Digging for Geodes in Hamilton, IL
Jacob’s Mine is a privately owned mine known for its geodes. It’s open to the public year-round and rockhounds commute from other states to dig these one-of-a-kind geodes. You’ll find quite a few geodes once you locate the pay streak or band in the shale/clay. Keep an eye out for rounded-looking nodules, those are keepers.
Digging for geodes is one of my favorite weekend activities and Jacob’s Mine doesn’t disappoint. What makes discovering a geode so great is that you’re the first person to lay eyes on it. Think about it, that geode formed over thousands of years ago and you found it. That’s pretty cool!
This location is excellent for families, junior rockhounds, and old-timers.
Keep reading below to learn more about what to bring, types of clothing to wear, and driving directions. We even provided a direct link to the mine owner making it easy for you to schedule a dig.
Types of Geodes
While digging in the pay streak you’ll want to look for nodules among the jagged-looking rocks. I’ve provided an example picture below to help you with identifying geodes while you dig.
Keep scrolling lower and you’ll see a 5-gallon bucket full of these amazing geodes. This is not unusual and that’s why so many rockhounds visit this location year round.
- Geodes – ranging in size from 4-inches in diameter up to 14-inches in diameter. Some are solid while others are filled with Quartz crystals. You won’t know until you break them open or saw them in half.
Tools and Tips For Collecting Geodes
This site is great because they make it really easy on you. There’s no limit on how many you can collect and if you hit a pocket of them then get ready to fill up your 5-gallon buckets.
A geode collector will want to pack a variety of tools for this trip. They should have snacks and drinks in case they get thirsty or hungry, as well as packing materials for their geodes. Don’t forget about the weather and make sure to dress appropriately.
Must-Have Tools and Accessories
- Sunscreen
- Big wheel cart
- 3-gallon bucket
- 5-gallon bucket
- Newspaper for packing
- Hat or sombrero
- Small hand rake
- Small hand shovel
- Small garden tools
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Long sleeve (depends on weather)
- Boots
- Towels for drying off
- Fresh clothes (you’re going to sweat)
Make sure you follow all of their safety rules while digging for geodes and don’t forget to have fun!
Driving directions
823 E. Co. Rd. 1220
Hamilton, IL 62341
Type or copy the GPS coordinates below into your Google or Apple Maps.
GPS Coordinates
Contact Details
Call – 217-847-3509
Pricing – $20 per 5-gallon bucket
Free admission – open to the public
Make Rockhounding Great Again
We are thrilled that you found our website and are planning a rockhounding trip near you.
Please provide feedback on the locations we provide and we’ll do our best to update the page to make it more accurate.
If you have photos, videos, or a new location you’d like to share with the rockhound community then contact us directly and we will feature it on the site.
We look forward to hearing your feedback as we fine-tune the website. Thank you for your support and for sharing Rockhounding Maps in your communities.
