where to find agates in new mexico

The best places to rockhound near Albuquerque are the Rio Puerco Valley, the area surrounding Los Lunas, and Laguna. We are focused on discovering 38 million year old natural treasures. Turquoise, Opal, Amethyst, Jasper, Red Beryl, Peridot & Azurite. Lets take a deeper look into a tiny snapshot of the rich rockhounding diversity you can find in the Land of Enchantment. The best specimens will have multiple colors with a pleasing pattern in clear chalcedony, less impressive specimens can be found with single-colored moss or lower clarity as well. Rock Hounding in the cobble fields near Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Plumes are, quite often, multicolor as well. Give it a thought before you head out, its more complete than we can get into with this small article. The end result is usually a limb-cast, where the exterior of the stone looks much like the wood it replaces. Isleta Pueblo, area surfaces, draws, washes, etc. A locations listing here is not a guarantee of accuracy. Though this agate is much more abundant in certain parts of Mexico, it can also be found in Arizona, California (links to complete rockhouding guides), and New Mexico which shares a border with Mexico. A dilapidated home in the ghost town in New Mexico called Steins (near Lordsburg). And as an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission on qualifying purchases after clicking on those links, at no additional cost to you. There are a number of public rockhounding sites in Oregon (link to complete rockhounding guide), most of which are managed by the BLM and open to rockhounds. In the U.S., agates are most commonly found along the shores of the Great Lakes, the beaches of the Pacific Coast, and in the deserts of many western states. The following are some of the most famous sites: Though some of these sites have been used for decades as rockhounding locations, you dont need to worry about not finding any agates annual rainfalls reveal buried rocks all the time and most of these places are very large (there are probably areas that havent even been properly explored because of the rough terrain). Eye agate is different than tube agate which is cut perpendicular to the tubes. Unfortunately for rockhounds, the law in most states prohibits them from publishing their names or contact information online. With this guidebook, just about anyone can learn where to find unique minerals, fossils, and other geologic treasures mentioned above. Jeremy is a professional writer, but his real passion lies with stones. It's almost everywhere in the state. There are very specific spots that are known to have agates and those are the locations you need to start from. Organ, NM, USA. If it looks similar to agate but isnt translucent, its probably jasper (a great find in and of itself). Agates come in all sizes, shapes, and colors but they do share some common features that will help you identify them. The best places to find turquoise in New Mexico are: These mining districts each contain many mines, both active and abandoned, and care should be taken to ensure you have permission to search and collect wherever you go. Any place where the earth has been cut away or dug out has the potential to reveal some agates ripe for the picking. Peridot is gem-quality Olivine. Banded Agate, 5.8 cm. So lets dive in and talk about the different types of agate! My best finds yet! The choppy water and heavy wave action tend to transport and uncover fresh agates, so those beaches tend to make for much better rockhounding destinations than calmer beaches. You will likely have to be more diligent and methodical in your searching than you would at the beach. The locations and information contained in this article are primarily derived from academic papers, online resources, and other outside sources. Many have well-defined, regular banding, but some, such as Mexican Crazy Lace . Some specimens even have hues of purple contained within them, but not quite on the level of amethyst. For more information about turquoise in New Mexico I would recommend reading this short article from the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources which contains background and some details on each of the mining districts I listed above. If you go early in the morning or late in the day, the angle of the sunlight will catch the colorful, translucent agates at an advantageous angle, making them much easier to spot. The rock picker than Id personally recommend is this one on Amazon, which has a detachable scoop on the end so you can use it as a walking stick when youre not picking up rocks. I'm Mike Rhea, and I'm a professional Geologist with a passion for rocks, minerals, and everything related to Geology. The New Mexico Bureau Of Geology And Mineral Resources is a great resource for making sure your finds stay legal. This is a pretty specialized tool that can greatly improve your quality of life if you plan to spend any significant amount of time hunting agates. These agates only have horizontal stripes, as opposed to the complete bands of fortification agate, and can have many layers with different colors. OakRocks has been in the rock and mineral business for 30 years. From Highway 70 east of Safford, Arizona approximately 50 miles, travel into New Mexico to just beyond milepost 5. At most of these locations, youll have the most success hunting in the winter or early spring when storms are larger and more frequent. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Seam agate is known for intense coloration, with many amazing samples coming out of Turkey. 6. Its all about the unique plumes that make up each stone, creating a huge variety of differences even in the same location. Theres even a map that shows you where to look for rocks in Oregon. The mineral inclusions can be complex or singular, depending on the locality or even the individual agate nodule. Including a smorgasbord of rockhounding opportunities. One of the downsides to searching for agates at road cuts and similar locations is that they will likely not be nearly as well polished and clearly distinguishable as they are on beaches. In recent days, agate is mostly a reference to any kind of transparent, including chalcedony. The gem is most often found in basalt flows in New Mexico. Its is one of only two state parks in the U.S. that allows and even encourages visitors to keep something from the park. Its one of the most expensive agates in the world, especially high-grade finished pieces meant for jewelry. While finding agates is often as simple as walking around and picking up any pretty rocks you see, there are a lot of tips and tricks that will save you quite a bit of time and backaches. It is your responsibility to know the rockhounding laws and regulations for each site you visit. 5 x 4 x 3 3/4 Fantastic tube agate with sparkling druzy pockets. Moss agate can come in a wide variety of colors other than green. The key is in finding and identifying the rare stuff, such as Fairburn Agates, and separating it from the rest of the material in an area. Petrified Wood. I would highly recommend this tool to anyone wanting to hunt for agates on a beach. Rockhounds can also hope to find other mineral specimens including aragonite, onyx, jasper, and even some gold. These mines are located on Gila National Forest and open for collecting. Agates can be transported great distances from where they originated, most commonly by glaciers, ocean currents, and rivers. How to Tumble Rocks: Get Great Results Every Time, How Much Do Rocks Weigh? Follow posted signage and always get permission from the landowner to collect. Rockhound State Park is in southwestern New Mexico near the town of Deming. Much of the most sought-after material occurs in the Great Lakes area, but nodules are spread from coast-to-coast. Either way, the digging is in the desert, so you should be prepared for hot weather to go with your hot finds. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. Chrysocolla. 2, p. 22 Not diamonds, in an unfortunate turn of events. Unless the agate has been freshly broken and is relatively clean it will likely be much harder to identify than a smooth agate you might find on a beach. Hello, I am John.As a little boy, I was fascinated by stones and liked to take them home. They allow people to collect at the surface and dig among tailing piles. The most famous of these is turquoise, which as the states gemstone has become nearly synonymous with the American Southwest. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; (42) $168.99. Invertebrate fossils are spread across the state, but there are some areas that are more specific. Each region will have its own list of rockhounding locations with an accompanying map. In Mexico, you can find both fire agates and Laguna agates. This article is about specific types of agate without regard to their locality. The fire agates are found south of Arizona whereas Laguna agates are prevalent in Estacion Ojo Laguna, in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico. Agates are a subject of their own, with various varieties creating an amazing display. Arizona: Source Turquoise We have a great source for New Mexico Rocks and Minerals and we carry a large variety of both finished and rough materials. Until the 1920's, New Mexico was the United States largest producer of turquoise. There are dirt roads that run along the edge of the crater, allowing you easy access to many areas within. I have written entire articles which cover the rockhounding laws and regulations for nearly every type of public land you can think of. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. It can be very helpful to take a spray bottle with you so you can quickly wash off the superficial dust from small areas to check for agates. In New Mexico turquoise and ochre was mined near Santa Fe in pre-Columbian times. Many of them are visible from the road. Public lands like Rockhound State Park and Jemez National Recreation Area are popular locations where rockhounding is encouraged. Most of our Mexican agates were found in the northern state of Chihuahua. While there are no shortages of sites or minerals to collect, caution should be taken when venturing into the sparsely populated and difficult to access wilderness in which they reside. 7. In its heyday, it was a rich mining town. Petaca, mine dump 1 mi. Certain agates can only be found in one or two locations worldwide, some have very vibrant colors and some even feature beautiful and unique landscapes (scenic agates) all of which can significantly increase their price. Once the fragile gypsum erodes it leaves scattered outcrops of Pecos Diamonds throughout the Pecos River Valley. Unfortunately, not every beach lends itself to agate collecting. Near the town of Gila, New Mexico near Silver City there are many old abandoned fluorspar mines located on Gila National Forest Public lands. This agate can be distinguished from others by its vibrant red, orange or yellow bands that usually feature white bands in-between. Look for rocks that have a roughly round or oval shape that are at least slightly more colorful than the majority of rocks in the area. The best part is that the information is easy to read and displayed well, which is something that not every guide out there offers. Jasper is also available in Gila, a small community in Grant County of New Mexico. 7. Several rocks and minerals can be found including agate, amber, chalcopyrite, apatite. These include: Other than the sites mentioned above, there are hundreds of places to look for rocks in Oregon, since its situated right next to the ocean, which means tons of mineral deposits have historically been carried into the state via rivers, not to mention deposits that have built up near the coastline. At that stage, agates are only a silica-rich gel before pressure and time create the stones we know and love. There are certain types of areas that you can search and many useful techniques that will increase your chances of finding agates. Road cuts, construction, and other areas where mountainsides, soil, and other land is cut and exposed. As with the rest of the state, Northwestern New Mexico contains a wealth of rockhounding sites with a wide variety of rocks and minerals. Ultimate Guide To Keokuk Geodes (What They Are and Where To Find Them), Where To Find Jade In California (Top 5 Locations), New Mexico Bureau Of Geology And Mineral Resources, Rockhounding New Mexico: A Guide To 140 Of The States Best Rockhounding Sites, Rockhounding New Mexico: A Guide To 140 Of The State's Best Rockhounding Sites, Where to Find Oregon Agates (Tips and Locations), Rockhounding In New Mexico! It also helps if the beach is well known for aggressive tides and/or frequent storms. This site contains affiliate links to products. Moss agate is a personal favorite of mine, with inclusions that look like moss inside the chalcedony. Fresh material will be churned up and youll be the first person to take a crack at finding anything. This website also participates in Google Adsense. Dig Your Own Amethyst Crystals: The Diamond Willow Mine Offers a Unique Experience! The beautiful, unique forms make each piece different, regardless of the design of the metal. This particular spot is considered to be. Other great rockhounding sites in the area include Pedernal Park, Abiquiu Lake, and localities in Carson National Forest. Agate is found in over 40 locations across New Mexico. New Mexico also has many areas where fossils are found too. Amethyst. The True Worth of Agates. Some agates that were found in this area display different colors depending on which side the rock is illuminated from. Specimens may become depleted from other collectors, the location may have been built on or altered, locality information in literature may be inaccurate, and property ownership may have changed hands. You can find his knowledge here, and his handiwork at his Etsy shop. Including paid digs if you prefer. Sometimes they are extremely easy to spot, but in some cases they are almost impossible to distinguish from other rocks without a practiced eye and more meticulous work. Its always more enjoyable to go rockhounding on a nice, sunny day, but there are more practical advantages to having good sunshine when searching for agates. To access these old mines and prospects, travel north out of the town of Gila on Turkey Creek Road. (984 Results) From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Not only are they beautiful and unique, but theyre also one of the most abundant rocks on Earth. It can be found by driving northbound on Interstate 25 just before . 5. There are many types of agates and some can only be found in specific locations while others are found across numerous continents. New Mexico: The thundereggs of the Bear Mountain are known for many decades and widely visited by local rock clubs, but they still can be found even today despite the complains by local rockhounds about not finding anything except small ones. Rio Puerco Valley, area gravels, washes, etc. This banding can be made into cabochons or cameos, but often its only part of the display of a larger specimen. Simple Explanation. Their translucence tends to catch the light and almost make them appear to glow, especially when compared to the more ordinary rocks around them. In the metaphysical realm, agate is said to change negative energy into positive energy and to heal anxiety and internal anger. While little information exists on the specifics of the mines, word has it that you can easily find gems and minerals such as Azurite, Malachite, and Chrysocolla. The area is set aside for the non-commercial collecting of agate, jasper, and petrified wood. If youre planning on hitting up a beach to look for agates then make sure to check the tide tables for the best time to go. Plumes are one of the more complex forms found inside agates, and there are dozens of distinct varieties. Youll need to do some research into the local geology of your area, of course, because only specific kinds of rock produce or contain agates. I would recommend checking mindat.org for specific locations wherever you live. Organ. Either way, the digging is in the desert, so you should be prepared for hot weather to go with your hot finds. Rockhound State Park - Deming, NM A guide to New Mexico rockhounding is hardly complete without mentioning the eponymous state park of the hobby. Through quite a bit of research and cross-referencing of available literature, I have compiled this list of some prospective locations in New Mexico which I would recommend to people looking to do some rockhounding. 3 x 3 x 3 Geode with stalactites. Our premium selection of ethically sourced minerals will delight any crystal enthusiast. San Jon, NM 88434, USA. The area is set aside for the non-commercial collecting of agate, jasper, and petrified wood. Facet-quality linardite is recovered in Socorro County. Moss agate is relatively popular and easy to find in raw, tumbled, or cut forms online. The Montana Moss Agate is another interesting agate thats found in the Yellowstone region, especially Yellowstone National Park, which is a part of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho (links to ultimate rockhounding guides). The best places to rockhound near Sante Fe include several mining dumps along the Pecos River, the area north of Las Vegas, and several outcrops and sites to the southwest of Picuris Peak. The fire agates are found south of Arizona whereas Laguna agates are prevalent in Estacion Ojo Laguna, in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico. Tube agates had mineral tubes or sticks forming in them during the period when they were underground. The resulting basalt is cooled magma, but not every flow contains peridot. Agates can sometimes be found in gravel pits and on dirt roads. It's also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. You can even find eyes in varieties of chalcedony like Carnelian if you get lucky! If youre relatively new to rock collecting or are just looking for some tips on how to plan your trip to the field, Id recommend checking out my how-to guide for rock and mineral collectors. Careful preparation is necessary, but the location offers you a good shot at some rare specimens! Agates form when hollow cavities in lava are later filled with quartz and other minerals precipitating through the rock, so any volcanic beds are a good sign. Make sure you take some serious precautions, abandoned mines are dangerous. The top 10 rockhounding sites in New Mexico: New Mexico boasts a wide variety of rocks and minerals which rockhounds from all over the world come to collect for themselves. This drive takes you through the ghost town in New Mexico known as Organ and, while the town isn't an official stop on the map, it has more than its share of derelict places. BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? In one of the more rock-collecting-limited areas of the state, the vast deserts of southeast New Mexico, you can actually find peridot. Baker Ranch. Find out the main differences between real and fake agate in the article below: See my page on Rockhounding Rules for general information on the rules of collecting rocks on various lands. TIP: Agate is actually a very popular rock that is famous for its use in jewelry and decorations. As with most states, each county in New Mexico will have records of who owns each piece of property. Few of the most highly desired minerals that you can find in the state of New Mexico. Fortification agates are often left in their rough form or simply tumble-polished. Iris agate is sometimes used in jewelry but only displays well in earrings due to the nature of the optical qualities. Where To Go Rockhounding In New Mexico 1. Hunting for Agates in New Mexico! Also keep in mind that you dont have to limit yourself to road cuts any sort of freshly exposed rock faces will make for a potential agate hunting location. Apache Dendritic, 15 cm . They form in old gypsum deposits. Expect detailed site information including the following. It can be any variety of agate, but a lot of it is simple waterline agate that has formed in veins. As such, no matter which direction one takes from the Casitas on a single day's outing, there are excellent collecting sites to be discovered. Southeastern New Mexico is a fantastic area for rockhounding. Other minerals which are fairly unique to the state include Apache tears and Pecos diamonds which are actually double-terminated quartz crystals. No photos or any other portion of this site may be copied without owner's permission. Ethically Sourced Minerals. Consider digging and scouring in old mine tailings or exposed cuts in the hillside. Most agates that youll find will be about walnut sized or smaller. Agates are some of the most popular rocks for collectors, and its easy to see why. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; One of the best things you can do before looking for agates is to check the weather. Plume, 8.3 cm . Plumes are a bit different than moss, although the similar look can make them a bit confusing. Other prominent agate-producing states include Minas Gerais, Gois, Par, Piau, Paraba, and the Tocantins. Fire agates are found in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Exceptional Fossil Reveals Fish-Eating-Fish Moment Frozen in Time, The Great Meteorite Hunt: Museum Offers $25,000 Reward for Rare Fireball Remains in Maine, Why Petrified Logs Look Like Theyve Been Cut (The How and The Why), Detailed maps and directions to sites including GPS points, Contact information for local land management agencies, Suggestions for tools and techniques by site. An exceptional reference for experts and novices alike, you can read about 140 of New Mexicos top sites to visit as a rockhound. I encourage you to check them out if you are curious about the legalities of rock and mineral collecting. These include translucency (if you hold a flashlight behind or in front of the rock, you will notice transparent areas, especially near the edges), a waxy exterior (especially if the rock is broken or chipped and the exposed area has a waxy feel) and bands inside the rock (once you open it). New Mexico. For the most part, plume agate will resemble feathers or smoke instead of moss. Many of these old mine sites offer the chance for rockhounds to collect specimens of fluorite. Copyright 2022 Rockhound Resource | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Rocks, Gems, and Minerals of the Southwest, New Mexico Rockhounding: A Guide to Minerals, Gemstones, and Fossils. Areas that the Willamette River and its tributaries run through, Oregons forests, desert areas, and the coastline house numerous types of agates, thundereggs, jaspers, petrified wood, fossils, obsidian, and more. When searching for agates, its important to know exactly what it is youre looking for. The best rockhounding spots for finding agates in Colorado are Wolf Creek Pass on route 160, Felch Creek, and Houselog Creek. Take the dirt access road on your right for 12 miles, following the signs to the Rockhound Area. This includes Fire Agate. A clickable map for different rockhounding sites located across the United States. You will find everything about rocks, minerals, and crystals here. Central New Mexico, Unpolished Slab. Agate is a strange word, used in a wide variety of ways. Brightly colored jasper and agate can be found on both sides of the road for almost 5 miles. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. One of the defining characteristics of agate is that its translucent. If youre searching in good sunlight (especially in the morning or evening) the sun may cause the agates to show themselves more clearly. Finding an agate is much more rewarding than just buying one as any rockhound already knows. For the most part, its just a glorious myriad of silica-based minerals! Beautiful Magnetite and Pyrite comes from that mine. Pecos Diamonds, like Herkimer Diamonds, are double-terminated quartz crystals. Still visible are the deep wagon-wheel ruts left by those frontiering souls traveling the 175-mile Santa Fe Trail . There are other guides out there, but this is a great one for people of all levels. When exposed to heat or humidity, the surfaces can weather away, leaving plain malachite. Follow These Simple Steps. Compared to the rest of the state Northeastern New Mexico is relatively lacking in rockhounding sites, but there are still many worthwhile locations to investigate. As I discussed earlier, their surface is usually rough and pockmarked because that is where they were in contact with the host rock. Youll have better luck if you do your research beforehand. These spots arent as picked over because theyre hard to get to. Use this resource as a guide to get you started. Azurite is best known for its namesake deep blue azure color, which seems to reflect the deep blue dusk hour skies of the desert southwest. If you hold a prospective agate up near a flashlight and you cant see any light penetrating through the rock, then youve found something other than agate. Sarape Agate has many different colors including reds, greens, orange, yellow, brown and gray. The reason for going at low tide is because more of the beach will be exposed, giving you more ground to cover. If you shine your flashlight on the rocks in front of you, any agates will tend to glow in the light. A wide variety of rocks and minerals can be found including fluorite, agate, Apache tears, and obsidian. The majority of these locations are my interpretation of Robert Bestes A Location Guide for Rock Hounds in the United States. You should also pay attention to areas where theres erosion rocks often show up here as well. Be safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect specimens. In New Mexico numerous rock and mineral mines were developed and worked beginning in the early 1800s. Its also found near Thunder Bay in Canada which is also one of the shores of Lake Superior. This site contains affiliate links to products. Simple Explanation, 9 Best Places to Dig and Find Crystals in the USA + Useful Tips. An abandoned SPMDTU building in the northern part of the state. Move slowly. But where are you going to put them all? Azurite is reactive and a little bit unstable, at least compared to most collectible minerals. Varieties of agate, jasper, chert, or petrified wood are found in 15 of New Mexico's 32 counties. Its basically a wire mesh scoop on a pole that allows you to pick up rocks without having to bend over to pick them up. The only facet-quality dolomite in the United States is colorless material recovered from a deposit in New Mexico. Theyre still the best palace to start for the casual rockhound. The best places to find turquoise in New Mexico are: Los Cerrillos Mining District Burro Mountains Mining District Hachita Mining District Jarilla Mining District These mining districts each contain many mines, both active and abandoned, and care should be taken to ensure you have permission to search and collect wherever you go. Area-specific regulations may be different and may restrict the collection of fossils in specific areas. This is a trip best reserved for an AWD vehicle with decent clearance at a minimum, or better yet, a 44. It is when they are cut and polished that their intricate wavy patterns and colors are revealed. However, not many people know what its made of or how its made. The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links): Still did not find the answer to your answers about finding agate rocks? Exceptional Fossil Reveals Fish-Eating-Fish Moment Frozen in Time, The Great Meteorite Hunt: Museum Offers $25,000 Reward for Rare Fireball Remains in Maine, Why Petrified Logs Look Like Theyve Been Cut (The How and The Why).

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