What Can Be Found in Tuscaloosa

Rockhounders in Tuscaloosa may encounter:

• Jasper: This is a cool, large, and sacred stone one can find in the Black Warrior River. Jasper is known to foster stability, and comes in unique colors and designs like Red Jasper, Willow Creek Jasper, and Biggs Jasper.
• Vivianite: This deep blue gem can be discovered near lake Harris, although colorless when it is fresh found, but quickly adapts a deep blue or pale blue color. Vivianite is said to be significant in bringing peace and balance. While hunting, you will most likely find it amongst dirt.
• Chalcedony: This gemstone is commonly found in riverbanks, a form of silica composed from metamorphic intergrowth of quartz and morganite, predominantly in blue-green and white color. They occur in nodules so you need to crack open with a hammer. They have beautiful blue and gray shades and are known to bring peace and tranquility. You can find this gem near the Black Warrior River.
• Agates: Agate rocks are primarily found in the riverbanks around Tuscaloosa, and formed from the rich fluids of silica in volcanic rocks presenting a colorful gemstone known for its stabilising properties. You will find Agate rocks near the Black Warrior River.
• Marine Fossils: In Tuscaloosa, you will also find fossils dated back to the cretaceous period. These fossils includes; shells, corals, limestones containing small fossils, and other invertebrates. These fossils are usually exposed along riverbanks.

Some rockhounders have speculated that they found shark teeth or petrified wood in Tuscaloosa; but officially it is not documented that the area houses these artifacts. In Tuscaloosa, marine invertebrate fossils in chalk and limestone are the most reliable finds.

Red Jasper

Vivianite

Chalcedony