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Getting StartedRocks & Minerals In Vermont
Vermont rockhounding maps to hunt for crystals, gemstones, minerals, and ores. Vermont's Green Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for rockhounds searching for garnet, beryl, and other minerals. The state's rich geological history and variety of collecting sites, such as the Belvidere Mountain quarries and the Green Mountain National Forest, make Vermont an attractive destination for rockhounding enthusiasts.
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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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Popular Rocks, Crystals, & Gemstones In Vermont
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GarnetVermont has a rich history of garnet mining, with notable deposits found in the Green Mountain National Forest. Collectors can search for almandine and grossular garnets in locations such as the Belvidere Mountain Quarries.
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TalcVermont is home to some of the oldest and largest talc deposits in the United States. Collectors can find this soft, hydrous magnesium silicate mineral in areas like the Elizabeth Mine in South Strafford.
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QuartzQuartz, a popular mineral for rockhounds, can be found throughout Vermont. Amethyst, smoky quartz, and milky quartz are some of the varieties that can be collected in locations such as the Green Mountain National Forest.
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BerylBeryl, a mineral valued for its gem varieties, can be found in Vermont's pegmatite deposits. Aquamarine and morganite, both varieties of beryl, have been reported in areas such as the Ruggles Mine and the Ray Mine.
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EpidoteEpidote, a calcium aluminum iron silicate mineral, can be found in metamorphic rocks in Vermont. This greenish-black to greenish-yellow mineral has been reported in locations such as the Belvidere Mountain Quarries.
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TourmalineTourmaline can be found in Vermont's pegmatite deposits. Schorl, a black variety of tourmaline, and elbaite, a colorful variety, have been reported in areas such as the Ruggles Mine and the Ray Mine.
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Trilobite FossilsFossil enthusiasts can search for trilobite fossils in Vermont, particularly in the western part of the state. Trilobites, extinct marine arthropods, can be found in locations such as the Isle La Motte and the Chazy Reef.
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ActinoliteActinolite, a green amphibole mineral, can be found in Vermont's metamorphic rocks. This fibrous mineral has been reported in locations such as the Belvidere Mountain Quarries and the Green Mountain National Forest.
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Popular Rock Hunting Areas In Vermont
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Ruggles MineRuggles Mine in Grafton, New Hampshire, is a historic mine where visitors can find mica, feldspar, beryl, and other minerals. The mine is open to the public for collecting.
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Rock of Ages Quarry
Located in Barre, Vermont, the Rock of Ages Quarry is a granite quarry where visitors can tour the quarry and find minerals like feldspar, quartz, and mica.
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Isle La Motte
Isle La Motte in Vermont is known for its ancient Chazy Reef, where visitors can find fossils like trilobites, cephalopods, and brachiopods.
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Hermit Woods Trail
Hermit Woods Trail in Marlborough, New Hampshire, is a popular location for rockhounding enthusiasts to find beryl, garnet, and other minerals.
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Belvidere Mountain Quarries
The Belvidere Mountain Quarries in Vermont are a source of various minerals, including actinolite, talc, and serpentine. Rockhounds can collect specimens from the area.
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Middletown Springs
Middletown Springs in Vermont is a known location for finding garnets. Visitors can search the streams and hillsides for these beautiful red gemstones.
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Geology of Vermont
Vermont's geologic history began over a billion years ago with the formation of ancient rocks during the Precambrian Era. The state experienced several orogenies during the Paleozoic Era, including the Taconic, Acadian, and Alleghenian, which contributed to the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Green Mountains, a notable geological feature in Vermont, are composed primarily of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks. Glacial activity during the last Ice Age further shaped the state's landscape, leaving behind glacial deposits, moraines, and the Lake Champlain Valley. Vermont is also known for its famous marble and slate quarries, which have been in operation since the 19th century.