Rockhound Locations in Kansas
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Kansas. 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 Kansas 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.
Kansas Rockhound Locations
Kansas is popular among the rockhounds if you’re looking for Agates and Jaspers but this state has so much more to offer when it comes to crystals, minerals, and gemstones. Most of the locations are easily accessible but you’ll need to do a little research before you head out.
The best places you can rockhound in Kansas are the
I broke the state up into four major regions; Blue Hills, Carneiro, Geary County, and Big Blue River. Each region has crystals and minerals unique to its location.
As always, make sure you’re respectful and don’t collect in areas that are off-limits.
If you’re into collecting fossils, Kansas has a couple of locations to dig for fossils and petrified wood.
If you’re an active rock collector in Kansas 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.
So, if you are ready to rockhound in Kansas, let’s get started!
Kansas Geode Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Trego County | 38.982302, -99.890883 | Geodes |
| Wallace County | 38.936664, -101.749974 | Geodes (chalcedony, calcite, quartz) |
| Walnut River | 37.723173, -96.902950 | Geodes |
| Rock, KS | 37.442765, -97.031262 | Geodes |
| Junction City | 39.028234, -96.829491 | Geodes (quartz and calcite) |
| Florence | 38.242986, -96.902809 | Geodes |
| Bonner Springs | 39.070760, -94.869953 | Geodes |
The Blue Hills in Kansas is a great spot for rockhounds looking to find septarian nodules. These sedimentary nodules have brown calcite and an Aragonite shell filled with yellow-brown calcite.
While you’re looking for septarian nodules, keep your eyes peeled for other fossils like Scaphites with crystalline Pyrite.
Another great location is Carneiro because it has plenty of Agate, Amber, and Petrified Wood.
The Smoky Hill River south of Carneiro is a great spot to search for Amber and Moss Agate. Lignite beds along the river provide the best chances of finding these gemstones. You will also find petrified wood along the shorelines of the river.
Kansas Crystal Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Large mining dumps in the area | 37.074949, -94.644821 | Galena, Sphalerite, Barite, Calcite, Marcasite, Pyrite |
| Baxter Springs | 37.001252, -94.705367 | Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite |
| West Mineral | 37.243309, -94.966238 | Pyrite, Calcite, Dolomite, Marcasite, Sphalerite |
| Mushroom Rocks | 38.726248, -98.030403 | Pyrite Concretions |
| Smoky Hill River | 38.658622, -98.057608 | Amber, Barite Roses |
| Stockdale | 39.311832, -96.719178 | Garnet |
| Washington | 39.850582, -96.985883 | Celestite |
| Rose Dome | 37.7792255, -95.7085579 | Amethyst crystals, Quartz crystals |
| Sun City | 37.350767, -98.945317 | Gypsum, Calcite crystals |
| Kimberly Ranch | 37.586685, -99.182812 | Meteorites |
| Strong City | 38.404546, -96.550521 | Chalcopyrite |
Geary County is another perfect place to explore and find unique geological specimens. The county’s sites are ideal for discovering Fossils, Quartz crystals, and Agatized wood.
The Geary County State Fishing Lake is a great spot to hunt for fossils. It is an ancient lake bed with plenty of exposed sedimentary rocks. The Konza Prairie Biological Station is excellent for Agatized wood. The Milford Nature Center is also a good location for collecting Quartz crystals. Each location offers a unique opportunity to find interesting rocks and minerals.
Kansas Fossil Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Norton area | 39.835345, -99.871842 | Concretions (calcite cemented) |
| Osborne | 39.405492, -98.715101 | Septarian nodules |
| Ada | 39.160048, -97.899303 | Petrified wood |
| Rock City Park | 39.092709, -97.739096 | Concretions |
| Freemount | 38.536717, -97.775479 | Septarian nodules |
| Chikaskia River | 37.437755, -98.052770 | Petrified wood |
| Ottawa | 38.658641, -95.254652 | Fossil plants |
| Garnett | 38.345224, -95.253260 | Fossils |
The Big Blue River runs for over 200 miles and is home to plenty of Quartz, Agate, Calcite, and Chalcedony. Additionally, the river harbors other minerals, such as Hematite, Galena, and Pyrite. The river also inhabits fossils like trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids.
The river can be dangerous due to strong currents. So, wear proper safety gear and caution when collecting near the river banks. Additionally, remember to get permission from the landowner before collecting on their property.
Kansas Agate Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Verdigris River | 37.657063, -95.776252 | Agate, Jasper, Chalcedony |
| Topeka | 39.056183, -95.567776 | Agate |
| Big Blue River | 39.691018, -96.654618 | Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper |
| McLouth | 39.194204, -95.208374 | Lake Superior agates, Jasper |
| Republican River | 39.063955, -96.853815 | Agate, Jasper |
| Geary County | 38.999856, -96.842169 | Agatized wood |
| Concordia | 39.578419, -97.568723 | Agate, Jasper, Petrified wood |
| Ashland | 37.334675, -99.742054 | Moss Agate, Jasper |
| South Fork Solomon River | 39.309630, -100.400722 | Moss Agate |
What Gemstones Can Be Found in Kansas?
You can dig for, find, and collect Geodes, Quartz Crystals, Calcite Crystals, Petrified Wood, Meteorites, and Agate in Kansas.
Most of the Geodes are lined with Druzy Quartz, Quartz Crystals, and Chalcedony.
Where Can I Rockhound in Kansas?
The best places you can rockhound in Kansas are the Blue Hills, Carneiro, Geary County, and Big Blue River. These sites offer a great opportunity to explore the unique geology of Kansas.
Rock And Mineral Societies
Bead Society of Greater Kansas City
The Bead Society of Greater Kansas City aims to advance the beads’ study, history, and craftsmanship. The Society has educational programs, exhibitions, and activities. These programs strive to promote interest in and enhance the beads’ knowledge. The programs also help champion awareness of beads. The Society’s activities and services include:
- Monthly meetings
- Workshops
- Social events
The activities help members learn more about their craft and develop their gem collection and bead-making skills. The annual membership fee is $24.
The Blue Grass Gem & Mineral Club is a vibrant group of hobbyists and professionals with a shared passion for rocks, minerals, gems, and jewelry collection. The club’s monthly meetings feature the following:
- Educational programs
- Rock auctions
- Field trips
- Gem and mineral shows
- Lapidary classes
The club also has an active field trip program. The trip allows members to explore and collect in some of the region’s most interesting and unique geological areas. You can join the club by paying an annual fee of $25 for first-time membership and $20 for renewal.
Olathe Gem & Mineral Society (OGMS)
The OGMS is an organization of individuals with a common interest in Earth Sciences. The OGMS seeks to promote the education and appreciation of:
- Geology
- Mineralogy
- Paleontology
- Lapidary arts
The OGMS provides members with various activities, such as field trips, lectures, and workshops. This helps members further their knowledge and understanding of the earth sciences.
The Topeka Gem & Mineral Society promotes interest in geology and the lapidary arts. The Society’s mission is to foster an appreciation for the earth’s natural resources and to help members develop a greater understanding of the geological environment.
The Society organizes excursions of a geological, mineralogical, or lapidary nature. These trips allow members to discover and learn about the world’s natural wonders and share their knowledge with others. The membership fees are as follows:
- Individuals pay $15 per year
- Couples pay $20 per year
- Junior members that are 17 years and below pay $5 per year
