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Getting StartedRocks & Minerals In Connecticut
Connecticut rockhounding maps to hunt for crystals, gemstones, minerals, and ores. Connecticut is known for its variety of minerals, including garnet, tourmaline, and beryl. With its diverse geological landscape, rockhounding enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the state's numerous mines and quarries. From the Roxbury Falls area to the Branchville Quarry, Connecticut offers a range of unique collecting opportunities.
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Visit StorePlease always bring appropriate attire and do research before venturing out to rock hunt and crystal hunt. Also, be sure to verify that the location you want to hunt at is available for public access. Rockhounding.org does our best to verify, but it is your responsibility to verify as well because sometimes things change. We are not liable for any actions you take from the information you find on this site.
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Keeping accurate records of Rockhounding & Gemstone Hunting Locations is a community effort! Know of a good spot that is missing from our maps? Feel free to submit it below. Thank you for your contributions to the rockhounding community!
Popular Rocks, Crystals, & Gemstones In Connecticut
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Garnet
Connecticut is known for its garnet deposits, which can be found in various locations such as Redding and Roxbury.
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Quartz
Various types of quartz, including amethyst and smoky quartz, can be found in locations such as Cumberland and East Hampton in Connecticut.
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Beryl
Deposits of beryl, including the rare and valuable aquamarine variety, can be found in locations like Roxbury in Connecticut.
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Tourmaline
Tourmaline can be found in various colors and forms in locations such as East Hampton and Portland in Connecticut.
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Apatite
Apatite, a phosphate mineral, can be found in locations such as Portland and Tolland County in Connecticut.
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Fluorite
Fluorite, a colorful mineral often used in jewelry, can be found in locations such as Tolland County in Connecticut.
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Trilobite Fossils
Trilobite fossils can be found in various locations in Connecticut, including sites in Plainville and the surrounding areas.
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Feldspar
Connecticut has abundant feldspar deposits, with notable occurrences in locations such as Branchville and Middletown.
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Popular Rock Hunting Areas In Connecticut
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Casey Brook
Casey Brook in Glastonbury, Connecticut, is a popular location for rockhounding enthusiasts, where you can find garnets, beryl, and schorl tourmaline while enjoying the serene natural surroundings.
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Roxbury Falls
Roxbury Falls in Roxbury, Connecticut, is a scenic area where you can find minerals like garnet, staurolite, and almandine while exploring the beautiful waterfalls and trails.
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Old Mine Park
Old Mine Park in Trumbull, Connecticut, offers visitors the opportunity to search for minerals like tungsten, molybdenum, and scheelite, while learning about the historical mining activities in the area.
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Branchville Quarry
Branchville Quarry in Ridgefield, Connecticut, is a historic site where you can find minerals like feldspar, quartz, and garnet. The quarry is known for its unique mineral combinations and is a popular spot for rockhounding enthusiasts.
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Gillette Quarry
Gillette Quarry in Haddam Neck, Connecticut, is a former feldspar and quartz quarry where rockhounds can find minerals like beryl, garnet, and tourmaline, as well as enjoy the picturesque views of the Connecticut River.
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Green's Farm Garnet Mines
Green's Farm Garnet Mines in Roxbury, Connecticut, offer visitors the opportunity to search for almandine garnets, as well as minerals like staurolite and schist, while exploring the historic mining site.
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Geology of Connecticut
Connecticut's geological history dates back to over a billion years ago when the area was part of the supercontinent Rodinia. Over time, the state underwent several orogenies, which led to the formation of the Taconic, Acadian, and Alleghenian mountain ranges.
During the Mesozoic Era, Connecticut experienced extensive rifting, forming the Hartford Basin and other rift valleys. This period saw extensive volcanic activity, resulting in the formation of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), which includes the famous trap rock ridges of the state.
Glacial action during the Ice Age further shaped Connecticut's landscape, leaving behind glacial deposits, erratic boulders, and the Long Island Sound.