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Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Texas. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in Texas is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks but also minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Texas is a great place to start your rock-hounding journey. The plains regions have several varieties of limestone, shale, and fossils. The Western region hosts several varieties of igneous and metamorphic rocks, which is perfect for the gem hunter.
Why is Texas such a great palace to hunt for gems? Where should you start your search? Here are some of the best rock hound locations in Texas!
Texas has various agates, jaspers, fossils, geodes, and petrified wood.
The best rockhound locations in Texas can be broken down based on the types of rocks you want to find. Check out this color-coded map to get an excellent overview of where to find sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Sides of creek, N & S of US 287 | 32.445528, -96.922066 | Pyrite (Pyrite Roses) |
| Gravel bars of creek beneath creek 1.8 mi. SE of Alvord | 33.347401, -97.667433 | Pyrite Cubes |
| 10 mi. N of Alpine, area gravels | 30.504040, -103.658216 | Moonstones |
| Area E, SE, & NE of Dog Canyon | 29.625287, -103.108400 | Barite |
| The Solitario | 29.450818, -103.809024 | Galena |
| Terlingua | 29.308855, -103.627520 | Calcite, Calomel, Cinnabar, Fluorite, Mercury, Terlinguaite, Agate (pompom), Aragonite crystals |
| NE side of Carizo Mts, area | 31.067359, -104.862418 | Limonite, Turquoise |
| Plata Verde Mine | 30.877906, -104.922173 | Anglesite, Barite, Bromargyrite, Malachite, Microcline, Quartz, Azurite, Chrysocolla, |
| Road cuts along Rte. 375 | 31.890087, -106.508236 | Garnets, Mica, Serpentine (pink banded) |
| Sierra Blanc | 31.256773, -105.426677 | Turquoise |
| W of Douglass | 31.658514, -94.808455 | Pyrite, Selenite |
| Fredericksburg | 30.271392, -98.854591 | Almandine Garnets |
| Ranches W of Mason | 30.779774, -99.343170 | Amazonite, Felspar crystals, Quartz crystals, Topaz (blue, colorless), Tourmaline (black) |
| Little Lucy Creek | 31.158774, -98.161201 | Celestite |
Texas was one of the most geographically active states in the U.S. over several million years.
I’ve broken down these ages and their geographic activities below:
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| West of Glass Mountains | 30.370427, -103.400201 | Moss Agate, Plume Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| South of Alpine area | 30.167592, -103.594824 | Moss Agate, Plume Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Stillwell Ranch | 29.643639, -103.080204 | Agate |
| Needle Peak | 29.428311, -103.810410 | Agate |
| South of Quitman Mnt | 31.100546, -105.508033 | Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper, Petrified Wood |
| Bishop Ranch | 30.147908, -104.037516 | Texas Bouquet Agate |
| Along US 67 | 29.981103, -104.221513 | Texas Bouquet Agate |
| Lobo Valley | 30.941384, -104.796427 | Texas Plume Agate |
| Chinati Mountains | 30.000385, -104.352934 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Balmorhea Lake area | 30.972344, -103.714264 | Balmorhea Blue Agate |
| Gatesville area | 31.380172, -97.532166 | Turritella Agate |
| Rio Grande | 26.240788, -98.563500 | Agates (Rio Grande), Jasper, Agatized Wood |
| Eagle Pass | 28.737347, -100.471205 | Agate, Amber, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| Mathis | 28.038290, -97.859793 | Moss Agate |
Here’s a chart listing where certain rocks and minerals are found in the state!
| Quartz | Eastern, Western, and Central Texas. Plata Verde Mine and Alpine mountains are the best spots. |
| Feldspar and Flint | Along river beds, especially Plum Creek. |
| Fluorite | Brewster, Hudspeth, and Burnet Counties |
| Topaz | Llano Uplift, River beds throughout the state, and sandbars after floods |
| Opals | Fayette County is best for petrified wood opal. Coastal plains boast relatively large deposits of Chalcedony opal. |
| Agate | West Texas |
| Fossils | Central and Southern Texas. Ladonia Fossil Park and Mineral Wells Fossil Park |
| Gypsum and Selenite | Mariposa Mine, Kellner Mine, and Karnes Uranium District |
| Petrified wood | River beds, Rio Grande River valley, West Texas, and Amarillo. |
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Pecos | 31.352580, -103.759210 | Agate, Petrified Wood |
| Smithville | 30.015989, -97.147817 | Agate, Petrified Wood |
| Caldwell & Somerville | 30.362894, -96.691251 | Petrified Wood, Agatized Wood |
| Rabb’s Creek | 30.066603, -96.879077 | Petrified Wood, Opalized Wood |
| Camden and Chester | 30.915542, -94.654802 | Petrified Palm Wood |
| N of Lake Livingston | 30.873940, -95.211034 | Petrified Palm Wood |
| New Braunfels | 29.728566, -98.108819 | Petrified Wood |
| 15-18 mi. W of Freer | 27.941787, -98.889335 | Petrified Palm |
| Erdman Farm | 29.000514, -98.019555 | Petrified Palm Wood, Opalized Wood, Fossils |
| Tessman Farm | 28.917269, -98.137211 | Agatized Palm Wood (Golden) |
| Palo Duro Canyon, outside State Park boundaries | 34.979446, -101.705325 | Agatized wood |
| Prairie Dog Town Fork of Red River, in banks and gravels | 34.833519, -101.414050 | Agatized wood |
It is legal to collect rocks in most parts of Texas. However, you must be careful to avoid trespassing on private property and oil fields. Texas is a resource-rich region of the U.S.; some of the lands are protected property and do not permit exploration.
Geodes are a somewhat prevalent crystal in Texas. Central Texas and the Edwards Plateau are the best places to start your search. More than likely the geode will be filled with Calcite or Quartz.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Fossils |
|---|---|---|
| Just NW of Midlothian, sides of US 287 | 32.492944, -97.039247 | Fossilized Shark Teeth |
| S side of US 287, in shale formations | 32.443400, -96.922602 | Fossil Leaf Prints |
| NE side of Lake Bridgeport | 33.261917, -97.850757 | Fossils (Crinoids, Trilobites) |
| Banks of Llano River | 30.659791, -99.324361 | Crinoid Stem Sections |
| E side of US 87 | 30.161106, -98.893423 | Fossils |
| Pecos River | 29.708369, -101.350946 | Fossils (Turritella) |
List of Rock and Mineral Societies
Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society
The Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society meets monthly at 3007 33rd Street, Lubbock, Texas. This is a great place to join if you live close enough to join their trips, lectures, and educational seminars.
They pride themselves in their ability to teach anyone who’s a willing rock hunter! They explore various sites for fossils, rocks, minerals, and crystals.
Pleasant Oak Gem and Mineral Club of Dallas
The Pleasant Oak Gem and Mineral Club of Dallas provides club meetings every first Thursday of the month. They are members of the Central Federation Of Mineral Societies (Scfms) and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.
You can join them as a guest if you’re just visiting the region and want to learn from them!
Austin Gem and Mineral Society
The Austin Gem and Mineral Society meet on the fourth Thursday of every month, excluding October-December. Their meetings last about 2 hours, including a show and tell period where people can show their latest rock finds.
They’re outstanding teachers! You can join their polishing and jewelry-making groups to turn your finds into a gemstone!
South West Gem and Mineral Society of San Antonio
The South West Gem and Mineral Society of San Antonio is a growing group in the Texan suburbs. They’re currently seeking new members, so be sure to check out their membership page!
Join their Fiesta of Gems Gallery! They have door prizes and informative resources to help you grow your rockhounding expeditions.
Fort Worth Gem and Mineral Club
Fort Worth Gem and Mineral Club host its meetings every fourth Thursday of the month. They’re currently seeking new members for $20 a year starting January 1st.
The club’s mission statement is to enhance understanding and knowledge of geology. If you want to learn all about the geography and mineralogy of the state, check them out!
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