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Here at the Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Illinois. 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 Illinois 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.
If you’re hoping to find the best spots for rockhounding in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place!
The geographic history of Illinois includes a long period when almost the entire region was underwater. This shallow sea created the perfect environment for mineral deposits and the development of limestone and fossils.
This makes Illinois a uniquely popular spot for rock hunting! Let’s dive into the best places to explore.
If you’re an active rock collector in Illinois then send us an email about your favorite locations and we will feature you on the site and we might sponsor you as well. That’s right, we will pay you to go dig for rocks and minerals.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| East Brooklyn area | 41.166642, -88.244958 | Marcasite, Pyrite |
| Conco Quarry | 41.802904, -88.319464 | Bornite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite |
| Galena area | 42.415961, -90.430005 | Cerussite, Galena |
Hancock County, Illinois, is one of the prime spots for finding geodes, Quartz crystals, and Agate.
Hamilton City is located in Hancock County. This region is primarily in the western portion of the State. The Keokuk River runs along most of the city’s border and separates it from Iowa.
Hamilton County is home to several mining regions and crystal caverns that host a variety of gemstones and fossils. Some of the most popular crystals found in Illinois include Marcasite, Pyrite, Barite, and Fluorite.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas City | 40.630815, -91.166432 | Geodes (Chalcopyrite, Calcite) |
| Hamilton gravels | 40.383654, -91.374689 | Geodes |
| Crystal Glen Creek | 40.371423, -91.375454 | Geodes (Aragonite, Barite, Calcite, Dolomite, Goethite, Pyrite, Quartz) |
| Nauvoo area gravels | 40.521820, -91.351551 | Geodes |
| Tyson Creek | 40.588013, -91.288012 | Geodes |
| Western Illinois River Bank | 40.383278, -91.376545 | Geodes (chalcedony, amethyst, quartz) |
| Spillman Creek | 40.616325, -91.203021 | Geodes (Calcite, Pyrite, Chalcedony, Quartz) |
Don’t forget about Jacob’s Geodes. It’s one of the best spots for collecting geodes in Illinois.
Crystal Glen Creek is a small exposed portion along the river and you can find calcite, dolomite, and pyrite.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Palestine | 39.003776, -87.612733 | Siderite |
| Edwards County | 38.429940, -88.099305 | Siderite |
| Cave-In Rock | 37.503211, -88.205179 | Barite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Fluorite, Galena, Pyrite |
| Minerva Mine | 37.543087, -88.156302 | Barite, Strontianite |
| Elizabethtown | 37.447940, -88.305197 | Aragonite |
| Rosiclare area mines | 37.430956, -88.342184 | Calcite crystals, Fluorite (blue, yellow, purple, clear), Sphalerite |
Cave-in-Rock is part of Hardin County and it’s a small town where the main tourist attraction is the moderate-sized cavern, Cave-in-Rock.
You’ll be able to find Fluorite, Barite, Pyrite, and other high-quality minerals and crystals. Thanks to its accessibility, families and seasoned rock hunters can confidently explore this cavern.
Southern Illinois offers various translucent crystals such as Calcite, Fluorite, and Quartz. It hosts several plentiful mines, including Minerva in Fayville.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Fayville area stream gravels | 37.198638, -89.452203 | Agate, Jasper |
| Thebes area gravel bars | 37.239330, -89.442243 | Agate, Jasper |
| Cordova, MS River Banks | 41.715999, -90.311226 | Agate |
| Bishop Hill | 41.205114, -90.115205 | Agate, Jasper |
| Hamilton area | 40.387228, -91.346232 | Agate, Jasper, Chalcedony |
Minerva Mine is officially known as Minerva Mine No.1. It’s a retired zinc and fluorspar mine just north of Cave-in-Rock.
This mine is still accessible to the public for tours and offers a unique experience for junior rockhounds as well as seasoned mineral collectors.
Some of the most popular minerals are Jasper, Agate, varieties of Chalcedony, and Witherite.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Niota area gravels | 40.611811, -91.306498 | Fossils, Geodes |
| Terre Haute area gravels | 40.655778, -90.980023 | Fossils |
| Sparta area | 38.077828, -89.728531 | Pyrite (disks), Fossils |
| Rapatee Strip Mine | 40.708663, -90.152367 | Pyritized Gastropods |
| Mazon River | 41.293361, -88.366698 | Fossils |
| Coal City | 41.279156, -88.200285 | Concretions with fossils |
Terre Haute is an ideal spot to find fossils of small vertebrates and plant material. The limestone in the region made it suitable for their preservation.
Here you can find Mazon Creek Fossils and the Illinois state fossil, Tullimonstrum gregarium, aka the Tully monster. Most Mazon Creek Fossils are plant imprints from the late Carboniferous period.
Illinois is known as a prairie state, which means it’s relatively flat and geographically calm. This makes rockhounding pretty safe and straightforward. However, if you explore one of the many mines, make sure you go with a group or guide.
Collecting visible and surface-level fossils is legal in most public lands. However, excavation and large-scale dig sites are illegal unless you have a state-issued permit. You can find more details on the Illinois state website.
Rock And Mineral Societies
First organized back in 1955, the Black Hawk Gem and Mineral Club exist to educate people about rocks and minerals. They host yearly rock and jewelry display shows and actively engage with the local community to help people better understand geology and mineralogy.
Annual membership can be purchased via the contact us link on the website. Individual plans cost $15, but you can pay a little extra for larger group plans.
The Chicago Rock and Mineral Society meets every second Saturday of the month at a local Lutheran Church. This group hopes to spread the love of rocks and minerals to the city of Chicago.
You can join this education group for $15.00 annually and receive their newsletter.
The Elgin Rock Club is located in the center of Elgin, Illinois. You can join their meetings every third Friday of the month.
Their goal is to stimulate a love of geology and mineralogy. They host their field trips for rockhounding and welcome young people to join their adventures.
The North West Illinois Rock Club meets every third Thursday of the month. They host rock and mineral shows and educational meetings.
You can use their rock-hunting tools to help enhance your search in the area!
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