Rockhound Locations in South Carolina
Here at the Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina 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.
South Carolina Rock Hound Locations
South Carolina is one of my all-time favorite states to dig for crystals, minerals, and geodes. Back in the 90s, I’d drive a couple of hours to a local dig site and always come home with skeletal quartz, amethyst, sapphires, and garnets.
If you’re lucky enough to live in this state then you’re surrounded by amazing gem mines and crystal dig sites. Keep reading below for locations you should have on your list to visit and explore.
The western portion of the state has quite a few locations but the coastal area has fossils and megalodon teeth. Whether you’re looking to add crystals and gemstones to your collection or start a new fossil collection, South Carolina has you covered.
Here are the best areas to go rockhounding in South Carolina!
South Carolina Crystal Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Abbeville County | 34.207899, -82.414270 | Beryl, Corundum, Epidote, Jasper |
| Diamond Hill Mine | 34.270259, -82.573758 | Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Beryl, Epidote |
| Donalds area | 34.340809, -82.28974 | Amethyst |
| Savannah River bank | 34.345635, -82.801510 | Aquamarine, Beryl |
| Iva area exposures | 34.306504, -82.673418 | Amethyst |
| Anderson | 34.530992, -82.716413 | Beryl |
| Anderson | 34.508429, -82.572457 | Aquamarine, Beryl, Garnet, Quartz crystals, Tourmaline |
| Piedmont pegmatite outcrops | 34.688359, -82.462774 | Aquamarine, Tourmaline |
| Cherokee County gravels | 35.102498, -81.572557 | Barite, Hematite, Kyanite, Sapphire |
| Bowens River and tributaries | 35.164563, -81.578938 | Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Quartz crystals, Topaz, Zircon, Amethyst, Rutile |
| Gaffney area mines | 35.070240, -81.542105 | Cassiterite, Feldspar, Kyanite, Quartz Crystals |
| Henry’s Knob | 35.130961, -81.27506 | Andalusite, Kyanite, Staurolite, Tourmaline |
| Hickory Grove | 34.947067, -81.479175 | Andalusite, Kyanite, Staurolite, Tourmaline |
| Smyrna | 34.996748, -81.459648 | Calcite, Galena, Sphalerite, Tourmaline |
Western South Carolina
The western area of South Carolina offers a diverse selection of crystals and minerals. It’s home to Diamond Hill Mine in Antreville and some other smaller sites.
The Diamond Hill Mine is one of the most popular spots in the whole state for rock hunting. This is largely due to the high-quality amethysts, smoky quartz, and other semi-precious crystals.
However, this site is fee-to-dig, meaning you’ll have to pay a small fee to participate.
Pickens County and Anderson are located just north and slightly east of Diamond Hill Mine. Although close together, we wanted to mention this region because it also offers plenty!
Here you can expect to find fine specimens of
- Quartz Crystals
- Amethyst
- Geodes
- Aquamarine
- Garnet
South Carolina Gemstone Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater & Herse Valley | 33.538364, -81.823864 | Amethyst, Chalcedony, Quartz Crystals (smoky, rutilated), Rutile, Zircon |
| Jefferson area mines | 34.714074, -80.36414 | Topaz |
| Turkey Creek near Highway 25 | 33.881437, -81.974859 | Serpentine |
| Lake Murray Dam | 34.048872, -81.198786 | Garnet, Kyanite crystals |
| Haile Gold Mine | 34.580422, -80.531983 | Pyrite, Quartz |
| Flat Creek area mines | 34.684934, -80.586279 | Pyrite, Sericite |
| Prosperity | 34.208767, -81.519269 | Barite Crystals |
| Big Creek & Little Saluda River, the Cultbreath Mine | 34.061846, -81.676592 | Amphibolite, Chalcopyrite, Magnetite, Pyrite |
| Columbia area, near Lake Murray | 34.078465, -81.239307 | Amethyst |
| Liberty Hill, Catawba River tributaries | 34.471456, -80.836304 | Smoky Quartz Crystals, Zircon |
The Northern part of South Carolina is a great place to find tourmaline and beryl specimens to add to your rock collection.
Henry’s Knob is located on the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. This rural area is an excellent spot for hunting tourmaline, kyanite, and other translucent crystals.
Liberty Hill is located in the northeastern portion of South Carolina and is known for smoky quartz crystals.
Bowen’s River Road is just north of Cherokee Falls and rests squarely on the North Carolina border. This spot is great for finding emeralds and sapphires! If you make it out to this location and find emeralds then you might want to know how to value them. I’ve provided details on emerald pricing here.
The Southern region of South Carolina is a great spot for fossils! The shallow pools near the ocean could provide a great location for picking up Megalodon teeth and other shark teeth.
This is one of the most popular sites for fossil hunting in the Carolinas!
South Carolina Petrified Wood Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Darlington area and Pee Dee River | 34.305432, -79.658924 | Petrified wood |
| Bellyache Creek | 34.337544, -79.984068 | Petrified wood |
| Fairfield County | 34.399535, -80.909372 | Petrified wood |
| Blenheim | 34.442071, -79.661808 | Petrified wood |
Langley River is an awesome spot for Rockhounding! You’ll likely uncover some amethysts, zircon, and quartz crystals.
Darlington Pee Dee River stretches from the northeast to the southeast. It’s an excellent spot for rock hounds to collect petrified wood.
Is It Legal to Rock Hunt in South Carolina?
Rockhounding is legal in most areas of South Carolina. Some sites require a fee to dig, while others are private and off-limits to the public. You should never trespass on private or restricted property.
Where Can You Find Megalodon Teeth in South Carolina?
Myrtle Beach and other coastal sites are the best spots to hunt for Megalodon teeth. These sites are also rich in other shark teeth, including Lemon and Bull.
South Carolina Fossil Map
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Types of Fossils |
|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach | 32.652160, -79.944731 | Megalodon teeth |
| Kiawah Island | 32.601697, -80.083054 | Megalodon teeth, shark teeth |
| Morgan River | 32.445653, -80.481021 | Megalodon teeth |
| Myrtle Beach | 33.687874, -78.882174 | Fossilized shark teeth, Megalodon teeth |
| Cooper River | 33.192813, -79.969028 | Megalodon teeth |
| Morris Island | 32.710025, -79.883897 | Megalodon teeth |
| Edisto Beach | 32.487884, -80.317285 | Megalodon teeth |
| Florence County | 34.017766, -79.713110 | Petrified wood |
Rock and Mineral Societies
Aiken Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Society
The Aiken Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Society meet every second Friday of the month. They gather at 945 Bull Street, Columbia, SC, which is right next to the local park!
While they don’t have a website yet, they do have an active Facebook page. You’ll be able to engage with seasoned rock hunters from the area and learn more about their meetings.
The Western South Carolina Gem & Mineral Society
The Western South Carolina Gem and Mineral Society meet every second Monday of each month. They also host annual auctions and special field trips.
If you have children, then they also have something fun for them! Visit their Little Miners page to start getting involved.
Low Country Gem and Mineral Society
The Low Country Gem and Mineral Society meets every second Thursday of each month. They offer several perks to their club members, including their newsletter, voting on the Board, and field trips.
You can also interact with them directly on their Facebook page.
