Howe Caverns Mining Company
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Gem mining experience at the famous Howe Caverns. Purchase bags of mining rough and sift through water sluices to find gems and minerals. Also offers fossil/arrowhead bags, geode cutting, and a rock/fossil shop. The mining building is open seasonally; gemstone mining is available year-round in the main lodge. Primarily a cave tour attraction with gem mining as an add-on activity.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
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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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.
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Emeralds
North Carolina's Hiddenite region is the only place in North America where emeralds are found naturally.
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Aquamarine
Blue-green beryl gemstone. Colorado's Mt. Antero and Maine's pegmatite mines produce world-class aquamarine crystals highly sought after by collectors.
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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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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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📍 Nearby Locations in New York
Benson Mines
St. Lawrence County, New York · Fee Dig
Historic mining area in the Adirondacks producing garnet crystals and iron minerals. Garnet mining was once a major industry here.
Crystal Grove Diamond Mine
St. Johnsville, New York · Fee Dig
Hunt for the famous Herkimer diamonds — beautiful double-terminated quartz crystals first discovered in New York. Equipment rental available.
Gore Mountain
North River, New York · Fee Dig
World-famous for giant almandine garnet crystals, some exceeding 2 feet in diameter. Home of the world's largest garnet deposit.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Middleville, New York · Fee Dig
The original Herkimer diamond mining experience. Multiple sites in the area allow digging for these perfectly clear double-terminated quartz crystals.
LCT Lithium Mine
Benson Mines Area, New York · Fee Dig
Pegmatite deposit producing beryl, garnet, and quartz crystals in the Adirondack region.
Rose Hill Mine
Ogdensburg, New York · Fee Dig
Famous mineral locality in the Balmat-Edwards district known for fluorite, sphalerite, and calcite specimens.
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Howe Caverns Mining Company 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