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Getting StartedRocks & Minerals In New York
North York rockhounding maps to hunt for crystals, gemstones, minerals, and ores. New York boasts a diverse range of minerals, including Herkimer diamonds, garnet, and tremolite, making it an exciting destination for rockhounding. The state's varied landscape, from the Adirondack Mountains to the Hudson River Valley, provides a multitude of collecting sites, such as the Ace of Diamonds Mine and the Barton Garnet Mine.
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See RecommendationsPlease 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 New York
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Herkimer DiamondHerkimer Diamonds, double-terminated quartz crystals, are found in Herkimer County, New York. These unique and beautiful crystals are highly sought after by collectors.
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GarnetNew York is famous for its high-quality garnets, especially almandine garnet, which can be found in the Adirondack Mountains.
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LabradoriteLabradorite, a stunning feldspar mineral known for its iridescent play of colors, can be found in St. Lawrence County, New York.
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Trilobite FossilTrilobite fossils, ancient marine arthropods, are abundant in certain areas of New York, particularly in the western and central parts of the state.
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FluoriteFluorite, a colorful mineral often used for lapidary purposes, can be found in various locations throughout New York, including the St. Lawrence County area.
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WollastoniteWollastonite, a white to grayish mineral used in ceramics and as a filler material, is found in the Adirondack Mountains in New York.
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Popular Rock Hunting Areas In New York
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Herkimer Diamond MinesHerkimer Diamond Mines in New York is famous for its double-terminated quartz crystals, also known as Herkimer diamonds. Visitors can search for these unique crystals by mining in designated areas.
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Ilion Gorge
Ilion Gorge in New York is a popular location for rockhounding, where visitors can find various fossils, including trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids, in the limestone and shale formations.
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Barton Garnet Mine
Barton Garnet Mine in the Adirondack Mountains of New York is known for its high-quality garnet deposits. Visitors can search for garnet crystals in the designated mining area.
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Chittenango Falls State Park
Chittenango Falls State Park in New York offers rockhounding opportunities, where visitors can find various rocks, minerals, and fossils, such as trilobites and cephalopods, in the limestone and shale formations along the trails.
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Limecrest Quarry
Limecrest Quarry in New York is a popular site for rockhounding, where visitors can find various minerals, including calcite, dolomite, and quartz, in the quarry's limestone and marble deposits.
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Greenwood Lake
Greenwood Lake in New York is a popular location for rockhounding, where visitors can find various rocks and minerals, such as magnetite, garnet, and hornblende, along the lake's beaches and shoreline.
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Geology of New York
New York's geologic history began over a billion years ago with the formation of Precambrian rocks. The state experienced multiple orogenies during the Paleozoic Era, including the Taconic, Acadian, and Alleghenian, which led to the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.
The state is known for its diverse geology, such as the famous Adirondack Mountains, which consist of ancient rocks dating back to the Precambrian, and the Finger Lakes region, which was shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. New York also hosts part of the Niagara Escarpment, a significant geological feature that includes the iconic Niagara Falls.