How to Hunt for Rock Crystals

Collecting rock crystals is a specialized category of its own within the geology world. Crystals are typically formed of quartz and may be found in a wide range of colors from clear to orange and purple. Crystals are found in veins as well as within round rocks known as geodes. Hunting for crystals is an enjoyable activity and is appropriate for individuals both young and old.

Things You'll Need

• Appropriate clothing
• Gloves
• Rock hammer
• Stiff bristle brush
• Old newspaper
• Box

Instructions

1. Locate an area where crystals have been found in the recent past. Mineral mines, open pits, and other freshly dug areas are excellent locations. Make sure the area is safe and that permission has been obtained prior to entry.

2. Wear old clothes. Dig sites are typically dusty, dirty, and even muddy. It's important to have good-quality work gloves, especially when digging for crystals.

3. Investigate mine dumps or scrap from leftover mining operations. You can sort through piles of earth and rock to locate overlooked crystals.

4. Dig for veins of crystals in earth walls such as those found along road cuts or in mines. Carefully remove earth from the wall, taking care to not damage any veins or runs of crystal. Remove an area around any crystals found, wrap in newspaper, and save the precision cleanup for a later time.

5. Search for geodes, which often contain crystals in a variety of areas, including fresh dig sites and rock-strewn areas. Pay special attention to areas that are known for producing geodes, such as areas in the Western United States, which have experienced previous volcanic activity or along dry stream beds. Open geodes by having them professionally cut on a masonry saw or (if you have some expertise) by carefully using a small hammer and fine point chisel to open the geode.

Tips & Warnings

• Research areas to determine exact locations of potential crystal collecting before you visit them.

• Do not remove crystals from federal lands such as parks or national forests without receiving permission or determining that collecting will not violate laws.

• Use caution when working around fresh dig sites or mines, because loose soil bank or walls can collapse.

References

• Digging for Quartz