but a few places in Pennsylvania are known for turning up small specimens (especially the ones in our full Sapphire guide here):

• Schuylkill County: This area is known for its metamorphic rocks, where small sapphire deposits have occasionally been found. Check gravel pits and areas with exposed rock.
• Pine Creek Gorge (Tioga County): The erosion from the creek can reveal small gemstones, including corundum varieties like sapphire, in gravel bars along the water.
• Lehigh Valley: In spots with alluvial deposits, like streambeds and riverbanks, there’s a chance to find small sapphires mixed in with other minerals.

Check out the full guide to see all the rest of the spots.

Silver/Galena

Galena is a lead sulfide mineral that forms in cubic crystals or as massive chunks in veins of rock. It has a shiny, metallic luster that makes it really stand out when you find it. Here in Pennsylvania, galena is often found in association with other minerals like sphalerite (zinc sulfide), quartz, and calcite.

You’re most likely to find it in areas with limestone or near historic mining sites, where it was extracted for its lead content.

Why It’s Valuable

Galena is valuable for a few reasons. First, it’s the primary ore of lead, which has been used for everything from pipes to batteries for centuries. Even though lead mining isn’t active in Pennsylvania anymore, galena remains an important piece of the state’s industrial history.

For collectors, its shiny, cubic crystals are a must-have in any mineral collection. Plus, galena can contain traces of silver, which makes it even more interesting to find.

Great Places to Find It Here

If you’re looking to find silver, you’ll want to head to areas in Pennsylvania known for their mining history or limestone geology (you can find our full guide to finding Silver in PA here). Here are some great spots to start:

• Franklin County: Look around old mining areas near Waynesboro, where galena has been found alongside quartz and other minerals.
• Lancaster County: Check limestone quarries in this area; galena can often be found mixed in with calcite and other minerals.
• York County: Some abandoned mines and rock outcrops in this region have produced galena crystals in the past.

Check out the full silver guide for the rest of the locations.