Lost River Mining Sluice
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Gemstone and fossil mining sluice at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. Includes a bag of mining rough with gemstones. Water-powered sluice. Great family-friendly activity add-on to the gorge attraction.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Amethyst
Purple quartz crystals found in geodes and pegmatites. Notable sources include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
Also found at:
Calcite
Common but versatile carbonate mineral that forms in many crystal habits. Found in geodes, cave deposits, and veins throughout the US.
Also found at:
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:
Quartz Crystals
Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.
Also found at:
📍 Nearby Locations in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Pegmatites (Beryl & Smoky Quartz)
North Conway, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
White Mountain pegmatites known for smoky quartz, beryl, and topaz. Fee-dig operations near North Conway and the Moat Mountain area.
Moat Mountain Smoky Quartz
North Conway, New Hampshire · USFS
USFS area in the White Mountains known for smoky quartz and topaz crystals. Requires hiking. Collecting for personal use.
New Hampshire Beryl Quarries
Keene, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Numerous pegmatite quarries in the Keene area for beryl, smoky quartz, and garnet. Some fee-dig operations available.
Russel Mines
Alstead, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Historic pegmatite mines in the Alstead area. Known for beryl and quartz crystal specimens.
Hurricane Mountain
North Conway, New Hampshire · Public Land
Public mineral collecting area on Hurricane Mountain in the White Mountain National Forest. Known for amethyst and smoky quartz crystals in alkali sye...
Ruggles Mine
Grafton, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
World-famous open-pit mica mine on Isinglass Mountain, known as the "Mine in the Sky." Reopened in 2023 under new ownership. Collect mica, feldspar, q...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Lost River Mining Sluice 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