Rockhound Locations in Massachusetts
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Rockhound Locations
Massachusetts is one of the original thirteen colonies and is a State rich in history. It’s home to the famous Fenway Park and the historic Harvard University. But are there any locations for rockhounds to dig for crystals, geodes, or gems in this State?
Some of the best rockhounding locations in Massachusetts are along the Atlantic coast and rock collectors actively dig for Rhodonite, Quartz, Amazonite, and many more.
Have you ever dreamed of going on a rock-hounding adventure in Massachusetts? There are quite a few locations to dig for crystals, gems, Amethyst, Garnet, Geodes, and Agate. With its diverse landscape, Massachusetts can be a perfect place for you to hunt for rocks!
Be polite wherever you explore. Always pack out what you packed in. Meaning if you stop for a snack while rockhounding at any site, clean up after yourself and pack your trash items back out with you.
Always do your research regarding laws and regulations, and don’t forget to ask for permission to access an area and collect specimens.
This article will discuss the top rockhound locations in Massachusetts and the different types of rocks and minerals you can collect. Don’t forget to make it to the bottom of the page because we list out the best rock and mineral societies in the state. If you’re serious about collecting rocks then you’ll want to join one of these amazing clubs.
If you’re an active rock collector in Massachusetts 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’re ready to embark on a rock-hounding journey, then grab your rock hammer, and let’s get started!
Dig For Crystals
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| West Chesterfield | 42.403153, -72.880670 | Smoky Quartz |
| Malden | 42.442916, -71.077145 | Novaculite |
| Westfield | 42.598181, -71.469760 | Chiastolite crystals |
| Cohasset on beaches | 42.260512, -70.810203 | Jasper, Epidote |
| Bolton Lime Quarry | 42.439257, -71.567007 | Scapolite |
| Rollstone Hill | 42.580267, -71.811914 | Beryl |
| Reynolds Mine at Beryl Hill | 42.691216, -72.143923 | Beryl, Smoky Quartz crystals, Muscovite |
| Lane Trap Rock Quarry | 42.301243, -72.527078 | Amethyst, Datolite |
| Chesterfield | 42.355474, -72.823439 | Beryl, Kyanite, Staurolite |
| Betts Mine | 42.493757, -72.945717 | Rhodonite |
| Plainfield | 42.534349, -72.924828 | Garnet, Quartz crystals, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite |
| Goshen area | 42.449911, -72.824251 | Beryl |
| Lily Pond | 42.447325, -72.831876 | Emerald, Goshenite, Smoky Quartz crystals, Tourmaline |
| Barrus Mine | 42.472717, -72.838404 | Tourmaline, Lepidolite, Spodumene |
| Loudville area mines | 42.286326, -72.724760 | Chalcopyrite, Wulfenite, Cerussite |
| Norwich Bridge | 42.248708, -72.868074 | Beryl |
The eastern Atlantic coast has some of the best rock-hounding locations in Massachusetts. Certain areas are off limits to rockhounding, but most of these spaces are open for exploration. You can expect to find different types of Chalcedony, Jasper, Amber, and Quartz.
Aquinnah is a small township along the Atlantic coast. It’s best known for its beautiful clay cliffs and has a relatively small local population by East Coast standards.
Amber and Jasper are the most popular rocks you can find here!
Plymouth County is a large area of the Massachusetts coast. Not all of the county is ideal for rock hunting, but plenty of places to start exploring are available!
Marshfield and other coastline locations are the best places to start. You can expect to find some excellent Jasper samples in these areas.
Dig For Geodes
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
Unfortunately, our site for geodes is now private property and you can now longer dig at the location. I’ve removed it from the list but I’m working on finding new locations for all you rockhounds.
Halibut Point State Park is a small inlet touching the Atlantic Ocean. It has a small lake which is located only a few miles from the beach and is an ideal spot for rockhounding.
This is an excellent spot for finding Amazonite crystals.
This may seem odd since this article already has an east coast section. But we wanted to distinguish the eastern coastline from the eastern inland regions.
Westford is a quiet community in eastern Massachusetts. It’s a few miles from the ocean and is rather unassuming at first glance.
However, there are some old quarries and open spaces worth checking out! You can find Chrysolite, Jasper, and Amazonite in these areas.
Western Massachusetts is the most mountainous portion of the State. Several of the town and counties in this portion of the State touch the border of Upstate New York.
These mountains make this area of the best spots for rockhounding.
Berkshire County is one of the furthest west portions of Massachusetts. It touches the New York border and is not very far from Albany.
It’s a good spot to find Smoky Quartz crystals.
Dig For Gems
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich beaches to NW | 41.783969, -70.505419 | Jasper |
| Marshfield on beaches | 42.114111, -70.669451 | Jasper |
| Middlesborough | 41.850298, -70.890418 | Agate, Chalcedony |
| Dalton | 42.486162, -73.172637 | Asbestos, Talc |
| Monument Mountain | 42.258840, -73.349342 | Smoky Quartz |
| Pittsfield | 42.418278, -73.223237 | Green Quartz |
| Gay Head | 41.345278, -70.836855 | Amber |
| Newburyport area mines | 42.785112, -70.906430 | Chalcopyrite, Galena, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Siderite, Tetrahedrite |
| Rockport | 42.690110, -70.633326 | Amazonite |
| Rowley | 42.716743, -70.921099 | Jasper |
| Conway area gravels | 42.509434, -72.683477 | Agate |
| Leverett area mines | 42.459510, -72.458883 | Chalcopyrite |
| Montagu mines | 42.507178, -72.524738 | Chalcopyrite, Hematite |
| Northfield area | 42.693014, -72.477513 | Fluorite, Garnet, Beryl |
| Northfield Mountain | 42.626105, -72.437215 | Garnet |
| Davis Mine | 42.683431, -72.864959 | Chalcopyrite, Pyrite |
| Warwick | 42.659581, -72.378836 | Hematite |
| Blandford | 42.166211, -72.946265 | Beryl, Feldspar |
| Chester | 42.279048, -72.988426 | Diaspore, Jasper, Pyrrhotite, Serpentine, Chromite |
| Montgomery area mines | 42.213734, -72.790549 | Galena |
| Norwich area | 42.287227, -72.838376 | Beryl |
| Lane Quarry | 42.116536, -72.689257 | Amethyst, Datolite |
Monument Mountain is a lovely stretch of wilderness surrounded by suburban regions of Massachusetts. It’s just a few miles from the border of Upstate New York.
You can expect to find all kinds of Quartz crystals in these mountains.
Franklin County is a large county in the northwestern part of Massachusetts. It’s essentially right above Berkshire County in the north but also touches the New York border.
This is an excellent spot to find Fluorite, Hematite, and different varieties of Quartz!
Is it Safe to Rock Hunt in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is a reasonably safe State for rock hunting. However, some of the best spots are the various closed mines scattered across the State. We recommend you travel with a guide and avoid going underground alone.
Is it Legal to Rockhound on the Massachusetts Coast?
It is legal to collect rocks and other marine debris in Massachusetts. However, you should avoid collecting rocks and minerals on historic land. If you’re traveling through Plymouth or other historical counties, just make sure you aren’t on publicly preserved lands.
Rock And Mineral Societies
Connecticut Valley Mineral Club
The Connecticut Valley Mineral Club is located southeastern part of Massachusets, near Connecticut. They gather on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss recent findings and plan their next field trips.
You can join their club and join their upcoming rock shows and field trips for 2023!
The Boston Mineral Club gathers every first Tuesday of the month. They’re located in the famous city of Boston and have excellent scholarships for gemstone enthusiasts.
Membership costs $20 per family and grants access to the many perks of the club.
North Shore Rock & Mineral Club
The North Shore Rock and Mineral Club meet every third Friday of the month. They host several field trips throughout the spring and summer months.
Membership is $15 per family and grants access to all the club’s unique events!
