Betts Rhodonite Mine

Rhodonite

Pink manganese silicate mineral. Massachusetts's Wareham mines are historic US sources for rhodonite specimens.

Also found at:

• Wareham Mines

Garnets

Deep red almandine garnets are found in many states. Idaho's star garnets are among the rarest in the world.

Also found at:

• Crater of Diamonds State Park
• Emerald Hollow Mine
• Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine

Magnetite

Black iron oxide mineral with natural magnetism. New York's Adirondack region and other iron districts produce magnetite specimens.

Also found at:

• Benson Mines

Pyrite

Iron sulfide known as Fool's Gold for its metallic luster. Found in many US states, often in association with other minerals. Popular with beginner collectors.

Also found at:

• Pennsylvania Quartz & Amethyst
• Pennsylvania Pyrite Beds
• Cornwall Iron Mine Dumps

Wareham Mines

Wareham, Massachusetts · Fee Dig

Historic rhodonite mining area in southeastern Massachusetts. Rhodonite (state gem) is a pink manganese silicate mineral.

Buckland Pegmatite Quarry

Buckland, Massachusetts · Fee Dig

Historic pegmatite quarry in western Massachusetts. Known for beryl, garnet, and tourmaline specimens.

Chesterfield Beryl Mine

Chesterfield, Massachusetts · Fee Dig

Historic pegmatite mine in western Massachusetts. Known for beryl crystals, garnets, and smoky quartz. Classic New England mineral locality.

Connecticut Valley Dinosaur Tracks

Holyoke, Massachusetts · Public Land

Dinosaur Trackway in Holyoke — exposed sandstone with hundreds of dinosaur footprints. Collecting prohibited but viewing is excellent.

Reynolds Mine at Beryl Hill

Winchendon, Massachusetts · Fee Dig

Family-owned fee dig mine in north-central Massachusetts. Visitors can search for beryl crystals, smoky quartz, and muscovite mica. A great family-fri...