Wisconsin is a fascinating place for anyone who loves to explore the natural world, especially when it comes to rocks, minerals, and gems. This state, known for its lush forests and sprawling farmlands, is also a playground for geologists and rockhounds.
From the glint of quartz in the sunlight to the deep reds and greens of jasper and epidote, the state’s mineral diversity is a palette of color and texture.
Whether you’re a serious collector or simply someone who loves to be outdoors, the rocks, minerals, and gems of Wisconsin provide an endless opportunity for discovery and enjoyment.
A List of The Common Rocks, Stones, and Minerals Found in Wisconsin
Wisconsin, with its rich geological history, offers an exciting array of rocks, minerals, and gems. Learn more about what you can find if you go exploring around the best rockhounding locations in the state:
The Wisconsin State Rock, Mineral, and Gem
Before we get into the specifics, it helps to know what the official state options are:
| Wisconsin State Rock | Red granite |
| Wisconsin State Mineral | Galena |
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to brush up on the dos and don’ts, like knowing which lands are open to the public and which are off-limits.
You can consult the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to make sure that you know the rules and regulations you need to follow if you want to go rockhounding.
Azurite
Azurite is a striking blue mineral that adds a splash of color to the collection of rocks and minerals found in Wisconsin. This vibrant mineral gets its rich blue hue from copper, which is a big part of what it’s made up of.
Over time, as copper ore is exposed to air and water, a chemical reaction takes place that creates azurite along with other minerals like malachite, which is also known for its own brilliant green color.
The process that forms azurite can take many years. It involves copper-rich water seeping into tiny cracks in rocks. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind copper, which then combines with carbon dioxide and other elements.
People value azurite for several reasons. Its color is the most obvious one – there aren’t many minerals that can match the beauty of azurite’s royal blue.
Then there’s its use in jewelry and decorative pieces. Its rich color can really make a simple necklace or a piece of decor pop. But it’s not just about looks; azurite also has practical uses.
Because it contains copper, it can be processed to extract this metal, which is used in everything from electric wires to coins.
Where you can find azurite in Wisconsin
- Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District, Iowa County
- Ladysmith, Rusk County
- Wauzeka, Crawford County
Calcite
Calcite is a common but fascinating mineral that’s part of the rocks found in Wisconsin. It’s known for its bright white color, but it can also be found in a range of other shades, including pink, yellow, and blue.
This mineral forms in a variety of ways, often as a result of the buildup of shells and skeletons of sea creatures over millions of years. As these layers get compacted, they harden and turn into limestone, which is made mostly of calcite.
In other cases, calcite forms from hot, mineral-rich waters that fill cracks in the Earth’s surface. As the water cools down, calcite crystals start to grow. These crystals can be quite large and incredibly clear, sometimes looking almost like ice.
One of the coolest things about this mineral is how it reacts to acid. If you drop vinegar on calcite, it will fizz. It also has a property called birefringence, which means it can split light into two paths.
Because calcite is so abundant, it has a bunch of uses in everyday life. It’s used to make cement, toothpaste, and even some types of makeup. For collectors, calcite’s different colors and crystal shapes make it a fun addition to their collections.
Where you can find calcite in Wisconsin
- Mississippi River
- Lake Winnebago
- Mineral Point, Iowa County
Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral that brightens up the collection of rocks found in Wisconsin. It comes in a rainbow of colors: from purples to greens, to yellows, and even colorless. It’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to it.
This mineral forms when hot, watery fluids move through rocks deep underground. These fluids are full of different ingredients that, under the right conditions, come together to create fluorite.
The process that forms fluorite can happen in the cracks of rocks or around hot springs. When the temperature and pressure are just right, the chemicals in the water begin to crystalize. This can happen quickly or over millions of years.
Fluorite crystals are usually shaped like cubes or octahedrons, and they can be really small or grow large enough to fill a room.
Its bright colors and crystal shapes make it popular in jewelry and decorative pieces. Plus, under ultraviolet light, some fluorite even glows with an amazing fluorescent light.
Where you can find fluorite in Wisconsin
- Sturgeon Bay, Door County
- Morris pit, Green Lake, Green Lake County
- Vesper, Wood County
Galena
Galena is a shiny, gray mineral that’s not only cool to look at but also one of the most valuable rocks in Wisconsin. It’s the main source of lead and has been mined for over a thousand years.
This mineral often forms in areas where there are hot springs or in regions with limestone that’s been changed by heat and pressure over a long time.
In these environments, fluids rich in minerals seep through the cracks and spaces in the ground, and as they cool down, they leave behind chunky cubes or octahedral crystals of galena.
The look of galena is pretty distinctive. It has a bright metallic luster and is heavy for its size because of its lead content.
In the past, galena was important because it was used to make lead for bullets. Now, it’s mostly used in lead-acid batteries and in the shielding around X-ray machines.
Galena is a favorite of rock collectors because it’s easy to identify and often found in well-formed crystals that are perfect for display.
For those interested in the history of mining, galena is a symbol of the rich mining past of regions like Wisconsin, where it played a big role in the local economy.
Where you can find galena in Wisconsin
- Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District, Lafayette County
- Rio, Columbia County
- Pine Bluff, Dane County
Lake Superior Agate
Lake Superior agate is a type of agate cherished by many for its stunning colors and patterns. This special rock is named after Lake Superior, where it’s commonly found.
It formed over a billion years ago when the North American continent began to split apart, creating rifts that were later filled by molten rock.
As the molten rock solidified, gas bubbles were trapped, and over time, these hollow spaces were filled with layers of quartz and other minerals, giving birth to the Lake Superior agate.
The process took an incredibly long time, with layers upon layers forming the intricate bands that make each agate unique.
These bands come in a kaleidoscope of colors, from reds and oranges to yellows and whites, often interlaced in a way that catches the eye.
Their beauty is why people love to find and collect them. The colors actually come from iron, which is plentiful in the area, and they can tell a lot about the different conditions under which each stone was formed.
Lake Superior agates are prized for their natural beauty and because they can polish up really well, making them great for jewelry and decorative items. Their hardness and durability mean they’re not just pretty; they’re also long-lasting.
Where you can find Lake Superior agate in Wisconsin
- Prairie du Chien, Crawford County
- Chequamegon Bay
- Big Bay State Park
Magnetite
Magnetite is an iron oxide mineral that’s often pulled from the ground in Wisconsin. It’s easy to spot because it’s usually black or brownish-black, with a strong, metallic shine and it feels heavier than other rocks of the same size.
What makes magnetite really cool is that it’s naturally magnetic, one of the few minerals that can attract a magnet or even act as a magnet itself.
This rock forms in different ways, but a lot of it comes from volcanic activity that happened a long time ago. When hot lava comes out of a volcano and cools down, magnetite can grow in the lava.
It can also form from iron being dissolved in water that’s deep underground. The iron joins with oxygen, and then it crystallizes into magnetite.
Magnetite is super useful. Since it’s made mostly of iron, it’s used a lot to make steel. That means it’s part of building skyscrapers, bridges, and cars — it’s a big deal in our daily lives.
It’s also used in electronics and even in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines in hospitals.
Where you can find magnetite in Wisconsin
- Black River Falls
- Gogebic Range, Iron County
- Jackson County Iron Mine, Jackson County
Sphalerite
Sphalerite is a mineral that’s not only fun to say but also a blast to learn about, especially when you find it among the rocks of Wisconsin.
This mineral can be quite the chameleon, appearing in different colors, from brown to red to black, and it often has a shiny, gem-like quality.
Sphalerite is made up of zinc and sulfur, and sometimes it has traces of other elements like iron or cadmium, which can change its color.
The way sphalerite forms is pretty interesting. It usually happens in areas where there are hot fluids deep under the Earth’s surface. These fluids dissolve minerals and carry them through the rocks.
When the fluid cools down or reacts with other chemicals, sphalerite can start to grow. It often shows up with other minerals like galena, which is a lead ore, or with minerals that contain copper.
Sphalerite is the main source of zinc, which is super important for making things like galvanized steel to protect against rust, brass for musical instruments, and even the zinc oxide used in sunscreen.
Plus, because sphalerite can be so shiny and pretty, it’s sometimes cut into gemstones for jewelry.
Where you can find sphalerite in Wisconsin
- Hazel Green, Lafayette County
- Morris Pit, Green Lake, Green Lake County
- Racine, Racine County
The Gemstones Found In Wisconsin
From the bright green of prehnite to the subtle glow of adularia, Wisconsin offers a palette of gemstones for those who seek them. Give into the different gems you can find in the state;
Adularia
Adularia is a type of feldspar that has a special charm, and it’s one of the many gemstones found in Wisconsin. This mineral has a pearly sheen and can range in color from colorless to a soft shade of white or even light blue.
It’s often found in areas where the rocks have been altered by heat and pressure, a process geologists call metamorphism.
The heat and pressure change the structure of the rocks, and as the conditions start to cool down and stabilize, adularia begins to form in the cracks and spaces where the rocks have been broken apart.
What’s really cool about adularia is the effect called adularescence, which makes the stone seem to glow from within with a moon-like light. This happens because of the way the mineral’s internal structure scatters the light that enters it.
People value adularia for this unique glow. It’s often used in jewelry to create pieces that have a gentle and eye-catching sparkle.
Adularia can also be a collector’s delight because of its association with the moon and its gentle appearance, which makes it quite different from more flashy gemstones.
Where you can find adularia in Wisconsin
- Johnson Materials Co. Quarry, Douglas County
- Dresser Trap Rock Quarry, Polk County
Aventurine
Aventurine is a kind of quartz that really catches the eye, thanks to its sparkly appearance. It’s usually green, but it can also come in orange, brown, yellow, blue, or gray.
The sparkle of aventurine comes from tiny pieces of other minerals, like feldspar or mica, that get mixed in while the quartz is forming. These little bits reflect light, giving aventurine a glittery look that’s really special.
The way aventurine is formed is part of what makes it so interesting. It starts out when molten rock, called magma, cools down and starts to harden. If the conditions are just right, quartz begins to crystallize from this cooling magma.
As it crystallizes, other minerals can become trapped inside, and these are what give aventurine its shimmer.
Aventurine can be used in jewelry and decorative objects. The stone is fairly hard, so it can be cut into various shapes and polished to a bright shine, making it perfect for necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Where you can find aventurine in Wisconsin
- Veedum Quarries, Wood County
Celestine
Celestine, also known as celestite, is a mineral that’s as cool as its name, showing up in the rocks of Wisconsin with its soft blue glow. This mineral is made up of strontium sulfate, and it forms crystals that can be quite large and striking.
It forms in a variety of ways, often when mineral-rich waters seep into rock formations and start to evaporate.
As the water goes away, celestine has the chance to crystallize. This can happen in sedimentary rocks like limestone or gypsum.
Sometimes, it’s found in the cracks of rocks, where it grows in beautiful clusters that are a sight to behold.
Celestine is used to make certain kinds of metal strontium, which goes into making fireworks and in the medical field for imaging.
But beyond its practical uses, celestine is a favorite among mineral collectors because of its beauty. Its pale blue crystals can be cut and polished for jewelry, or just displayed as they are, adding a touch of sky-blue calm to any room.
Where you can find celestine in Wisconsin
- Gogebic Range, Iron County
- Kenosha, Kenosha County
- Mackville quarry, Outagamie County
Lepidolite
Lepidolite is a mineral that stands out because of its rich lilac or rose-violet color. It’s a kind of mica, which is a group of minerals known for their ability to split into flat sheets.
Lepidolite is found in pegmatites, which are rocks formed from magma—the hot liquid rock deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
When this magma cools slowly, it can create large crystals, and if the conditions are just right, lepidolite forms among these crystals.
This mineral is actually a major source of lithium, which is a metal used in batteries, including the ones for electric cars and smartphones.
Besides lithium, lepidolite often contains tiny amounts of other elements that can give it a range of colors from pink to purple. It’s the presence of these elements that can make lepidolite sparkle in the light.
However, lepidolite is more than just its lithium content. Its beautiful colors and sparkle make it popular in jewelry and as a specimen for collectors.
Where you can find lepidolite in Wisconsin
- Fern, Florence County
Prehnite
Prehnite is a gemstone that adds a touch of green to the palette of types of rocks found in Wisconsin. This stone, usually a soft green to yellow-green in color, has a glassy sheen and can sometimes be translucent.
Prehnite forms in the voids and fractures of igneous rocks, the kind that come from cooled lava. It’s one of those cool minerals that can form crystal clusters that look like bunches of grapes.
The way prehnite is made starts deep underground where conditions are just right for minerals to get dissolved in water. This mineral-rich water moves through rocks and, as it goes, it leaves behind prehnite.
The crystals grow in spaces where other minerals once were but have since dissolved away, which is why they often have a shape that looks like they’re hugging the rock around them.
People value prehnite for a couple of reasons. It’s not only a pretty stone to look at, but it also has a striking appearance, making it popular in jewelry and ornaments.
Where you can find prehnite in Wisconsin
- Brule River, Douglas County
- Upper Eau Claire Lake, Bayfield County
- Saxon Falls, Iron County
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a mineral that stands out with its warm, rosy pink hues, making it a vibrant member of the rocks found in Wisconsin.
This mineral is typically formed in the gaps of sedimentary rocks, where mineral-laden waters flow through and deposit layers upon layers of manganese carbonate, the main component of rhodochrosite.
Over time, these layers build up and crystallize into the stones that catch the eye with their rich color and patterns.
When water travels through manganese-rich areas, it picks up elements along the way. As it moves through cracks and crevices in the rock, it deposits these elements, and with the right conditions, rhodochrosite begins to grow.
It’s often found alongside other minerals like quartz, calcite, and fluorite, creating a dazzling array of color beneath the Earth’s surface.
While rhodochrosite is a favorite among mineral collectors for its unique color and crystal shapes, it’s also used in the production of manganese, an essential metal in the steel industry.
Where you can find rhodochrosite in Wisconsin
- Gogebic Range, Iron County
Variscite
Variscite is a gemstone that adds a touch of unique beauty to the array of gemstones found in Wisconsin.
This mineral typically showcases a range of colors from light green to bluish-green and sometimes has white or dark veins running through it.
It forms when phosphate-rich water seeps into the ground and reacts with aluminum-rich rocks under specific conditions.
Over time, this interaction creates the mineral known as variscite, which is often mistaken for turquoise because of its similar color.
This gemstone usually grows in nodules or crusts and is often found in association with other phosphate minerals.
Its formation can occur in various environments, especially in near-surface, low-temperature conditions, such as the weathering of rocks.
The result is variscite’s distinctive color and pattern, which make it a standout specimen for any collection.
Variscite has a nice color and is often used in jewelry as cabochons, beads, or carvings. The unique patterns within each piece mean that no two variscite gemstones are exactly alike, giving a special individuality to any item they’re used in.
Where you can find variscite in Wisconsin
- Eau Claire Formation sandstones, Jackson County
The Crystals Found In Wisconsin
Wisconsin, with its unique geological features, is home to a variety of beautiful and intriguing crystals. Check out our guides to finding crystals in the state.
Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is a captivating mineral with a vibrant blue-green color that stands out among the rocks and minerals found in Wisconsin.
This mineral forms where copper deposits are exposed to oxygen and water, a process that often occurs in the arid regions where copper mining takes place.
Over time, copper reacts with the air and water, and chrysocolla begins to take shape, typically in the spaces and cracks within the host rock.
The striking appearance of chrysocolla is due to its copper content, which gives it that signature turquoise color.
It’s often found mixed with other copper-based minerals like malachite, azurite, and turquoise, creating a dazzling array of colors that can be quite breathtaking.
Chrysocolla is also interesting to collectors who value the story behind how minerals are formed.
Where you can find chrysocolla in Wisconsin
- Ladysmith, Rusk County
- Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District, Iowa County
Covellite
Covellite is a rare and striking mineral known for its deep indigo and blue colors. It’s one of the unique crystals found in Wisconsin, catching the eye of anyone interested in the quieter yet colorful side of geology.
This mineral is actually a copper sulfide and forms through the alteration of other copper sulfides, such as chalcopyrite and bornite.
It typically happens in the presence of sulfur-rich solutions where copper minerals are being weathered or broken down.
The way covellite takes shape can be quite a sight. It often forms thin, iridescent layers that show a range of blues, purples, and sometimes reds or golds, depending on the angle and the light.
It’s not just the color that’s fascinating; covellite can also have a metallic luster, which makes it shimmer in the light. Sometimes, it forms hexagonal crystals that can be quite striking in appearance.
In addition to being a source of copper, covellite is also admired by mineral collectors for its unique beauty. Covellite can be used in jewelry, though it’s less common because of its softness.
Where you can find covellite in Wisconsin
- Ladysmith, Rusk County
- Oshkosh, Winnebago County
- Upper Mississippi Valley Mining District, Iowa County
Epidote
Epidote comes to life under conditions of high pressure and temperature, often as a result of regional metamorphism where rocks are fundamentally altered by these intense conditions.
It forms when calcium, aluminum, iron, and oxygen get together and conditions are just right, often in the company of minerals like quartz or calcite.
The unique characteristic of epidote is its pistachio-green color, which can be so deep and rich that it almost looks black. It’s known for its long, slender crystals that can be striated, meaning they have parallel lines down the sides.
These features make epidote a favorite among rock hounds and collectors who can recognize it by its distinctive look and the way it often associates with other minerals in a rock.
Epidote isn’t typically used in jewelry because it’s not as hard as some other minerals, but its color and crystal forms are highly appreciated by those who love minerals for their natural beauty.
Where you can find epidote in Wisconsin
- Dresser Trap Rock Quarry, Polk County
- Weyerhauser Copper Mines, Douglas County
- Jackson County Iron Mine, Jackson County
Malachite
Malachite is a vibrant green mineral that stands out for its unique banded patterns and rich, velvety color, making it a highlight in Wisconsin rock identification.
This eye-catching mineral is formed from copper deposits, which, when exposed to oxygen and carbon dioxide, undergo a chemical transformation.
Water plays a crucial role too, as it carries dissolved copper into cracks and spaces where it reacts with other elements to slowly form malachite over time.
What’s really cool about malachite is its concentric rings or bands that come in various shades of green. These bands are the result of different conditions during the mineral’s formation, with each layer telling a part of the story of its creation.
Malachite is soft enough to be carved easily, which has made it popular throughout history for decorative objects.
For a lot of people, the value of malachite can be found in its distinctive look, which makes it a favorite among those who enjoy creating jewelry or ornamental pieces.
Beyond its beauty, malachite is also a copper ore, making it important in the production of this useful metal.
Where you can find malachite in Wisconsin
- Morris Pit, Green Lake, Green Lake County
- Dresser Trap Rock Quarry, Polk County
- Jackson County Iron Mine, Jackson County
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a type of quartz that draws attention with its delicate pink color. It’s found among the rocks in Wisconsin, adding a blush of color to the state’s geological palette.
This pink gemstone is formed in igneous rocks, the kind that are made from cooled-down lava. The pink color comes from tiny traces of titanium, iron, or manganese.
This mineral usually forms in large masses, and unlike its crystal quartz cousins, it rarely forms into the well-defined crystals that people associate with quartz.
Instead, rose quartz is usually found in chunky masses with no visible flat surfaces or points. Despite this, it has a smooth and glassy look that’s quite striking, especially when polished.
People value rose quartz not just for its beauty but also for its uniqueness. It’s used in all sorts of jewelry, from necklaces to bracelets, giving a soft, romantic look.
Where you can find rose quartz in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County
Wavellite
Wavellite is an interesting mineral that has radial clusters of needle-like crystals and its rich, green color.
This mineral forms in fractures and cavities of certain types of rocks, particularly those that are rich in phosphate, like aluminum-rich rocks that have been altered by weathering and the action of water.
The process of wavellite’s formation can occur in both high and low temperatures, making it a versatile mineral.
It’s often found lining the inside of cracks in the rocks, where it forms those characteristic starburst patterns that can be strikingly beautiful.
Wavellite’s radial clusters are a delight for mineral collectors who appreciate the intricate designs that nature can produce. These patterns are not just pretty; they tell geologists a lot about the environment where the wavellite grew.
Aside from being appreciated for its appearance, wavellite is also used as a minor ore of aluminum.
Where you can find wavellite in Wisconsin
- Eau Claire Formation sandstones, Jackson County
Zoisite
Zoisite is one of the many fascinating crystals found in Wisconsin, offering a glimpse into the state’s diverse geology. It’s a mineral that comes in a variety of colors, though it often appears as green.
Zoisite is typically formed in metamorphic rocks, which are rocks that have been changed by extreme heat and pressure inside the Earth.
The presence of different elements like chromium or vanadium can influence its color range, resulting in a vibrant display.
What makes zoisite particularly interesting is that it sometimes contains ruby crystals within it, creating a stunning contrast of colors. This combination is known as anyolite and is highly sought after for its beauty and rarity.
Zoisite can be cut and polished to create beautiful jewelry pieces, with the greener variety known as tanzanite being especially prized for its deep blue and violet shades.
Where you can find zoisite in Wisconsin
- Mellen, Ashland County
- Artus Creek Greenstone, Marathon County
- Dresser Trap Rock Quarry, Polk County
The Most Valuable Rocks and Minerals in Wisconsin
Some of Wisconsin’s rocks and minerals are not just beautiful to look at; they hold significant value for various reasons. Each one has its own unique story and characteristics that make it special.
Copper
Copper is a reddish metal that’s known for its shiny, bright finish and is a key part of the rocks found in Wisconsin. This metal forms deep underground where hot, liquid rock called magma moves toward the Earth’s surface.
As it cools down, the copper starts to separate from the rest of the magma and, over time, it collects into larger amounts that we can mine.
Sometimes, water that’s been heated up by magma dissolves copper and carries it into cracks in the rocks above, where it also cools down and forms pure copper or copper minerals.
Copper has been valued for thousands of years because it’s one of the few metals that can be used in its natural state. It’s super useful for making all kinds of things like electrical wires, plumbing pipes, and coins.
It’s also a part of many alloys, which are combinations of metals, like brass and bronze. That’s not all; copper is also a part of many beautiful minerals like turquoise, malachite, and azurite, which are used to make jewelry and other decorative items.
Where you can find copper in Wisconsin
- Douglas County mines
- Montreal River, Iron County
- Dresser Trap Rock Quarry, Polk County
Diamond
Diamond is a remarkable mineral and although not commonly found, it’s considered one of the most valuable rocks in Wisconsin for those lucky enough to discover it.
This crystal-clear gemstone is made entirely of carbon, one of the most common elements on Earth, but there’s nothing common about diamonds.
They form under extreme conditions of heat and pressure found deep within the Earth’s mantle, over 100 miles beneath the surface. It’s there that carbon atoms are squeezed so tightly together they create the hardest natural substance known to us.
These sparkling gems are brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions, encased within chunks of rock known as kimberlite.
The journey from the depths of the Earth to accessible locations where they can be mined is long and rare, which is part of what makes diamonds so special.
Once mined, the rough stones are cut and polished to reveal their stunning clarity and brilliance.
Diamonds are highly valued for their unmatched hardness and light-reflecting facets, making them a top choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings.
They’re also used in industrial settings for cutting, grinding, and drilling because they can make short work of almost any material.
Where you can find diamonds in Wisconsin
- Waverley, Pierce County
- Eagle, Waukesha County
- Kenosha, Kenosha County
Garnet
Garnet is a family of minerals that’s known for its beautiful colors and the way it catches light. There are different types of garnet, and in Wisconsin, you can find varieties like almandine, grossular, pyrope, and spessartine.
These garnets form in different ways: some grow in metamorphic rocks, which are rocks that have changed because of heat and pressure inside the Earth, while others can be found in igneous rocks, which are made from cooled lava or magma.
Almandine garnets are typically deep red and are often found in the state’s metamorphic rocks.
Grossular garnets can be colorless, green, yellow, or even reddish-brown and usually form in rocks that have been chemically changed by heat and fluids.
Pyrope garnets, with their deep red color, are formed under the high-pressure conditions of the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by geological activity.
Spessartine garnets range from orange to reddish-brown and are found in granite or metamorphic rocks.
People value garnets not just because they’re pretty. They’re also very hard, which makes them great for making abrasive materials like sandpaper. Garnets are used in waterjet cutting too, where they help to cut through metal.
In jewelry, garnets are loved for their rich colors and brilliance, adding elegance to rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Where you can find garnet in Wisconsin
- Bad River Gorge, Ashland County
- Kenosha, Kenosha County
- Stevens Point, Wood County
Zircon
Zircon is a dazzling mineral that’s found in the rocks of Wisconsin, and it’s famous for being the oldest mineral on Earth. This gemstone comes in many colors, from clear to a rainbow of red, blue, yellow, and green shades.
Zircon forms in igneous rocks like granite and in metamorphic rocks like schist. It starts out as molten rock deep beneath the Earth’s surface. As the molten rock cools, zircon crystals start to grow.
Sometimes, they even contain tiny bits of radioactive elements that can be used to date the rocks they are found in.
One of the cool things about zircon is that it can survive geologic events like mountain-building, erosion, and even metamorphism, which can change other minerals a lot.
Because of this, zircon crystals are like time capsules, giving scientists clues about what the Earth was like billions of years ago.
Zircon is not only beautiful and varied in color, but it’s also really tough, which makes it great for jewelry that lasts a long time. It can also stand in for diamonds sometimes because it’s less expensive but still sparkles a lot when it’s cut right.
Where you can find zircon in Wisconsin
- Hamilton Mounds, Adams County
- Mellen, Ashland County
- Wausau, Marathon County
How to Identify The Rocks and Minerals You Find
Identifying rocks is like unlocking secrets from the earth, with colors, textures, and shapes as clues. Techniques such as examining the hardness, checking for crystal formations, and observing color can help distinguish one find from another.
With the right knowledge and a bit of practice, anyone can become a skilled rock detective in Wisconsin’s great outdoors.
Streak
When it comes to Wisconsin rock identification, checking a rock’s streak is a smart move. A streak test tells you the color of the powder a mineral leaves behind, and it’s a big hint about what the rock might be.
To do this test, you need a piece of unglazed porcelain tile called a streak plate. Rubbing the mineral across the plate does the trick, and the color that shows up is the streak. This color can be a lot different from the color of the mineral itself.
For example, hematite can be shiny silver, but it leaves a reddish-brown streak. This is super helpful because lots of minerals can be silver, but not all of them will have that reddish-brown color when you do a streak test.
Even if a mineral is dyed, its streak won’t lie, because the streak is always the true color of the mineral.
Streak is especially useful when the mineral is softer than the streak plate. If the mineral is harder, it might just scratch the plate, and you won’t see a streak. Even then, knowing that a mineral is hard enough to scratch the plate tells you something about it.
Hardness
Identifying rocks, minerals, and gems by their hardness is like playing a detective game with nature. Hardness refers to how well a mineral can scratch or be scratched by other substances.
There’s a cool tool for this called the Mohs scale, which rates minerals from 1 to 10. The softest one, talc, gets a 1, and the hardest one, diamond, gets a 10.
Here’s how it works: if a mineral can scratch another, it’s harder. So, if a mineral can scratch glass, which is about a 5.5 on the Mohs scale, then it must be harder than 5.5. But if it can’t scratch glass, it’s softer.
It’s pretty handy because you can use everyday items for this test. A copper penny is about a 3, a pocket knife is close to a 5.5, and a steel file is around a 6.5.
You can use these items to scratch a mineral you’ve found. If the penny leaves a mark, the mineral is softer than 3. But if the mineral scratches the penny, it’s harder. This is a great way to narrow down what the mineral could be.
Just remember, trying to scratch something as hard as a diamond requires something just as hard, so for the really tough ones, this method has its limits. But for most minerals, the scratch test is a solid start.
Luster
Luster is a cool way to identify rocks, minerals, and gems, and it’s all about how they shine. When light hits a mineral, it can reflect in different ways. If it shines like metal, that’s called metallic luster.
But not all that glitters is gold, or even metal for that matter. Minerals can also have a non-metallic luster that can look glassy, waxy, pearly, or even dull like a chalkboard.
To figure out luster, hold the mineral up to a light. Does it gleam like a new penny? That’s metallic. If it shines like glass, then it’s vitreous.
Sometimes minerals have a pearly luster that reminds you of the inside of a seashell. If the light seems to bounce off in a more subdued way, like candle wax or soap, that’s a waxy luster. And if the mineral doesn’t shine much at all, it has a dull luster.
Checking out a mineral’s luster helps narrow down what it could be. For example, if you find a red stone that has a glassy luster, it might be a garnet. If you find something that has a subtle shine, it could be an agate, which has a waxy luster.
Magnetism
Magnetism is a nifty trick for identifying certain types of rocks found in Wisconsin. Some rocks and minerals are attracted to magnets, which can be a big giveaway to what they are.
For instance, if a rock jumps right onto a magnet, it might contain magnetite, a mineral that’s naturally magnetic. Not many minerals can do that, so it’s a valuable clue.
The test is simple. Just take a magnet and see if the rock sticks to it. If it does, then the rock is magnetic.
Now, if a rock doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s not magnetic, which is true for most minerals. That’s also helpful to know because it rules out certain minerals right away.
So, make sure that you have a magnet with you when you’re out exploring. Checking for magnetism is a quick and easy way to make a guess about what kind of cool rock or mineral they might have found.
Crystal form
Identifying rocks, minerals, and gems by their crystal form is like recognizing friends by their faces. Every mineral grows into a certain shape naturally, and these shapes are called crystal forms.
Some minerals form cubes, others might look like pyramids, and some even grow into hexagons.
Let’s say you find a crystal that looks like a bunch of little cubes all stuck together. That’s a good hint it might be galena or fluorite. If the crystal has six sides and ends in a point like a pencil, it could be quartz.
When looking at crystal forms, it helps to have a guidebook or a chart. It can show you what different crystal forms look like, so when you find a crystal, you can compare it to the pictures.
