PJ Keating Quarry
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Active crushed stone quarry operated by PJ Keating Company on State Route 38 at the New Hampshire border. One of the most mineral-rich quarries in Massachusetts, known for quartz crystals, opal, kyanite, diopside, prehnite, calcite, fluorite, and garnet. Access likely requires permission from the company.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Quartz Crystals
Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.
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Opals
Precious opals with brilliant play-of-color. Nevada's Virgin Valley produces spectacular fire opals worth thousands.
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Kyanite
Blue aluminum silicate mineral with distinctive blade-shaped crystals. Virginia's Willis Mountain and Georgia's Graves Mountain are notable US sources.
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Calcite
Common but versatile carbonate mineral that forms in many crystal habits. Found in geodes, cave deposits, and veins throughout the US.
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Fluorite
Colorful halide mineral that often forms cubic crystals. The Illinois-Kentucky fluorite district was once the world's leading producer. Also found in New York and Tennessee.
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Garnets
Deep red almandine garnets are found in many states. Idaho's star garnets are among the rarest in the world.
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📍 Nearby Locations in Massachusetts
Betts Rhodonite Mine
Plainfield, Massachusetts · Fee Dig
Fee dig site in western Massachusetts and the primary source of rhodonite, the Massachusetts state gemstone. Visitors can collect rhodonite, garnet, m...
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
Historic family-owned fee dig mine on Beryl Hill in north-central Massachusetts (near Royalston). The site is a granite pegmatite locality that produc...
Wareham Mines
Wareham, Massachusetts · Fee Dig
Historic rhodonite mining area in southeastern Massachusetts. Rhodonite (state gem) is a pink manganese silicate mineral.
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to PJ Keating Quarry with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35