Palermo No. 1 Mine
Approximate — check official site before visiting
One of the most mineralogically diverse pegmatites in New England. A lithium-bearing rare-element pegmatite worked commercially for feldspar in the mid-20th century. Over 80 mineral species identified including beryl (aquamarine, heliodor), smoky quartz, black tourmaline (schorl), and rare phosphates. Access by permission only — contact local mineral clubs (NH Geological Society or Micromounters of New England) for field trip access. Not a public fee-dig site. High-clearance vehicle recommended for rough access roads.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Beryl
Mineral species that includes emerald, aquamarine, and morganite. Found in pegmatites across the US, with notable deposits in New England and the West.
Also found at:
Smoky Quartz
Brown to black quartz variety colored by natural radiation. Colorado's Mt. Antero and New Hampshire's pegmatites produce exceptional smoky quartz crystals.
Also found at:
Garnets
Deep red almandine garnets are found in many states. Idaho's star garnets are among the rarest in the world.
Also found at:
Triphylite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Vivianite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Apatite
Phosphate mineral found in pegmatites and sedimentary rocks. Alabama's pegmatite deposits contain apatite crystals in association with other minerals.
Also found at:
Feldspar
Common rock-forming mineral group. Found in granites and pegmatites throughout the US, often associated with gem minerals.
Also found at:
📍 Nearby Locations in New Hampshire
Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area
North Conway, New Hampshire · USFS
Well-known USFS mineral collecting area in the White Mountain National Forest near the ME/NH border. Known for producing large amounts of amethyst, wh...
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...
Lord Hill Mineral Collecting Area
North Conway, New Hampshire · USFS
USFS mineral collecting area in White Mountain National Forest. Former feldspar quarry with a rare element pegmatite. Known for bluish-white topaz, sm...
Lost River Mining Sluice
North Woodstock, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Gemstone and fossil mining sluice at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. Includes a bag of mining rough with gemstones. Water-powered sluice. Great fami...
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.
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Palermo No. 1 Mine 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