Gemfield
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Pay-to-dig rockhounding site on patented mining claims 4 miles north of Goldfield. Features 6 types of chalcedony plus dendritic agate, bullseye agate, rainbow agate, jasper, quartz crystals, and obsidian. Considered the largest deposit of gemstone-quality chalcedony in the U.S. Cash-only honor system. Open sunrise to sunset year-round. No amenities — bring water, food, and tools. Also yields turquoise, lithium, borax, gold, and silver minerals in the area.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Chalcedony
Microcrystalline quartz found in many varieties including agate, jasper, and petrified wood. Widespread throughout the US in volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
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Agates
Banded chalcedony prized for their colors and patterns. Lake Superior agates, Fairburn agates, and Montana moss agates are especially famous.
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Jasper
Opaque, fine-grained chalcedony prized for its rich earthy colors and patterns. Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alabama produce exceptional jasper varieties.
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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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Obsidian
Natural volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava. New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Utah produce black, rainbow, mahogany, and snowflake obsidian prized by collectors and knappers.
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Turquoise
Blue-green gemstone found in arid southwestern states. Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico produce the finest specimens.
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Gemfield 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