Rockhound Locations in Mississippi

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Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Mississippi.  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 Mississippi 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.

Mississippi Rockhound Locations

Mississippi gets its name from the Native word meaning “Great Water.” This makes sense since the State is best known for the mighty Mississippi River! But there are also plenty of rocks to see in this State.

Have you ever dreamed of going on a rock-hounding adventure in Mississippi? Rockhounds can find Agate, Petrified Wood, and Fossils. With its diverse landscape, Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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!

 

Sagenite Agate Geode

 

Dig For Agate

Location NameLongitude and LatitudeRocks and Gemstones
Wesson31.715720, -90.323516Agate, Chalcedony, Petrified wood
Bell Creek30.558116, -89.326630Agate
Mississippi River34.798131, -90.455792Agate, Fossils
Adams County31.536047, -91.369429Agate

 

Western Mississippi is one of the best spots for finding Agate, Petrified wood, and Chalcedony. This portion of the State is especially good for rock hunting thanks to the mighty Mississippi River running through it. 

While there are other river tributaries elsewhere in Mississippi, the western portion is the richest. The gravel pits in Wesson and Adam’s counties are ideal for igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Wesson County is not a very big county by Midwestern standards. It’s a fairly rural area like much of Mississippi but has some unique finds. 

Wesson is just east of Highway 55 and north of Route 84. This makes it an easy place to access and it’s an ideal spot for finding Agate and Geodes. 

Adam’s County is located on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi. It runs parallel to the Mississippi River to the west, making it rich in mineral deposits. 

This area is particularly good for finding Agate, Quartz, Chalcedony, and Geodes. 

Eastern Mississippi is less well known for its rock and mineral deposits. This is mainly because it’s on the opposite side of the State from the Mississippi River. 

However, this area has several rivers and tributaries with a wide variety of rocks and minerals. The eastern part of Mississippi is especially good for petrified wood and fossils. 

 

Black Forest Petrified Wood log

 

Dig For Petrified Wood

Location NameLongitude and LatitudeRocks and Gemstones
Browning Fossil Park, Twenty mile Creek34.585420, -88.630652Petrified wood
Wesson gravels31.715720, -90.323516Petrified wood
Waynesboro in gravels31.754309, -88.749720Petrified palm wood
Holly Springs National Forest34.707953, -89.329951Petrified wood

 

Waynesboro is located near the Mississippi-Alabama border. The Mississippi coast is located a few miles south of this area, which is excellent for rock-hounding. 

This spot is primarily rural, with a lot of open space for searching for different rocks. It’s especially good for finding Petrified Palm Wood, and fossils. 

Paden is a small lake community. It’s mostly rural and located near the Alabama border to the east and Tennesee to the north. 

Paden is a good spot for finding different varieties of Amber

The Tombigbee River is located in Itawamba County along the Alabama border. This river actually exists in Alabama, and thus locating it exactly on a map can be difficult. 

This is a great place for finding shark teeth and fossilized teeth!

 

Dig For Fossils

Location NameLongitude and LatitudeRocks and Gemstones
Twenty mile Creek34.585420, -88.630652Fossils
Tombigbee River34.211963, -88.407146Shark teeth
Paden area outcrops of Tuscaloosa formation34.598014, -88.303977Amber
Waynesboro area31.754309, -88.749720Fossils

 

The northern parts of Mississippi have scattered rock-collecting sites. Near the Mississippi River is one of the best spots and has several varieties of fossils. 

Holly Springs State Park is a beautiful open land space and natural scenery. The lake and forests in the area are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and rock hunters. 

It’s an excellent spot for finding different specimens of Petrified Wood. 

Tennesee borders twenty Miles Springs to the north. It’s a rural region that isn’t far from the Tennesee border and has good rock-hounding spots. 

The Cretaceous Fossil Park, located in Twenty Mile Spring, has a unique supply of fossils and Amber. 

Mississippi is best known for its majestic rivers. However, the State has some special gems available for anyone looking to rockhound there! 

While it’s not the most popular spot for rock hunting, you can be sure to find some find agate and geode specimens. 

 

shark teeth

 

Is It Legal to Rockhound in the Mississippi River? 

It is legal to rockhound in most places in Mississippi. The only places you need to be careful are privately owned plots of land and some public parks. Most public parks have their rules posted, so you should be able to find out if rock hunting is legal. 

Rock And Mineral Societies

 

Mississippi Gem And Mineral Society

The Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society started as a non-profit in 1958. They’re a group of dedicated enthusiasts who wishes to share their love and passion for rock hunting. 

You can meet with them every fourth Saturday of the month to see what they have planned for 2023! 

 

North Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society

The North Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society hold its meetings on the third Saturday of each month. However, they do not meet between June-August. 

They welcome everyone from experts to beginners as long as they are enthusiastic about rocks and minerals!

 

Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society Inc

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society have a wonderful Facebook club page. However, you can find more information about club membership and meetings on their homepage. 

You can join their monthly meetings every second Sunday of the month!