{"id":2626,"date":"2021-02-24T19:50:01","date_gmt":"2021-02-25T01:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/?p=2626"},"modified":"2024-03-13T08:42:25","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T13:42:25","slug":"texas-rockhounding-location-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/texas-rockhounding-location-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Rockhounding Location Guide &#038; Map"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:69.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Texas is not especially well known for its rockhounding but, despite its lackluster reputation in this area, there are still hundreds of prospective rockhounding locations to be explored. Commercial mining never really took root in Texas and, while there are some old mining dumps to be picked over by rockhounds, most of the best rockhounding sites are in the gravels of rivers and streams and exposed hillsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Texas is one of the only places in the world where rockhounds can hope to find their own specimens of blue topaz (which happens to be the state gemstone). Out in West Texas &ndash; closer to the New Mexico border &ndash; the variety and quality of rockhounding sites increase a bit, which is a welcome change from the quartz family mineral specimens which dominate the rest of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best rockhounding locations in Texas are the gravel beds of the Rio Grande, the area around Big Bend, Mason County in central Texas, and a wide stretch of land stretching from south Texas to the Louisiana border. North Texas and the panhandle are relatively devoid of good rockhounding sites.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Symbols<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Mineral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Silver<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Stone<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified Palmwood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Gemstone<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Blue Topaz<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Fossil<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Paluxysaurus jonesi<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Texas: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/statesymbolsusa.org\/states\/united-states\/oregon\" target=\"_blank\">Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-768x535.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-600x418.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"627\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20900%20627'%3E%3Crect%20width='900'%20height='627'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2627 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-768x535.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-600x418.jpg 600w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Blue Topaz<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the enormous size of the state, Texas is surprisingly lacking in its variety of minerals. <strong>The most common minerals found in Texas include agate, chalcedony, petrified wood, jasper, quartz, and barite. Blue topaz can be sparingly found in central Texas. The agates of West Texas and South Texas are notable for their &lsquo;pompom&rsquo; and &lsquo;bouquet&rsquo; varieties.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you&rsquo;ve already found a rock and you&rsquo;re not sure what it is, I would highly recommend checking out my <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/practical-rock-identification\/\">Practical Rock Identification System<\/a>.<\/strong> This bundle of information includes a book, videos, and online tools. It is, simply put, the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand rock identification system you&rsquo;ll find anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also read through my free <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-identify-your-rocks-full-guide-with-helpful-tools\/\"><strong>rock identification guide<\/strong><\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-identify-minerals-a-helpful-guide-with-pictures\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>mineral identification guide<\/strong><\/a> which are filled with useful information and tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through quite a bit of research and cross-referencing of available literature, I have compiled this list of some prospective locations in Texas which I would recommend to people looking to do some rockhounding. These are mostly comprised of beaches, old mining prospects, streams, and historically known rock and mineral collecting sites. For additional reading, I&rsquo;d highly recommend these books you can find on Amazon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YZp1jK\" target=\"_blank\">Rockhounding Texas<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3q26pvz\" target=\"_blank\">Gem Trails of Texas<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/36UbIFR\" target=\"_blank\">Rocks, Gems, and Minerals of the Southwest<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3jwX2RX\" target=\"_blank\">Roadside Geology of Texas<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Please remember that rock collecting locations are constantly changing. Specimens may become depleted from other collectors, the location may have been built on or altered, locality information in literature may be inaccurate, and property ownership may have changed hands. Though there are many locations listed here, this list is far from exhaustive. A location&rsquo;s listing here is not a guarantee of accuracy. <strong>Be safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect specimens.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re planning on heading to the field, <strong>make sure you have all the gear you&rsquo;ll need!<\/strong> To get started, you can <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\">check out my recommended gear page<\/a><\/strong> which contains my full reviews for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/rock-hammers-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>every <\/strong><\/a><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/35OBHxJ\" target=\"_blank\">Geologist&rsquo;s <\/a><\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3nSlxcV\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>favorite rock hammer<\/strong><\/a> and the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3bLx6jC\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>best hiking backpack I&rsquo;ve ever owned<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Texas Rockhounding Locations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Important Disclaimer: <\/strong>I have not been to these locations myself, and I do not know if they are currently open for collecting. Use this resource as a guide to get you started. Follow posted signage and always get permission from the landowner to collect.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1Kz2-eNJFzoVDkL5lelZUyBZchglG58Q&amp;ehbc=2E312F&amp;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<p>For ease of reference and to break things up a bit, I&rsquo;ll refer to six distinct geographical regions defined by the map below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/originals\/2f\/60\/a5\/2f60a51c1a37f4b2c47a577a6bab4b85.png\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/originals\/2f\/60\/a5\/2f60a51c1a37f4b2c47a577a6bab4b85.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>NOTE: All the locations listed in these tables are clickable, and will take you to the location on Google Maps.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Texas Panhandle<\/strong> Rockhounding Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in a state that is not well known for its rockhounding, the Texas Panhandle is relatively lacking in rockhounding locations and varieties of rocks to be found. The area around Palo Duro Canyon is the most promising site in the region for rockhounding. Collectors can hope to find agatized wood, flint, and alabaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/35%C2%B040'53.0%22N+101%C2%B039'00.9%22W\/@35.681389,-101.652438,802m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sPlum+Creek,+texas!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.6813888!4d-101.6502441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Along Plum Creek, W of Lake Meredith<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Flint (Alibates Flint)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B058'46.0%22N+101%C2%B042'19.2%22W\/@34.979446,-101.707519,809m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87015d66d3791481:0xc45cdef8e6f4f792!2sCanyon,+TX+79015!3b1!8m2!3d34.9803342!4d-101.9188024!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.9794457!4d-101.7053247\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Palo Duro Canyon, outside State Park boundaries<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B050'00.7%22N+101%C2%B024'50.6%22W\/@34.833519,-101.416244,811m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87010f74d6642b47:0xbc74c5b5ef75983e!2sWayside,+TX+79094!3b1!8m2!3d34.792834!4d-101.5471201!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.8335189!4d-101.4140502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prairie Dog Town Fork of Red River, in banks and gravels<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B036'39.3%22N+100%C2%B006'22.9%22W\/@34.610929,-100.108542,813m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87aa95e0d2c36c0d:0xcca11763638ce1d4!2sChildress,+TX+79201!3b1!8m2!3d34.4264529!4d-100.2040019!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6109286!4d-100.1063483\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Between Red River and US 62, in area deposits<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Alabaster<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Texas Panhandle Rockhounding Locations (click to go to map)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>North Texas<\/strong> Rockhounding Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>North Texas doesn&rsquo;t contain many well known rockhounding destinations, but what sites there are provide a nice opportunity to find fossils that aren&rsquo;t usually found in other parts of the state. The best places to rockhound in North Texas include creek beds near Alvord and the northeast side of Lake Bridgeport, where collectors can hope to find fossils including crinoids and trilobites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/32%C2%B029'34.6%22N+97%C2%B002'21.3%22W\/@32.492944,-97.0414357,898m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864ee8f6c03975a5:0x4592ae844b031ba1!2sEllis+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d32.2619765!4d-96.8350999!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d32.4929443!4d-97.0392472\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Just NW of Midlothian, sides of US 287<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossilized shark teeth<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/32%C2%B026'43.9%22N+96%C2%B055'19.4%22W\/@32.445528,-96.9242547,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864ee8f6c03975a5:0x4592ae844b031ba1!2sEllis+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d32.2619765!4d-96.8350999!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d32.4455277!4d-96.9220664\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sides of creek, N &amp; S of US 287<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pyrite (pyrite roses)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/32%C2%B026'36.2%22N+96%C2%B055'21.4%22W\/@32.4434,-96.9235213,377m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864ee8f6c03975a5:0x4592ae844b031ba1!2sEllis+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d32.2619765!4d-96.8350999!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d32.4434004!4d-96.9226025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S side of US 287, in shale formations<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossil leaf prints<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/33%C2%B020'50.6%22N+97%C2%B040'02.8%22W\/@33.3481501,-97.669248,754m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86526bccf8535783:0xb49b0e782a03c689!2sWise+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d33.2895861!4d-97.6982272!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.3474005!4d-97.6674329\" target=\"_blank\">Gravel bars of creek beneath bridge 1.8 mi. SE of Alvord<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pyrite cubes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/33%C2%B015'42.9%22N+97%C2%B051'02.7%22W\/@33.261917,-97.8529448,889m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865274d8e8e95625:0x679e3b2687b1093e!2sLake+Bridgeport,+TX+76426!3b1!8m2!3d33.2070598!4d-97.8286463!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.2619166!4d-97.8507572\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NE side of Lake Bridgeport<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossils (crinoids, trilobites)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">North Texas Rockhounding Locations (click to go to map)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>West Texas<\/strong> Rockhounding Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best places to rockhound in West Texas are the areas around Big Bend, Alpine, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca. Rockhounds can hope to find all manner of quartz-family minerals including several varieties of agate, jasper, and petrified wood, as well as less common specimens like geodes and turquoise. This part of Texas is the best place in the state for rockhounding, both for its variety of minerals and the sheer number of prospective locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B030'14.5%22N+103%C2%B039'29.6%22W\/@30.50404,-103.66041,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smusquiz+river!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.5040398!4d-103.6582155\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 mi. N of Alpine, area gravels<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Moonstones<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B022'13.5%22N+103%C2%B024'00.7%22W\/@30.370427,-103.402395,836m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86f0463f1669532d:0x69e1badcbaa7fd73!2sGlass+Mountains!3b1!8m2!3d30.4354441!4d-103.1090536!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3704265!4d-103.4002015\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">W side of Glass Mountains, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (moss, plume), Chalcedony, Jasper, Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B019'20.0%22N+103%C2%B047'08.2%22W\/@30.322228,-103.7862757,276m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86efd09fbd08c669:0x1a11b55313f272f4!2sAlpine,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.3584919!4d-103.6610115!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3222276!4d-103.7856171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6 mi. SW of alpine in valley, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B010'03.3%22N+103%C2%B035'41.4%22W\/@30.167592,-103.5958893,448m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1swoodward+ranch!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.1675923!4d-103.5948238\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">16 mi. S of Alpine, area lava flow<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (moss, plume), Chalcedony, Jasper, Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B031'30.9%22N+103%C2%B040'26.0%22W\/@29.525243,-103.6744312,231m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x86edfeaaaaaaaaab:0xd561f7b56dd3ae8a!2sAgua+Fria+Ranch!8m2!3d29.525148!4d-103.673987!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.5252434!4d-103.6738835\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agua Fria Ranch, area draws, flats, slopes<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B038'37.1%22N+103%C2%B004'48.7%22W\/@29.643639,-103.0811226,388m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m16!1m9!3m8!1s0x86f18e805fbaca31:0x475dceafb17bdbaa!2sStillwell+Ranch+Store+%26+RV+Park!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d29.6441716!4d-103.0790376!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.6436385!4d-103.0802043\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stillwell Ranch N of Big Bend Natl Park, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B037'31.0%22N+103%C2%B006'30.2%22W\/@29.625287,-103.10935,402m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86f18c43c24d68d3:0x7ff5eb783b3799d4!2sDog+Canyon!3b1!8m2!3d29.6238051!4d-103.1115584!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.6252865!4d-103.1084004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area E, SE, &amp; NE of Dog Canyon<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Barite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B027'02.9%22N+103%C2%B048'32.5%22W\/@29.450818,-103.8111856,915m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86ee09ee0d9a4f6b:0x49c3eb3f7b9f1097!2sThe+Solitario!3b1!8m2!3d29.4507471!4d-103.8088026!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.4508175!4d-103.8090236\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Solitario, area mines<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Galena<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B025'41.9%22N+103%C2%B048'37.5%22W\/@29.428311,-103.8109572,232m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86ede205ff193239:0x1069e30d7a5ecd28!2sNeedle+Peak!3b1!8m2!3d29.4282479!4d-103.8101913!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.4283106!4d-103.8104104\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Needle Peak, broad area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B018'31.9%22N+103%C2%B037'39.1%22W\/@29.308855,-103.6280742,235m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86edf986b54bd6bd:0x9d099271ceba2fd4!2sReed+Plateau!3b1!8m2!3d29.3104752!4d-103.6318529!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.3088549!4d-103.6275197\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Terlingua, area mines<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Calcite, Calomel, Cinnabar, Fluorite, Mercury, Terlinguaite, Agate (pompom), Aragonite crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B015'19.4%22N+104%C2%B030'32.3%22W\/@31.255392,-104.5100635,457m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e5bb7d15955459:0x5da4e2e7f1f800f4!2sSeven+Heart+Gap!3b1!8m2!3d31.2556863!4d-104.5088184!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.2553921!4d-104.5089631\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seven Hearts Gap, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Barite (in limestone)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B004'02.5%22N+104%C2%B051'44.7%22W\/@31.067359,-104.8646067,912m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1scarrizozo+mountains,+texas!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.0673592!4d-104.8624177\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NE side of Carizo Mts, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Limonite, Turquoise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B002'15.6%22N+104%C2%B055'00.9%22W\/@31.037661,-104.9190937,912m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.037661!4d-104.9169051\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 mi. W of Van Horn, area prospects<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Turquoise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B052'40.5%22N+104%C2%B055'19.8%22W\/@30.877906,-104.9227202,228m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e5fb9126169865:0xcfcda28879e95122!2sPlata+Verde+Mines!3b1!8m2!3d30.8779148!4d-104.9221604!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.8779056!4d-104.9221734\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plata Verde Mine<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Anglesite, Barite, Bromargyrite, Malachite, Microcline, Quartz, Azurite, Chrysocolla, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B011'14.4%22N+105%C2%B030'01.9%22W\/@31.187326,-105.5011119,246m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e6437df7da88df:0xaa4e66994c51a030!2sBonanza+Mine!3b1!8m2!3d31.1873504!4d-105.5005128!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.1873258!4d-105.5005213\" target=\"_blank\">Bonanza Mine<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Chalcopyrite, Galena, Sphalerite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B053'24.3%22N+106%C2%B030'29.7%22W\/@31.890087,-106.5104247,904m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e73f8bc5fe3b69:0xe39184e3ab9d0222!2sEl+Paso,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.7618778!4d-106.4850217!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.8900872!4d-106.5082364\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Road cuts along Rte. 375<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Garnets, Mica, Serpentine (pink banded)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B006'02.0%22N+105%C2%B030'28.9%22W\/@31.100546,-105.5102217,911m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e643f7144b7dd1:0x2aeb17279f635064!2sQuitman+Mountains!3b1!8m2!3d31.1495736!4d-105.4963461!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.1005459!4d-105.5080329\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S edge of Quitman Mts, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper, Petrified wood, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B007'01.6%22N+105%C2%B008'17.1%22W\/@31.117105,-105.1402697,911m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e6735c3c718001:0xddf264b3bbf10812!2sEagle+Flat,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.1098532!4d-105.1327252!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.1171051!4d-105.1380812\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eagle Flat<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Augite (with black Spinel)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B015'24.4%22N+105%C2%B025'36.0%22W\/@31.256773,-105.4288657,910m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e6690c3eaee561:0x81c1ae37e54bc097!2sSierra+Blanca,+TX+79851!3b1!8m2!3d31.1745732!4d-105.3571764!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.2567734!4d-105.4266768\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sierra Blanc, area mines and prospects<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Turquoise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B008'52.5%22N+104%C2%B002'15.1%22W\/@30.1357043,-104.0639509,13701m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86eef9b8a6b3cb21:0xb56348a410cc2d98!2sPresidio+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d29.9480666!4d-104.1001326!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.1479077!4d-104.0375159\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bishop Ranch, S of Marfa<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (Texas bouquet agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B058'52.0%22N+104%C2%B013'17.5%22W\/@29.981103,-104.2237017,922m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86ee7b0e757531e5:0xa725987f3bbd374b!2sPresidio,+TX+79845!3b1!8m2!3d29.5607383!4d-104.3721465!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.9811025!4d-104.2215134\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Along US 67, both sides from Marfa to Presidio<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (Texas bouquet agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B056'29.0%22N+104%C2%B047'47.1%22W\/@30.941384,-104.7986157,913m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86e5f1d31bebd8db:0x3f5f7ce4069b3f6d!2sLobo+Valley!3b1!8m2!3d30.9437469!4d-104.7968784!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.9413836!4d-104.796427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lobo valley, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (Texas plume agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B000'01.4%22N+104%C2%B021'10.6%22W\/@30.000385,-104.3551227,922m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86eef006fed0e989:0xb214d477ae401741!2sChinati+Mountains!3b1!8m2!3d29.9048918!4d-104.4638067!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.0003852!4d-104.352934\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chinati Mts, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B027'04.1%22N+103%C2%B058'55.6%22W\/@30.451135,-103.9842987,917m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86eef006fed0e989:0xb214d477ae401741!2sChinati+Mountains!3b1!8m2!3d29.9048918!4d-104.4638067!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.4511354!4d-103.9821097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Btwn Marfa and Ft. Davis, all area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B054'04.3%22N+104%C2%B030'44.8%22W\/@29.901205,-104.5139874,654m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine+near+Chinati,+TX!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.9012047!4d-104.5124359\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chinati Mts, area mine dumps<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fluorite, Galena, Argentite, Cerargyrite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, Smithsonite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B058'20.4%22N+103%C2%B042'51.4%22W\/@30.972344,-103.7155211,524m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry+near+Balmorhea,+TX!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.9723442!4d-103.7142639\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N &amp; E sides of Balmorhea Lake<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (Balmorhea blue agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B021'09.3%22N+103%C2%B045'33.2%22W\/@31.35258,-103.7613987,909m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86facd074f616309:0xedfa2effa03ee7b1!2sPecos,+TX+79772!3b1!8m2!3d31.4229124!4d-103.4932293!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.3525803!4d-103.7592103\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area ~17 mi. W of Pecos (ranch roads)<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">West Texas Rockhounding Locations (click to go to map)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Central Texas<\/strong> Rockhounding Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best rockhounding locations in Central Texas are the areas surrounding the towns of Mason, Llano, and Fredericksburg. Particularly of note are the pegmatites and stream beds in Mason County, where rockhounds flock for a chance to find blue topaz. Central Texas contains a fairly wide variety of rocks and minerals including agate, petrified wood, calcite, celestite, quartz crystals, and topaz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B000'57.6%22N+97%C2%B008'52.1%22W\/@30.015989,-97.150011,855m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86448108bf064fab:0xddb52ae429b1b928!2sSmithville,+TX+78957!3b1!8m2!3d30.0085542!4d-97.1594321!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.0159885!4d-97.1478175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area surfaces all around Smithville<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B021'46.4%22N+96%C2%B041'28.5%22W\/@30.362894,-96.6934397,918m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864437f776be3ec9:0x6b00afa2235b5ccb!2sBurleson+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.4500257!4d-96.663812!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3628937!4d-96.6912509\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Creek beds &amp; hill slopes between Caldwell &amp; Somerville, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified wood, Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B022'48.6%22N+97%C2%B031'55.8%22W\/@31.380172,-97.5327804,255m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865aea79502a7747:0xd8f2d01ca81207cf!2sCoryell+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.4774358!4d-97.87216!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.3801724!4d-97.5321661\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Limestone road cuts, SE of Gatesville<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (turritella agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B023'32.2%22N+97%C2%B032'46.2%22W\/@31.392287,-97.5468755,293m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864ff5f035e66dc9:0x5c8ea3027d02e6e0!2sOglesby,+TX+76561!3b1!8m2!3d31.4185003!4d-97.5072379!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.3922866!4d-97.5461691\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Limestone road cuts, SW of Oglesby<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (turritella agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B003'59.8%22N+96%C2%B052'44.7%22W\/@30.066603,-96.8812657,921m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86447b29db1e6407:0xe7872e05e6c5214d!2sRabbs+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d30.1490956!4d-96.9813233!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.0666035!4d-96.8790767\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rabb&rsquo;s Creek, in beds and surrounding area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified wood, Opalized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B003'21.9%22N+98%C2%B011'14.3%22W\/@31.056092,-98.1886191,543m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865aa4cb582047c1:0x60ce7f0d6aa8a317!2sLampasas+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.2737682!4d-98.2212979!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.0560916!4d-98.1873147\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lampasas, surrounding area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Calcite (fluorescent)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B008'14.2%22N+98%C2%B011'00.2%22W\/@31.137277,-98.184044,275m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865aa4cb582047c1:0x60ce7f0d6aa8a317!2sLampasas+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.2737682!4d-98.2212979!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.1372766!4d-98.1833839\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 mi. N of Lampasas, in limestone exposure<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Celestite crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B009'31.6%22N+98%C2%B009'40.3%22W\/@31.158774,-98.1623101,461m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865aa4cb582047c1:0x60ce7f0d6aa8a317!2sLampasas+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.2737682!4d-98.2212979!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.1587736!4d-98.1612012\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Little Lucy Creek, in beds and banks<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Celestite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B037'46.0%22N+98%C2%B031'38.8%22W\/@30.629431,-98.5283705,393m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865a4eddf1825a27:0x1a52e756333001f7!2sLlano+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.692528!4d-98.7481167!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.6294309!4d-98.5274315\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Llano county, all area pegmatite exposures<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Topaz, Ziron<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B047'58.2%22N+98%C2%B038'27.6%22W\/@30.799488,-98.6420733,453m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865a5aa24d8ff3af:0xcab194acc3ab46f8!2sMiller+Mountain!3b1!8m2!3d30.7987886!4d-98.6405926!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.7994879!4d-98.6409886\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Babyhead to Miller Mt, area dikes<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Llanite (gemmy granite), Opal-quartz<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B053'53.9%22N+96%C2%B006'24.0%22W\/@30.898315,-96.1082686,665m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86464f65d5a175f9:0xb5fcd36f4e2f82f8!2sMadison+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.9888479!4d-95.940971!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.8983154!4d-96.1066743\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N of Cross, area fields, banks, cuts, washes, etc.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B046'47.2%22N+99%C2%B020'35.4%22W\/@30.779774,-99.3453587,914m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86598f06d0c077d3:0x40a5e85614ebd23b!2sGrit,+TX+76856!3b1!8m2!3d30.783056!4d-99.319722!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.7797743!4d-99.3431702\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ranches W of Mason, area pegmatites (fee)<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Amazonite, Felspar crystals, Quartz crystals, Topaz (blue, colorless), Tourmaline (black)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B039'35.3%22N+99%C2%B019'27.7%22W\/@30.659791,-99.3250345,282m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86598f06d0c077d3:0x40a5e85614ebd23b!2sGrit,+TX+76856!3b1!8m2!3d30.783056!4d-99.319722!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.6597911!4d-99.3243607\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Banks of Llano River, in gray\/black limestone<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Crinoid stem sections<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B045'56.1%22N+99%C2%B022'46.5%22W\/@30.765576,-99.3814288,769m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86599022e492e0e9:0xc549a474052f06ea!2sStreeter,+TX+76856!3b1!8m2!3d30.7649!4d-99.3764477!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.7655757!4d-99.3795882\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Streeter, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Amazonite, Feldspar crystals, Quartz crystals (smoky), Topaz (blue, colorless), Tourmaline<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B000'52.2%22N+99%C2%B003'52.4%22W\/@31.014512,-99.0656451,457m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865a1974a341749b:0x96fbb7130644a71f!2sHinton+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d31.0141766!4d-99.0661528!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.0145123!4d-99.0645487\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hinton Creek, in gravels<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Chalcedony, Chert<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Central Texas Rockhounding Locations (click to go to map)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>East Texas<\/strong> Rockhounding Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best rockhounding locations in East Texas include the areas north of Lake Livingston, around McGee Bend dam, and surrounding the town of Bedias. East Texas is one of the few places where rockhounds can hope to find tektites, and it also probably the best part of the state to search for petrified palm wood (the state stone).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B046'27.9%22N+95%C2%B057'00.5%22W\/@30.774419,-95.9523167,914m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8646ebe291157dd5:0x19dd885f1f98376e!2sGrimes+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.4829853!4d-95.9832577!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.7744188!4d-95.950128\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Broad area around Bedias, from meteorite<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tektites (bediasites, black diamonds, fire pearls)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B035'59.5%22N+96%C2%B003'50.2%22W\/@30.599846,-96.0661187,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86468c8e6a022f99:0x7d209a6c88ffbf94!2sKeith,+TX+77861!3b1!8m2!3d30.6451976!4d-96.1013454!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.5998456!4d-96.0639298\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gibbons creek, area creek beds<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tektites<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B010'19.0%22N+95%C2%B022'46.5%22W\/@31.17193,-95.3817627,911m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8647e8d478694361:0x7d749431b53bf792!2sHouston+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d31.2377559!4d-95.4777811!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.1719303!4d-95.3795742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Large area between Crockett, Trinity, and Groveton<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Jasper, Agatized wood, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B003'24.6%22N+94%C2%B006'10.7%22W\/@31.056845,-94.1040448,448m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8639bd17cc008149:0xe7335c297c364878!2sMcGee+Bend!3b1!8m2!3d31.0385293!4d-94.097969!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.0568446!4d-94.10297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">McGee Bend dam, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B009'06.2%22N+95%C2%B011'45.6%22W\/@30.151727,-95.1972889,544m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864740d318e6ff8f:0xc47b2bdf6fcf4e16!2sMontgomery+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.3213482!4d-95.4777811!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.1517271!4d-95.1959941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">E of New Caney, in area creek beds and banks<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Jasper, Petrified palm wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B039'30.7%22N+94%C2%B048'30.4%22W\/@31.658514,-94.8090022,226m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8637f3d85bcf8707:0x487dff2207aba9cc!2sLittle+Bayou+Loco!3b1!8m2!3d31.6995892!4d-94.8047898!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.658514!4d-94.8084547\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Road cut N of road, 4 mi. W of Douglass<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Pyrite, Selenite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B054'56.0%22N+94%C2%B039'17.3%22W\/@30.915542,-94.6569907,913m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8638f2e8c3e2b0d1:0x7c9f399ad9cba3e!2sPolk+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.7150882!4d-94.8105955!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.9155416!4d-94.6548024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Large area btwn Camden and Chester<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified palm wood (white lime coating)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B052'26.2%22N+95%C2%B012'39.7%22W\/@30.87394,-95.2132227,913m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8647976e43e256bd:0x403180354aba4322!2sLake+Livingston!3b1!8m2!3d30.7592788!4d-95.1536327!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.8739403!4d-95.2110338\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N of Lake Livingston, large area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified palm wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/31%C2%B001'59.3%22N+95%C2%B013'19.4%22W\/@31.033129,-95.2239926,813m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8647976e43e256bd:0x403180354aba4322!2sLake+Livingston!3b1!8m2!3d30.7592788!4d-95.1536327!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d31.0331288!4d-95.2220415\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Btwn Groveton &amp; Trinity, all surrounding area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, Petrified wood, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">East Texas Rockhounding Locations (click to go to map)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>South Texas<\/strong> Rockhounding Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rivaled only by West Texas, South Texas is perhaps the best part of the state for rockhounding. The best rockhounding locations in South Texas are generally associated with the gravels of the Rio Grande, but locations further inland towards San Antonio should also be considered. Minerals found in South Texas are almost exclusively in the quartz family, most notably several varieties of agate, petrified wood, amethyst, citrine, jasper, and chalcedony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B043'42.8%22N+98%C2%B006'31.8%22W\/@29.728566,-98.1097456,391m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.7285658!4d-98.1088194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Braunfels, area stream beds, fields, excavations, etc.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B056'30.4%22N+98%C2%B053'21.6%22W\/@27.941787,-98.8906338,558m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86670f0868f8dffb:0x296ac03d5c74f2f5!2sFreer,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d27.8827965!4d-98.6177929!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.941787!4d-98.8893346\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15-18 mi. W of Freer, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified palm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B046'21.5%22N+98%C2%B045'55.3%22W\/@27.772632,-98.7675357,942m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86670f0868f8dffb:0x296ac03d5c74f2f5!2sFreer,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d27.8827965!4d-98.6177929!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.7726322!4d-98.7653467\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SW of Freer, general area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Silicified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B009'40.0%22N+98%C2%B053'36.3%22W\/@30.161106,-98.8956117,920m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865be910494412c9:0x34e84119d1d9cee6!2sGillespie+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.314993!4d-98.9245343!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.1611064!4d-98.8934228\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Road cut on E side of US 87<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B031'29.3%22N+98%C2%B044'48.9%22W\/@30.524812,-98.7491077,917m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865bba8ae2ea7371:0xe6bf65c3dd69597b!2sWillow+City,+TX+78624!3b1!8m2!3d30.4007508!4d-98.7014248!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.5248124!4d-98.7469188\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area 9 mi. NNW of Willow City<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Barite, Serpentine, Soapstone<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B018'24.0%22N+98%C2%B026'43.9%22W\/@30.306673,-98.4477057,919m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865b0afa3485fa93:0x1d7187e28fdeab4f!2sAlthaus+Ranch+Rd,+Texas+78636!3b1!8m2!3d30.3064181!4d-98.4372997!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3066732!4d-98.4455172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amethyst Hill on Althaus Ranch<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Amethyst, Citrine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B016'17.0%22N+98%C2%B051'16.5%22W\/@30.271392,-98.8567797,919m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865b0afa3485fa93:0x1d7187e28fdeab4f!2sAlthaus+Ranch+Rd,+Texas+78636!3b1!8m2!3d30.3064181!4d-98.4372997!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.2713916!4d-98.854591\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stream gravels around Fredericksburg, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Almandine garnets<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B030'14.9%22N+97%C2%B018'51.6%22W\/@29.504136,-97.3165197,926m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86431102f806cf0f:0x295abd6f3a217089!2sPeach+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d29.472309!4d-97.3111576!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.5041363!4d-97.3143312\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peach Creek, in bed and banks<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B014'26.8%22N+98%C2%B033'48.6%22W\/@26.240788,-98.5641499,283m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x866453dbbb9c3653:0xa2858c4f26b9a699!2sSullivan+City+Dr,+Sullivan+City,+TX+78595!3b1!8m2!3d26.2891467!4d-98.5644297!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.2407876!4d-98.5635\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gravel pits hear Rio Grande<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agates (Rio Grande), Jasper, Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B000'01.9%22N+98%C2%B001'10.4%22W\/@29.000514,-98.0217437,931m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.0005138!4d-98.0195554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Erdman Farm (small fee)<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Petrified palm wood, Opalized wood, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B055'02.2%22N+98%C2%B008'14.0%22W\/@28.917269,-98.1385225,558m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.9172692!4d-98.1372108\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tessman Farm (small fee)<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized palm wood (golden)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B033'28.8%22N+97%C2%B007'55.5%22W\/@29.558006,-97.1342647,926m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86430b181f0e9201:0xe2218c7413d8e5f!2sMoulton,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d29.5749585!4d-97.1427643!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.5580059!4d-97.1320764\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moulton, area creek beds, gravels, fields, etc.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B017'43.2%22N+96%C2%B040'56.2%22W\/@30.295319,-96.6844637,919m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86441467499708cf:0xfc2deea26bb35d5f!2sNails+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d30.2577719!4d-96.8245541!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.2953185!4d-96.6822752\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nails Creek Park, in draws and farm fields<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tektites<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B027'59.4%22N+98%C2%B013'33.0%22W\/@28.466485,-98.2269088,455m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.4664847!4d-98.2258443\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">H.D. House Ranch area (fee)<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized fern buds, Jasper, Chalcedony<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B044'14.5%22N+100%C2%B028'16.3%22W\/@28.737347,-100.4733937,933m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x865f8c34bb7b95cf:0xe33fa749b5f38e6!2sEagle+Pass,+TX+78852!3b1!8m2!3d28.7091433!4d-100.4995214!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.7373469!4d-100.4712052\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eagle Pass, area<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Amber, Chalcedony, Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B002'17.8%22N+97%C2%B051'35.3%22W\/@28.03829,-97.861135,576m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86686be8fd28cdd5:0x78e911170b292cea!2sSan+Patricio+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d27.9999695!4d-97.5247243!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.0382897!4d-97.8597926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mathis, area road cuts, stream gravels, etc.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (moss agate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B021'44.6%22N+98%C2%B050'06.7%22W\/@26.362393,-98.8357608,244m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x866447e9514ca183:0x5cbff8774a548e9d!2sStarr+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d26.6215167!4d-98.7481167!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.362393!4d-98.8352014\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rio Grande, in gravels S of Rio Grande City<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate (Rio Grande agate), Chalcedony, Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B014'08.9%22N+97%C2%B032'45.5%22W\/@30.235815,-97.5481487,919m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8644b0c03cbfd175:0x907464394a289d3b!2sTravis+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d30.2097015!4d-97.6982272!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.2358153!4d-97.5459601\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">E of Austin, area cuts, draws, washes, fields, etc.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized wood, Petrified palm wood, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B042'30.1%22N+101%C2%B021'03.4%22W\/@29.7084515,-101.3517261,279m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86f677557b18dfe3:0xe712b3300b58a593!2sVal+Verde+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d29.8687682!4d-101.1617356!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.7083687!4d-101.3509464\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Under bridge on E side of Pecos River, in limestone<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossils (turritella)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B010'25.0%22N+101%C2%B034'30.7%22W\/@30.173606,-101.5773837,920m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86f6ef000c998847:0xf93283ad643d7930!2sHoward+Draw!3b1!8m2!3d30.1538018!4d-101.5706733!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.1736061!4d-101.5751955\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">On slope just E of Pecos River<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Barite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B029'52.4%22N+99%C2%B029'31.9%22W\/@27.497889,-99.4928277,279m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8661219a42b6c91d:0xa18512d0bbcde5b8!2sSanta+Maria+Ave,+Laredo,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d27.5459456!4d-99.5100787!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.4978894!4d-99.4921812\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">River bars and tributaries of Rio Grande, S of Laredo<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Agatized wood, Chalcedony, Jasper, Agatized wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B042'47.0%22N+99%C2%B007'52.8%22W\/@26.713068,-99.1331714,796m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x866154b675df32b9:0x11d9502ea01d7172!2sZapata+County,+TX!3b1!8m2!3d26.9730763!4d-99.1013498!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.7130676!4d-99.1313377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lopeno, W of US 83, area surfaces, hills, etc.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Agatized wood, Chalcedony, Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B044'03.5%22N+99%C2%B012'07.1%22W\/@26.734295,-99.2038162,800m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86640a5cde8b1a57:0xe6e96ca27e41e5a9!2sFalcon+International+Reservoir!3b1!8m2!3d26.7885939!4d-99.245302!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.7342953!4d-99.2019742\" target=\"_blank\">E of Falcon Lake, are<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/proof-of-content-ownership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agate, Agatized wood, Jasper, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">South Texas Rockhounding Locations (click to go to map)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Blue Topaz in Texas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Blue topaz is relatively rare, and Texas is one of the only places in the world where it can be found naturally. Even if you&rsquo;re looking in the right areas it can be extremely difficult to find. I actually wrote an entire article about how and where to find it, which I&rsquo;d suggest you check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>Article: <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/topaz-in-texas-the-best-places-to-search\/\" target=\"_blank\">Where to Find Topaz in Texas<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>In Texas, blue topaz is only found in centrally located Mason County, particularly the towns of Mason and Grit. There are three ranches in the area which are open to the public for topaz hunting &ndash; Seaquist Ranch, Bar M Ranch, and Lindsay Ranch, all of which are fairly close to one another.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Agates in Texas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Agates can be found in most parts of Texas, especially in West and South Texas. The gravels of the Rio Grande and its tributaries, as well as the surrounding washes and hillsides are all prime locations for agates. Many varieties of agates can be found in Texas including highly desirable &lsquo;pompom&rsquo; and &lsquo;bouquet&rsquo; specimens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the locations listed in the tables above and shown on the included map include agate as one of the potential discoverable minerals. Even if not explicitly listed, it would not be uncommon to find agates at most of these locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Check out my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-tumble-rocks-get-great-results-every-time\/\">Complete Rock Tumbling Guide<\/a><\/strong> to make your rocks and gemstones really shine!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Texas Rockhounding Laws &amp; Regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common questions rockhounds have is whether or not they are allowed to collect at a certain location. <strong>It is the responsibility of each rockhound to obtain permission from a landowner to search and\/or collect on a piece of property. <\/strong>Given Texas&rsquo; reputation for defending private property, this is probably even more important than it is in most other states!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ownership and status of land can and does change frequently, making it impossible to document accurate information on this page. However, I have compiled a list of resources here so that you may investigate and obtain permission for any locations (found here or elsewhere) for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public Land Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have written entire articles which cover the rockhounding laws and regulations for nearly every type of public land you can think of. I encourage you to check them out if you are curious about the legalities of rock and mineral collecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/rock-collecting-on-public-land-laws-rules-and-etiquette\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rockhounding on Public Land: Laws and Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/can-you-collect-rocks-in-state-parks-all-50-states-answered\/\" target=\"_blank\">Can You Collect Rocks in State Parks? All 50 States Answered<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine what type of public land a particular location is on, I would recommend starting with the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\/0,4570,7-350-79136_79239_80547-30698--,00.html\" target=\"_blank\">Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunting Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As with most states, each county in Texas will have records of who owns each piece of property. Unfortunately for rockhounds, the law prohibits them from publishing their names or contact information online. You can get the landowner&rsquo;s name and address by visiting the county records office. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.txdmv.gov\/tax-assessor-collectors\/county-tax-offices\" target=\"_blank\">This site<\/a> linking to each county assessor&rsquo;s office would be a great place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources &amp; Further Reading<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The locations and information contained in this article are primarily derived from academic papers, online resources, and other outside sources. If you would like to read some of the source material for yourself I have listed them below. The majority of these locations are my interpretation of Robert Beste&rsquo;s <em>A Location Guide for Rock Hounds in the United States<\/em>. Other sources include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mindat.com\" target=\"_blank\">mindat.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tpwd.texas.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife Department<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beg.utexas.edu\/outreach\/state-geological-survey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas Geological Survey<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu\/content\/mineral-locality-map-texas\" target=\"_blank\">Mineral Locality Map of Texas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas is not especially well known for its rockhounding but, despite its lackluster reputation in this area, there are still hundreds of prospective rockhounding locations to be explored. Commercial mining never really took root in Texas and, while there are some old mining dumps to be picked over by rockhounds, most of the best rockhounding &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2628,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862-300x209.jpg",300,209,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_med_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",360,251,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_low_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",240,167,false],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_172497862.jpg",400,279,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Mike Rhea","author_link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/author\/mikerhea22gmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Texas is not especially well known for its rockhounding but, despite its lackluster reputation in this area, there are still hundreds of prospective rockhounding locations to be explored. Commercial mining never really took root in Texas and, while there are some old mining dumps to be picked over by rockhounds, most of the best rockhounding&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2626"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7256,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626\/revisions\/7256"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}