Rockhound Locations in Vermont
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Vermont. 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 Vermont 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.
Vermont Rockhound Locations
Vermont is one of the most incredibly beautiful states in the US. That said, it should come as no surprise that rockhounds can find various high-quality crystals, gemstones, and minerals throughout. Aside from the precious gems and crystals, Vermont has seen its fair share of gold.
Rockhounds are pleased to find Agate, Tourmaline, Garnet, Quartz, Staurolite, and Pyrite. Some of the best rockhounding locations in Vermont are the old quarries, streams, rivers, and road cuts. With its diverse landscape, Vermont is 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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gassetts, near Williams River | 43.332187, -72.615802 | Quartz, Garnet, Tourmaline, Staurolite, Kyanite crystals, Actinolite, Diopside, Calcite, Sphene, Pyrite |
| Ludlow | 43.391484, -72.675180 | Tourmaline, Pyrite, Talc, Calcite, Diopside |
| Perkinsville, Springfield Dam | 43.338667, -72.506846 | Pyrite, Pyrrhotite, Chlorite, Ilmenite, Quartz, Calcite, Actinolite, Biotite |
| Jay Peak | 44.922344, -72.522631 | Malachite, Chlorite, Feldspar |
| Lake Willoughby | 44.727591, -72.032945 | Muscovite, Beryl, Garnet, Idocrase crystals |
| Devil’s Den | 43.356930, -72.892778 | Quartz crystals, Pyrite, Ilmenite |
| Fairhaven | 43.489325, -73.261870 | Pyrite, Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Quartz, Calcite |
| Proctor | 43.630188, -73.057159 | Marble |
| Round Hill | 43.561405, -72.924091 | Aventurine |
| Elizabeth Mine | 43.821207, -72.337437 | Chalcopyrite, Pyrrhotite |
Rockhounds that visit Bennington can find incredible gemstones, minerals, and rock specimens. East of town, the road cut is home to Quartz, Feldspar, Garnet, Biotite, and Hornblende.
The old quarries and dumps south of the Missisquoi River in Swanton are prime rockhound locations to find stunning Dunham dolomite and red marble specimens.
Ely Mine is an old copper mine that operated long ago but is now abandoned. It’s definitely one of the best rock-hounding locations in Vermont. The mine is near Vershire, where hounds have the opportunity to get their hands on specimens like Pyrrhotite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite, Actinolite, Calcite, Malachite, Tourmaline, and Garnet.
Dig For Agate
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Brook | 42.950774, -72.758166 | Agate, Serpentine, Quartz |
| Niquette Bay | 44.586916, -73.192844 | Agate, Chert, Jasper |
While Jasper doesn’t seem to be native to Vermont, it can be found in Niquette Bay in the area of outcrops and gravels. The state was once extremely popular for its gold deposits, and there are still several places it can be found today. Placer gold is commonly found at Little River Gold Brook and in Lamoille River in Placers near Johnson.
The Gassett’s is a highly desirable rockhound location in Vermont. Suppose your hounds head toward the outcrops near Williman River. In that case, you’ll have the chance to find Garnet, Quartz, Tourmaline, Pyrite, Kyanite, Staurolite, Actinolite, Calcite, Diopside, and Sphene gemstones.
Perkinsville is an incredibly noteworthy rockhound location in Vermont. East of the Springfield Dam, rockhounding explorers, might find Biotite, Calcite, Actinolite, Pyrrhotite, and Smoky Quartz crystals.
Dig For Gemstones
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Bennington | 42.878476, -73.116080 | Quartz, Garnet, Feldspar, Biotite |
| Lamoille River | 44.600973, -73.203327 | Dolomite crystals, Chalcopyrite |
| East Fletcher | 44.720312, -72.830786 | Pyrite |
| Swanton, Missisquoi River | 44.908026, -73.096355 | Marble, Dolomite |
| Richford | 44.996086, -72.565229 | Actinolite, Talc, Fuschite, Magnetite |
| Lake Champlain | 44.896870, -73.275744 | Quartz |
| Isle La Motte | 44.905940, -73.298453 | Marcasite, Fossils (gastropods, nautiloids) |
| Grand Isle | 44.632199, -73.270397 | Quartz crystals, Calcite, Pyrite concretions |
| Little River | 44.471320, -72.679106 | Gold |
| Gold Brook | 44.447775, -72.661187 | Gold |
| Lamoille River | 44.627698, -72.680798 | Gold nuggets |
| Gihon River | 44.700385, -72.554051 | Gold |
| Eden area near Belvidere Mt. | 44.767890, -72.544535 | Vesuvianite, Serpentine, Garnet, Epidote, Diopside, Calcite |
| White River | 43.947461, -72.718206 | Gold |
If you have Garnet on your radar, head towards Bennington, and stop at the road cut east of town. Eden is another area you might try your luck. The quarries near Belvidere Mountain and the Ely Mine are two more options for hounds on the hunt for Garnet.
Garnets are also found in the outcrops on the eastern side of Lake Willoughby and in the outcrop near the Williams River. This outcrop is also an excellent place to search for rare Sphene gemstones.
If you’re looking to dig for Geodes in Vermont then you’re going to be disappointed because they’re not plentiful. You’d be better off planning a trip to Utah where you will have better locations and geodes are abundant there.
Some of the best areas to look for geodes in Vermont are road cuts, caves, outcrops of limestone, and old quarries but don’t count on finding very many.
Vermont may not seem like a prime rock-hounding location. However, the state has numerous places for rockhounds to explore and hunt. Not only can you find excellent specimens, but it’s also a beautiful trip worth taking.
As always, make sure to do your research before exploring and digging. Some areas require a permit. You may also want to consider joining a rockhounding club or society in Vermont, as it can better your chances of finding ideal locations.
Rock And Mineral Societies
There are a couple of excellent rockhound societies in Vermont. That said, if you’re considering rockhounding in the state, joining a club or organization is a good idea. They’re excellent for learning about rocks and minerals, as well as finding some low-key locations that are lesser known. Let’s dig in!
Burlington Gem and Mineral Club
The Burlington Gem and Mineral Club (BGMC) is a club in northern Vermont. It’s open to anyone interested in gems, minerals, fossils, and lapidary crafting.
Some of the club activities include field trips to collect fossils and minerals, presentations by invited speakers and club members, and the Champlain Valley Gem, Mineral, and Fossil show that’s held every July. BGMC promotes interest in the rockhounding hobby by supporting talks and displaying members at local libraries and schools.
Speaking of schools, the Burlington Gem and Mineral Club offer the Ethel and William Schuele Scholarship to support the original research on Vermont’s geology by graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in colleges or universities within New York or New England
The BGMC is a member of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies, Inc. and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Anyone interested can find Federation-sponsored activities on their respective websites.
BGMC club activities also include an annual potluck party and members-only auctions, slide programs, and demonstrations. The club highly encourages prospective members to attend one of their monthly meetings. The club meetings are casual and family-friendly.
A BGMC membership entitles members to receive their monthly newsletter, which is published 11 times throughout the year. The newsletters are full of articles about specimens, tips and techniques of the trade, and reports about past and upcoming field trips.
Annual memberships run from the 1st of January through December 31st. Suppose you join in the middle of the membership calendar. In that case, the club will supply you with the appropriate number of back issues of their e-newsletter. Individual memberships cost $12, with family memberships running at $20.
The Rutland Rocks and Mineral Club was founded in 1963. The club comprises an active group of individuals united by a common bond, rockhounding. Rutland Rock and Mineral Club have members with interests spanning from gems to crystals and fossils to the lapidary arts.
People of all ages are welcome. A quick review of the club’s members and it’s easy to see that members range from anywhere between 8 years old up to their 80s. Anyone interested in rockhounding in any phase of this exquisite hobby is always welcome to become a member of the club.
Rutland Rock and Mineral Club hold meetings from September through December, and March through June, on the second Tuesday of every month. After a brief business meeting, the club has snacks brought in by members before starting presentations, videos, demonstrations, and speakers. Those that attend have the opportunity to win door prizes.
Individual memberships are $7.50, and family memberships are only $10. Club memberships include club-sponsored field trips, newsletters, and liability insurance for the field trips.
If you’re a rockhound looking for others who share the passion for this hobby in the Vermont area, you should look into these clubs. The amount of helpful information is seemingly neverending, and there is a wealth of opportunities to get hands-on experience out in the field.
