{"id":3525,"date":"2021-05-30T13:42:33","date_gmt":"2021-05-30T18:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/?p=3525"},"modified":"2024-03-13T07:50:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T12:50:27","slug":"iowa-rockhounding-location-guide-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/iowa-rockhounding-location-guide-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Iowa Rockhounding Location Guide &#038; Map"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:87.555555555556%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:87.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:74.444444444444%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Iowa is a fantastic state for rockhounding, thanks in large part to the world-class geode beds centered around the town of Keokuk. Collectors and amateur geologists flock to this area for a chance to find their own geodes filled with beautiful crystal varieties like amethyst and chalcedony. Iowa has much more to offer than just geodes, though. Fossilized coral specimens can be found in many locations across the eastern part of the state. They make for great additions to any collection and can even be used to make attractive pieces of jewelry and art. Lake Superior agates abound across the state thanks to relatively recent glacial activity, making almost any gravel bed in the state a potential rockhounding site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best places to rockhound in Iowa are the Keokuk geode beds and the streams and tributaries to the northwest of Keokuk which contain geodes and other interesting rocks and minerals. Almost any stream bed or rocky outcrop in Iowa is a great place to search for quartz-family minerals like agates.<\/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\">&mdash;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Rock<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Geode<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Gemstone<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">&mdash;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Fossil<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Crinoid (unofficial)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones\" 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=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118.jpg\" alt=\"Geode\" class=\"wp-image-3526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-300x263.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-768x672.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"788\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20900%20788'%3E%3Crect%20width='900'%20height='788'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Geode\" class=\"wp-image-3526 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-300x263.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-768x672.jpg 768w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Geode<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will dive deeper into the many great rockhounding sites across the state (along with maps), but I&rsquo;d like to highlight a few standouts here. <strong>The top 10 rockhounding sites for rocks and minerals in Iowa:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-eb9d0639-c6c2-4594-b7bb-31cf52e0f49a\">\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B023'15.0%22N+91%C2%B027'06.3%22W\/@40.387493,-91.4527791,380m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1skeokuk+geode+beds!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.3874929!4d-91.451754\" target=\"_blank\">Keokuk Geode Beds<\/a><\/strong> &ndash; Keokuk Geodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B020'26.0%22N+93%C2%B053'30.1%22W\/@42.340564,-93.8930013,471m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x87edfaba176b8d5f:0x12dba863329afbeb!2sBell's+Mill+Park!8m2!3d42.3408724!4d-93.8915634!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3405645!4d-93.8916916\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bells Mill Park<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Large black calcite crystals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B057'10.6%22N+91%C2%B034'02.4%22W\/@40.952932,-91.5679853,235m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e69520d2092621:0xc42e20e4a2e9bab6!2sMt+Pleasant,+IA+52641!3b1!8m2!3d40.9716959!4d-91.5487714!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9529322!4d-91.5673445\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B057'10.6%22N+91%C2%B034'02.4%22W\/@40.952932,-91.5679853,235m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e69520d2092621:0xc42e20e4a2e9bab6!2sMt+Pleasant,+IA+52641!3b1!8m2!3d40.9716959!4d-91.5487714!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9529322!4d-91.5673445\" target=\"_blank\">Mount Pleasant<\/a><\/strong> &ndash; Gem-quality colored Chert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Geode+State+Park\/@40.7991793,-91.4249481,12.5z\/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x24bf9de061373de9!8m2!3d40.8239732!4d-91.3782937\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Geode State Park<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Geodes (no collecting allowed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B019'06.7%22N+91%C2%B009'22.0%22W\/@41.3180574,-91.1605854,1530m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e3f0d018d4dabb:0x91c6d224313c3a1b!2sMuscatine+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.5156913!4d-91.135302!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.3185227!4d-91.1561029\" target=\"_blank\">Muscatine<\/a> <\/strong>&ndash; Agates, Chalcedony, Quartz crystals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B049'21.0%22N+92%C2%B019'38.1%22W\/@42.822486,-92.3294417,781m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fabc56cbf09467:0xfd80d1417c0da909!2sBremer+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.761082!4d-92.3813621!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.8224863!4d-92.3272532\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bremer, Benton Counties<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; &lsquo;Coldwater&rsquo; Agate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B043'35.6%22N+92%C2%B035'10.8%22W\/@42.726563,-92.5885107,782m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f03db323525d99:0xa3a6a9ee3feea45d!2sButler+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.7502186!4d-92.8577105!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.7265625!4d-92.5863224\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Shell Rock<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Lake Superior Agates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B050'28.3%22N+91%C2%B025'12.5%22W\/@40.841183,-91.4223257,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e68d7967589afd:0x771a4cfa87f99523!2sRome,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9847479!4d-91.6834982!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8411831!4d-91.4201373\" target=\"_blank\">Mud Creek near Lowell<\/a><\/strong> &ndash; Geodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B045'03.9%22N+95%C2%B040'37.8%22W\/@40.751072,-95.6787163,571m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8794ee12c41f9b91:0x72809924a449975f!2sFremont+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.7400403!4d-95.6457951!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.751072!4d-95.6771651\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Fremont County<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Fossilized coral<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B014'50.2%22N+94%C2%B021'13.8%22W\/@41.247287,-94.3560317,800m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ec8ed708e9865f:0xf00683b82798505c!2sAdair+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.2741733!4d-94.479976!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.247287!4d-94.3538427\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Orient<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Agate, Quartz crystals, Petrified wood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While Iowa is a fantastic state for rockhounding, it leaves something to be desired when it comes to the varieties of rocks and minerals that can commonly be found within its borders. With rare exceptions, by far the most commonly found and collected rocks and minerals belong in the quartz family. Semiprecious gemstones like agates, jaspers, petrified wood, and quartz crystals are fairly common finds. Geodes, of course, are the highlight of Iowa rockhounding and are often lined with some variety of quartz. Freshwater pearls can be harvested from the mussels found in the Mississippi River, and high-quality fossilized coral is often found in the eastern part of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The most commonly found and collected rocks and minerals in Iowa are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center 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\">\n<ul>\n<li>Geodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jasper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freshwater Pearls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chalcedony<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Petrified wood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quartz crystals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fossilized Coral<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pyrite<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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=\"400\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1.jpg\" alt=\"Petrified Wood\" class=\"wp-image-2941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1.jpg 400w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1.jpg\" alt=\"Petrified Wood\" class=\"wp-image-2941 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1.jpg 400w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_157074_1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Petrified Wood<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\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 Iowa which I would recommend to people looking to do some rockhounding. These are mostly comprised of old mining prospects, washes, 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 are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-3 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 href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3utdCGb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rocks &amp; Minerals of Wisconsin, Illinois, &amp; Iowa<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3i39ief\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Rockhounding &amp; Prospecting: Upper Midwest<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2SAEffi\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Northwest Treasure Hunter&rsquo;s Gem &amp; Mineral Guide<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3wDdHZl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Earth Treasures: The Northwestern Quadrant<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3mY1LxH\" target=\"_blank\">Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\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.  Joining up with a local rockhounding club for a group trip can often get you access to otherwise off-limits locations like privately owned mines and quarries. There are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rockhounds.com\/rockshop\/clubs\/iowa.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">many rockhounding clubs in Iow<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rockhounds.com\/rockshop\/clubs\/iowa.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a<\/a> so you can most likely find one you like nearby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Osprey-Packs-Stratos-Backpack-Black\/dp\/B01IEX2TEO\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&amp;keywords=osprey+stratos+24&amp;qid=1602547901&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=rockhoundreso-20&amp;linkId=2199ac3fa66e04cc8dd311db17bf6a97&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>best hiking backpack I&rsquo;ve ever owned<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rockhounding Sites in Iowa<\/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\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=13ojbVov8203kGZzZ0Wm5lwVH9Kh0Gfk&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Western Iowa Rockhounding Sites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to the rest of the state, western Iowa is fairly limited when it comes to rockhounding destinations. Still, there are plenty of places where collectors can search with a reasonable expectation of finding worthwhile specimens. The best places to rockhound in western Iowa are gravels and streams which often contain Quartz-family minerals like agate, jasper, and chalcedony. Any quarries or rocky exposures in the area also have the potential to yield a variety of specimens including chert, petrified wood, and fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B014'50.2%22N+94%C2%B021'13.8%22W\/@41.247287,-94.3560317,800m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ec8ed708e9865f:0xf00683b82798505c!2sAdair+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.2741733!4d-94.479976!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.247287!4d-94.3538427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orient, area 5 mi. to NE<\/a><\/td><td>Agate, Quartz crystals, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B045'03.9%22N+95%C2%B040'37.8%22W\/@40.751072,-95.6787163,571m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8794ee12c41f9b91:0x72809924a449975f!2sFremont+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.7400403!4d-95.6457951!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.751072!4d-95.6771651\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fremont County, area limestones and streams<\/a><\/td><td>Fossilized coral, Stromatoporioids<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B003'23.6%22N+95%C2%B017'06.4%22W\/@41.056552,-95.2873087,802m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m3!2m2!1smotel!6e3!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.0565521!4d-95.2851204\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Red Oak, in limestone quarry to NW<\/a><\/td><td>Chert, (gem-quality, &lsquo;Protozoa agate&rsquo;)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B002'01.0%22N+93%C2%B037'54.6%22W\/@42.033614,-93.6340217,790m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ee7d9b3d73edd1:0xb999064f68a10ae2!2sStory+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1040438!4d-93.5003454!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.0336142!4d-93.6318329\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ames, area stream gravels, quarries, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Chalcedony, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B000'29.9%22N+93%C2%B022'54.7%22W\/@42.008292,-93.3839451,749m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ee7d9b3d73edd1:0xb999064f68a10ae2!2sStory+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1040438!4d-93.5003454!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.0082919!4d-93.381873\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nevada, in gravels of Indian Creek to E<\/a><\/td><td>Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B020'26.0%22N+93%C2%B053'30.1%22W\/@42.340564,-93.8930013,471m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x87edfaba176b8d5f:0x12dba863329afbeb!2sBell's+Mill+Park!8m2!3d42.3408724!4d-93.8915634!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3405645!4d-93.8916916\" target=\"_blank\">Bells Mill Park, in outcrops and veins<\/a><\/td><td>Calcite (black, cones)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B007'48.8%22N+94%C2%B042'09.8%22W\/@43.130218,-94.7049127,777m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f31dfb44847ded:0x6f26798939f4ddf9!2sPalo+Alto+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d43.1580878!4d-94.645035!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.1302184!4d-94.7027239\" target=\"_blank\">Emmetsburg, all area streams and gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate, Jasper, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B014'12.1%22N+94%C2%B044'28.9%22W\/@43.23668,-94.7435597,775m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f31dfb44847ded:0x6f26798939f4ddf9!2sPalo+Alto+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d43.1580878!4d-94.645035!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.23668!4d-94.7413711\" target=\"_blank\">Graettinger, all area streams and gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate, Jasper, Petrified wood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B027'21.9%22N+94%C2%B009'33.1%22W\/@42.456071,-94.1613807,785m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f277accafac8dd:0x3d451fc05e2a875!2sWebster+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.3974963!4d-94.1513764!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.456071!4d-94.1591915\" target=\"_blank\">Fort Dodge, area quarries and exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Gypsum<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Northeastern Iowa Rockhounding Sites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Northeastern Iowa is a fantastic area for rockhounding. While the Keokuk area in southeastern Iowa gets most of the attention when it comes to geodes, they can also be found in many locations in northeastern Iowa &ndash; particularly in the gravels all along the banks of the Cedar and Iowa Rivers. Northeastern Iowa is also the best part of the state to find agates. Lake Superior agates abound in gravels and streams, and a unique multicolored variety locally known as &lsquo;coldwater agate&rsquo; can be found in several counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B012'35.5%22N+91%C2%B008'12.3%22W\/@43.209863,-91.1389367,776m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fc7e65e203e9c1:0xec1f35a20a5b1b58!2sHarpers+Ferry,+IA+52146!3b1!8m2!3d43.2005358!4d-91.1531852!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.209863!4d-91.1367475\" target=\"_blank\">Harper&rsquo;s Ferry, in river mussel shell<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B012'35.5%22N+91%C2%B008'12.3%22W\/@43.209863,-91.1389367,776m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fc7e65e203e9c1:0xec1f35a20a5b1b58!2sHarpers+Ferry,+IA+52146!3b1!8m2!3d43.2005358!4d-91.1531852!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.209863!4d-91.1367475\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">s<\/a><\/td><td>Pearls<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B031'18.4%22N+92%C2%B015'17.8%22W\/@42.521779,-92.2554882,196m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e551eefd246359:0xabe5fe6fe3c99d0f!2sBlack+Hawk+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.447804!4d-92.3813621!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.521779!4d-92.2549408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Black Hawk County, all quarries, gravels, streams, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (&lsquo;coldwater&rsquo; agate, gem-quality, multicolored)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B049'21.0%22N+92%C2%B019'38.1%22W\/@42.822486,-92.3294417,781m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fabc56cbf09467:0xfd80d1417c0da909!2sBremer+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.761082!4d-92.3813621!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.8224863!4d-92.3272532\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bremer County, all quarries, gravels, streams, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (&lsquo;coldwater&rsquo; agate, gem-quality, multicolored)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B008'09.2%22N+92%C2%B007'35.4%22W\/@42.135892,-92.1283568,667m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e50dfcea62183b:0xb22e1cc0c7dec5c2!2sBenton+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1387249!4d-92.0665197!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.1358917!4d-92.1265074\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benton County, all quarries, gravels, streams, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (&lsquo;coldwater&rsquo; agate, gem-quality, multicolored)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B019'17.5%22N+92%C2%B011'15.1%22W\/@42.3214395,-92.1894565,540m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e546dd88ee5b95:0x4144842869ef1db0!2sLa+Porte+City,+IA+50651!3b1!8m2!3d42.3149911!4d-92.1921275!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3215306!4d-92.1875397\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">La Porte City, in streams and gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B028'35.7%22N+92%C2%B018'03.0%22W\/@42.47658,-92.3030297,785m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e5524ddecc6285:0x8ef62d00f7ff04a5!2sE+Mitchell+Ave,+Waterloo,+IA+50702!3b1!8m2!3d42.47663!4d-92.3338363!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.4765805!4d-92.3008413\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Riverview Recreation Area, in gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B018'59.2%22N+91%C2%B059'24.8%22W\/@42.316437,-91.9917626,553m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e52bb068927d8b:0xf58e752fe63abc8e!2sBuchanan+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.4566006!4d-91.9099238!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3164369!4d-91.9902238\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brandon, in creek gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B043'35.6%22N+92%C2%B035'10.8%22W\/@42.726563,-92.5885107,782m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f03db323525d99:0xa3a6a9ee3feea45d!2sButler+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.7502186!4d-92.8577105!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.7265625!4d-92.5863224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shell Rock, in area gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior agates)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B052'02.3%22N+91%C2%B007'44.1%22W\/@42.8663207,-91.1343422,1246m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.8672914!4d-91.1289044\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clayton County, area quarries and mining dumps<\/a><\/td><td>Galena, Limonite, Pyrite, Sphalerite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B046'20.2%22N+91%C2%B005'38.6%22W\/@42.772285,-91.0960731,723m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.7722854!4d-91.0940463\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guttenburg, all area washes, gravels, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B034'34.2%22N+90%C2%B040'56.6%22W\/@42.576156,-90.6845827,784m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e336f72241296d:0x13cdb737f6a202b5!2sDubuque+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.4694679!4d-90.8294002!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.5761559!4d-90.6823937\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dubuque, in river gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior, moss, oolitic agates), Moonstone, Jasper, Petrified wood, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B056'49.2%22N+91%C2%B046'30.3%22W\/@42.947001,-91.777274,777m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fb1e254a8029d1:0xdca1a3e8e1020589!2sFayette+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.9258199!4d-91.9099238!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.9470013!4d-91.7750903\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fayette County, all area creek gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior agates)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B051'15.3%22N+93%C2%B013'13.0%22W\/@42.854262,-93.2218422,557m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f1cfd9349c309d:0x86e1ff0feae8c16!2sFranklin+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.7372361!4d-93.3388917!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.8542616!4d-93.2202798\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chapin, N towards Sheffield<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B055'18.0%22N+93%C2%B010'40.0%22W\/@42.921663,-93.1799687,779m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.9216634!4d-93.17778\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheffield, area quarries and fields<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B021'47.3%22N+93%C2%B007'03.1%22W\/@42.363149,-93.1192603,626m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ee2ed39f2db5df:0x67a785cf003d5369!2sHardin+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.4285425!4d-93.1779659!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3631487!4d-93.1175169\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eldora, area stream gravels and quarries<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B024'35.5%22N+93%C2%B004'21.2%22W\/@42.40985,-93.0747417,786m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87efd30db591924b:0xf0d3a65770a5dc77!2sSteamboat+Rock,+IA+50672!3b1!8m2!3d42.4055374!4d-93.0724235!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.4098502!4d-93.0725529\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steamboat River, along Iowa River<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (quartz lined)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B015'14.5%22N+93%C2%B003'29.2%22W\/@42.254017,-93.0599028,643m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87efcb05b7e03f11:0x7f8661b79bd47c9e!2sUnion,+IA+50258!3b1!8m2!3d42.2455405!4d-93.0646468!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.2540169!4d-93.0581165\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Union, stream and river gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B013'52.7%22N+90%C2%B024'06.0%22W\/@42.231302,-90.4029366,458m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e2e103d37ee37f:0xc00ee3763afd3b0d!2sJackson+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1560699!4d-90.5257823!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.231302!4d-90.4016642\" target=\"_blank\">Bellevue, in<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B013'52.7%22N+90%C2%B024'06.0%22W\/@42.231302,-90.4029366,458m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e2e103d37ee37f:0xc00ee3763afd3b0d!2sJackson+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1560699!4d-90.5257823!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.231302!4d-90.4016642\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B013'52.7%22N+90%C2%B024'06.0%22W\/@42.231302,-90.4029366,458m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e2e103d37ee37f:0xc00ee3763afd3b0d!2sJackson+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1560699!4d-90.5257823!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.231302!4d-90.4016642\" target=\"_blank\">Mississippi River gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior agates, Moss agates), Carnelian, Moonstone, Jasper, Petrified coral<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Southeastern Iowa Rockhounding Sites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Southeastern Iowa is a veritable Mecca for rockhounds. The town of Keokuk is world-famous for its geode beds which have produced countless high-quality geodes over the years. These geodes can be lined with one or more minerals including amethyst, calcite, chalcedony, marcasite, and pyrite. Not surprisingly, these geodes have become known as &lsquo;Keokuk geodes&rsquo; after the town around which they are concentrated. You can also find geodes in many gravels further upstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to world-class geode hunting, southeastern Iowa is a fantastic place to find agates, jaspers, and coral fossils. Most of the agates found in this area are the highly sought-after Lake Superior agate with distinct banding and beautiful coloring. The coral fossils of eastern Iowa are also as famous as the geodes. The silicified corals and hexagonaria are often used for unique jewelry pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B045'57.0%22N+92%C2%B054'54.9%22W\/@40.765835,-92.9174407,806m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.7658354!4d-92.9152518\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Centerville, area quarries<\/a><\/td><td>Gypsum<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B042'38.1%22N+92%C2%B050'54.2%22W\/@40.710578,-92.8505737,807m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.7105777!4d-92.8483851\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Centerville, many area mining dumps to SE<\/a><\/td><td>Pyrite, Selenite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B049'55.3%22N+91%C2%B005'54.1%22W\/@40.83204,-91.0992522,327m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6cada4c890dc9:0x566a948de2c75692!2sDes+Moines+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9123374!4d-91.1736994!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8320399!4d-91.0983632\" target=\"_blank\">Burlington, in river gravels and dredge piles<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior agates)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B051'07.4%22N+91%C2%B008'57.5%22W\/@40.852054,-91.1515027,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6cada4c890dc9:0x566a948de2c75692!2sDes+Moines+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9123374!4d-91.1736994!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8520538!4d-91.149314\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Burlington, all area creek gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior agates), Quartz crystals, Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B053'55.3%22N+91%C2%B033'23.3%22W\/@40.898692,-91.5575641,401m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e68d7967589afd:0x771a4cfa87f99523!2sRome,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9847479!4d-91.6834982!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8986924!4d-91.5564725\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skunk River, in gravels btwn Rome and Lowell<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes, Petrified coral, Limonite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B050'28.3%22N+91%C2%B025'12.5%22W\/@40.841183,-91.4223257,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e68d7967589afd:0x771a4cfa87f99523!2sRome,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9847479!4d-91.6834982!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8411831!4d-91.4201373\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lowell, in Mud Creek stream bed<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (Keokuk geodes)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B057'10.6%22N+91%C2%B034'02.4%22W\/@40.952932,-91.5679853,235m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e69520d2092621:0xc42e20e4a2e9bab6!2sMt+Pleasant,+IA+52641!3b1!8m2!3d40.9716959!4d-91.5487714!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9529322!4d-91.5673445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mount Pleasant, in limestone exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Chert (gem-quality, banded), Geodes (quartz lined)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B056'50.5%22N+91%C2%B034'18.8%22W\/@40.947351,-91.5726502,276m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ec2a7b09e3fec1:0x7ab079e96dcef266!2sBig+Creek+Lake!3b1!8m2!3d41.811756!4d-93.74097!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9473512!4d-91.5718983\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skunk River gravels near Mount Pleasant<\/a><\/td><td>Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B052'47.6%22N+91%C2%B023'26.3%22W\/@40.879881,-91.3928267,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6c7a44e8b7955:0xd352dc26cb35c9eb!2sNew+London,+IA+52645!3b1!8m2!3d40.9269776!4d-91.3995992!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8798812!4d-91.3906377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New London, regional stream beds and gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Agate, Jasper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B041'17.7%22N+91%C2%B037'27.0%22W\/@41.688257,-91.6263567,795m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e41561813a4475:0xdec6e153bcb7b2be!2sJohnson+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.6698982!4d-91.5983959!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.6882572!4d-91.6241683\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coralville, area quarries and exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified coral, Calcified coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B037'39.1%22N+91%C2%B034'11.1%22W\/@40.627519,-91.5719457,808m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e7262e2bc27f5b:0xef3c6b88a4024d45!2sLee+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.7068663!4d-91.443469!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.6275189!4d-91.5697568\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Donnellson, area pits and quarries<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B037'24.2%22N+91%C2%B044'10.6%22W\/@40.623397,-91.7378296,575m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6fd948a1c42c1:0x21c563cf08bc1120!2sFarmington,+IA+52626!3b1!8m2!3d40.6403124!4d-91.7429429!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.6233967!4d-91.7362722\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Farmington, area gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (Keokuk geodes), Coral (Hexagonaria)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B023'15.0%22N+91%C2%B027'06.3%22W\/@40.387493,-91.4527791,380m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1skeokuk+geode+beds!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.3874929!4d-91.451754\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keokuk, all regional gravels and bars of the Des Moines River and tributaries to the NW<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (Keokuk geodes, lined with amethyst, calcite, chalcedony, limonite, marcasite, pyrite, sphalerite, etc.)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B056'30.7%22N+91%C2%B039'04.4%22W\/@41.941858,-91.6534127,792m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e45f7aa02f4251:0x1cb24c8c1d4e1e58!2sLinn+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.0659844!4d-91.6760691!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.9418578!4d-91.6512242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cedar Rapids, in stream gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified coral, Calcified coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B010'04.1%22N+92%C2%B027'35.7%22W\/@41.167801,-92.4621037,801m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e8acc02abf62fb:0x5bb0e126a58778d3!2sBig+Cedar+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d41.2324535!4d-92.5618344!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.1678006!4d-92.4599148\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cedar Creek, entire length to Skunk River<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified coral, Calcified coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B015'46.5%22N+93%C2%B000'24.8%22W\/@41.262908,-93.0090667,800m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.2629078!4d-93.006878\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pershing, an area mine<\/a><\/td><td>Calcite (long crystals)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B024'36.0%22N+91%C2%B003'11.2%22W\/@41.410007,-91.0553107,798m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e3f0d018d4dabb:0x91c6d224313c3a1b!2sMuscatine+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.5156913!4d-91.135302!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.4100068!4d-91.0531216\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Muscatine, mussels in sands of Mississippi River<\/a><\/td><td>Pearls (gem-quality, pink, gold, red)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B019'06.7%22N+91%C2%B009'22.0%22W\/@41.3180574,-91.1605854,1530m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e3f0d018d4dabb:0x91c6d224313c3a1b!2sMuscatine+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.5156913!4d-91.135302!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.3185227!4d-91.1561029\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Muscatine, area gravels to S<\/a><\/td><td>Agate (Lake Superior, Moss, Sagenitic), Chalcedony, Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B038'14.9%22N+91%C2%B045'09.8%22W\/@40.637475,-91.7548957,808m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e7acc96405b407:0x63c58c2b07d6bc3a!2sVan+Buren+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.7001158!4d-91.9099238!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.6374745!4d-91.7527068\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Farmington, area stream beds<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (quartz lined)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B042'19.3%22N+91%C2%B051'53.5%22W\/@40.705368,-91.8670407,807m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6569a7ac8204b:0x5688f8f57bac50f0!2sBear+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d40.7130673!4d-91.9120766!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.7053676!4d-91.8648518\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bentonsport, area to S near bridge<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (Keokuk geodes)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B020'36.5%22N+91%C2%B056'32.8%22W\/@41.343471,-91.9446237,799m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e5d0dd78a3fe6d:0xaeaa1537c176ba6b!2sKeota,+IA+52248!3b1!8m2!3d41.3639015!4d-91.9537859!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.3434709!4d-91.9424347\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keota, area quarries<\/a><\/td><td>Agate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Geodes in Iowa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re collecting rocks in Iowa, it&rsquo;s pretty much guaranteed that you&rsquo;ll be wanting to find some geodes. These crystal-lined treasures are some of the most highly sought-after specimens by rockhounds, but Iowa takes it to an entirely different level. When it comes to geode collecting in the United States there are very few (if any) states that can compete with Iowa.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg\" alt=\"Geode\" class=\"wp-image-3528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg 400w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1-300x263.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg\" alt=\"Geode\" class=\"wp-image-3528 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg 400w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1-300x263.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Geode<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The most popular and frequently visited location in Iowa for geode collecting is undoubtedly the town of Keokuk. The geode beds surrounding the town are some of the most prolific producers of high-quality geodes in the entire country. The geodes found here can contain crystals of one or more of several attractive mineral varieties including amethyst, quartz, pyrite, chalcedony, and marcasite. Most of the geodes found here are approximately baseball-sized but are known to vary anywhere from golf ball to even beachball-sized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keokuk geodes naturally occur in the Warsaw formation surrounding the town. There are many exposures throughout the area where the Des Moines River feeds into the Mississippi River. Extending into the region northwest of Keokuk, almost any stream gravels or rocky exposures have the potential to yield geodes. Just to the west of the town of Lowell there is even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Geode+State+Park\/@40.7991793,-91.4249481,12.5z\/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x24bf9de061373de9!8m2!3d40.8239732!4d-91.3782937\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">an entire state park<\/a> devoted to geodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Not sure if the rock you&rsquo;ve found is a geode? <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=965&amp;action=edit\" target=\"_blank\">Check out my article about how to identify a geode<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best places to find geodes in Iowa:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B023'15.0%22N+91%C2%B027'06.3%22W\/@40.387493,-91.4527791,380m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1skeokuk+geode+beds!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.3874929!4d-91.451754\" target=\"_blank\">Keokuk Geode Beds<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B053'55.3%22N+91%C2%B033'23.3%22W\/@40.898692,-91.5575641,401m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e68d7967589afd:0x771a4cfa87f99523!2sRome,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9847479!4d-91.6834982!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8986924!4d-91.5564725\" target=\"_blank\">Skunk River, between Rome and Lowell<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Geode+State+Park\/@40.7991793,-91.4249481,12.5z\/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x24bf9de061373de9!8m2!3d40.8239732!4d-91.3782937\" target=\"_blank\">Geode State Park<\/a> (no collecting allowed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B051'07.4%22N+91%C2%B008'57.5%22W\/@40.852054,-91.1515027,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6cada4c890dc9:0x566a948de2c75692!2sDes+Moines+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9123374!4d-91.1736994!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8520538!4d-91.149314\" target=\"_blank\">Burlington, in creek gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B050'28.3%22N+91%C2%B025'12.5%22W\/@40.841183,-91.4223257,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e68d7967589afd:0x771a4cfa87f99523!2sRome,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9847479!4d-91.6834982!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8411831!4d-91.4201373\" target=\"_blank\">Mud Creek near Lowell<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B037'24.2%22N+91%C2%B044'10.6%22W\/@40.623397,-91.7378296,575m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6fd948a1c42c1:0x21c563cf08bc1120!2sFarmington,+IA+52626!3b1!8m2!3d40.6403124!4d-91.7429429!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.6233967!4d-91.7362722\" target=\"_blank\">Farmington, in area gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B028'35.7%22N+92%C2%B018'03.0%22W\/@42.47658,-92.3030297,785m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e5524ddecc6285:0x8ef62d00f7ff04a5!2sE+Mitchell+Ave,+Waterloo,+IA+50702!3b1!8m2!3d42.47663!4d-92.3338363!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.4765805!4d-92.3008413\" target=\"_blank\">Riverview Recreation Area, in gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B024'35.5%22N+93%C2%B004'21.2%22W\/@42.40985,-93.0747417,786m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87efd30db591924b:0xf0d3a65770a5dc77!2sSteamboat+Rock,+IA+50672!3b1!8m2!3d42.4055374!4d-93.0724235!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.4098502!4d-93.0725529\" target=\"_blank\">Steamboat River, along Iowa River<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B015'14.5%22N+93%C2%B003'29.2%22W\/@42.254017,-93.0599028,643m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87efcb05b7e03f11:0x7f8661b79bd47c9e!2sUnion,+IA+50258!3b1!8m2!3d42.2455405!4d-93.0646468!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.2540169!4d-93.0581165\" target=\"_blank\">Union, in stream and river gravels<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Gemstones in Iowa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is nothing quite like uncovering a quartz crystal with a perfect termination or finding a beautiful agate that has been waiting in a river bank for you to come along and take it home. Gemstones are some of the most enjoyable specimens that rockhounds can find, but it&rsquo;s not always easy to know where to look. Luckily, there are plenty of places to search for gemstones and crystals in Iowa where collectors can usually score some great finds.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020.jpg\" alt=\"Carnelian\" class=\"wp-image-3561\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020.jpg\" alt=\"Carnelian\" class=\"wp-image-3561 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_91990020.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Carnelian<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>The best places to find crystals and gemstones in Iowa are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B014'50.2%22N+94%C2%B021'13.8%22W\/@41.247287,-94.3560317,800m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ec8ed708e9865f:0xf00683b82798505c!2sAdair+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.2741733!4d-94.479976!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.247287!4d-94.3538427\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Orient<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Agate, Quartz crystals, Petrified wood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B020'26.0%22N+93%C2%B053'30.1%22W\/@42.340564,-93.8930013,471m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x87edfaba176b8d5f:0x12dba863329afbeb!2sBell's+Mill+Park!8m2!3d42.3408724!4d-93.8915634!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3405645!4d-93.8916916\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bells Mill Park<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Large black calcite crystals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B013'52.7%22N+90%C2%B024'06.0%22W\/@42.231302,-90.4029366,458m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e2e103d37ee37f:0xc00ee3763afd3b0d!2sJackson+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1560699!4d-90.5257823!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.231302!4d-90.4016642\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bellevue<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Agate, Moonstone, Carnelian, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B051'07.4%22N+91%C2%B008'57.5%22W\/@40.852054,-91.1515027,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6cada4c890dc9:0x566a948de2c75692!2sDes+Moines+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9123374!4d-91.1736994!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8520538!4d-91.149314\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Burlington<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Agate, Quartz crystals, Geodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B057'10.6%22N+91%C2%B034'02.4%22W\/@40.952932,-91.5679853,235m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e69520d2092621:0xc42e20e4a2e9bab6!2sMt+Pleasant,+IA+52641!3b1!8m2!3d40.9716959!4d-91.5487714!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9529322!4d-91.5673445\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B057'10.6%22N+91%C2%B034'02.4%22W\/@40.952932,-91.5679853,235m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e69520d2092621:0xc42e20e4a2e9bab6!2sMt+Pleasant,+IA+52641!3b1!8m2!3d40.9716959!4d-91.5487714!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9529322!4d-91.5673445\" target=\"_blank\">Mount Pleasant<\/a><\/strong> &ndash; Gem-quality colored Chert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B024'36.0%22N+91%C2%B003'11.2%22W\/@41.410007,-91.0553107,798m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e3f0d018d4dabb:0x91c6d224313c3a1b!2sMuscatine+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.5156913!4d-91.135302!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.4100068!4d-91.0531216\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Muscatine<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Pearls, Agate, Quartz crystals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B049'21.0%22N+92%C2%B019'38.1%22W\/@42.822486,-92.3294417,781m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fabc56cbf09467:0xfd80d1417c0da909!2sBremer+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.761082!4d-92.3813621!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.8224863!4d-92.3272532\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bremer, Benton Counties<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; &lsquo;Coldwater&rsquo; Agate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B043'35.6%22N+92%C2%B035'10.8%22W\/@42.726563,-92.5885107,782m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f03db323525d99:0xa3a6a9ee3feea45d!2sButler+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.7502186!4d-92.8577105!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.7265625!4d-92.5863224\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Shell Rock<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Lake Superior Agates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B052'47.6%22N+91%C2%B023'26.3%22W\/@40.879881,-91.3928267,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6c7a44e8b7955:0xd352dc26cb35c9eb!2sNew+London,+IA+52645!3b1!8m2!3d40.9269776!4d-91.3995992!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8798812!4d-91.3906377\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>New London<\/strong><\/a> &ndash; Agate, Jasper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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>Where to Find Agates in Iowa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3475\" style=\"width:400px;height:-323px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153-300x223.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153-768x572.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3475 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px;height:-323px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153-300x223.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153-768x572.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_9953153.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Agate<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Agates are some of the most commonly collected rocks, and it&rsquo;s easy to see why. They have a lot of character and variety and occur in relatively abundance. Their characteristic banding patterns and interesting variations like &lsquo;moss&rsquo; and &lsquo;sagenitic&rsquo; agates mean that no two agates look quite the same. Iowa is a great state for agate collecting both for the abundance of locations they can be found and the many variations that can be found. The most desirables agates in the area will be Lake Superior Agates, transported by recent glacial activity and river currents. Almost any stream or rocky exposure in Iowa will be a good place to search for agates, but there are certainly some locations which are more prospective than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>The best places to find agates in Iowa:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B034'34.2%22N+90%C2%B040'56.6%22W\/@42.576156,-90.6845827,784m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e336f72241296d:0x13cdb737f6a202b5!2sDubuque+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.4694679!4d-90.8294002!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.5761559!4d-90.6823937\" target=\"_blank\">Dubuque, in river gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B007'48.8%22N+94%C2%B042'09.8%22W\/@43.130218,-94.7049127,777m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f31dfb44847ded:0x6f26798939f4ddf9!2sPalo+Alto+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d43.1580878!4d-94.645035!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.1302184!4d-94.7027239\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B007'48.8%22N+94%C2%B042'09.8%22W\/@43.130218,-94.7049127,777m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f31dfb44847ded:0x6f26798939f4ddf9!2sPalo+Alto+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d43.1580878!4d-94.645035!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.1302184!4d-94.7027239\" target=\"_blank\">Emmetsburg, in streams and gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/43%C2%B014'12.1%22N+94%C2%B044'28.9%22W\/@43.23668,-94.7435597,775m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f31dfb44847ded:0x6f26798939f4ddf9!2sPalo+Alto+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d43.1580878!4d-94.645035!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d43.23668!4d-94.7413711\" target=\"_blank\">Graettinger, in streams and gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B031'18.4%22N+92%C2%B015'17.8%22W\/@42.521779,-92.2554882,196m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e551eefd246359:0xabe5fe6fe3c99d0f!2sBlack+Hawk+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.447804!4d-92.3813621!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.521779!4d-92.2549408\" target=\"_blank\">Black Hawk County, in gravels, streams, etc.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B049'21.0%22N+92%C2%B019'38.1%22W\/@42.822486,-92.3294417,781m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fabc56cbf09467:0xfd80d1417c0da909!2sBremer+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.761082!4d-92.3813621!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.8224863!4d-92.3272532\" target=\"_blank\">Bremer County, in quarries, streams, etc.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B008'09.2%22N+92%C2%B007'35.4%22W\/@42.135892,-92.1283568,667m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e50dfcea62183b:0xb22e1cc0c7dec5c2!2sBenton+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1387249!4d-92.0665197!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.1358917!4d-92.1265074\" target=\"_blank\">Benton County, in quarries, streams, etc.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B019'17.5%22N+92%C2%B011'15.1%22W\/@42.3214395,-92.1894565,540m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e546dd88ee5b95:0x4144842869ef1db0!2sLa+Porte+City,+IA+50651!3b1!8m2!3d42.3149911!4d-92.1921275!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.3215306!4d-92.1875397\" target=\"_blank\">La Porte City<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B043'35.6%22N+92%C2%B035'10.8%22W\/@42.726563,-92.5885107,782m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87f03db323525d99:0xa3a6a9ee3feea45d!2sButler+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.7502186!4d-92.8577105!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.7265625!4d-92.5863224\" target=\"_blank\">Shell Rock<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B056'49.2%22N+91%C2%B046'30.3%22W\/@42.947001,-91.777274,777m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87fb1e254a8029d1:0xdca1a3e8e1020589!2sFayette+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.9258199!4d-91.9099238!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.9470013!4d-91.7750903\" target=\"_blank\">Fayette County<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/41%C2%B019'06.7%22N+91%C2%B009'22.0%22W\/@41.3180574,-91.1605854,1530m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e3f0d018d4dabb:0x91c6d224313c3a1b!2sMuscatine+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d41.5156913!4d-91.135302!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.3185227!4d-91.1561029\" target=\"_blank\">Muscatine, area gravels south of town<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/42%C2%B013'52.7%22N+90%C2%B024'06.0%22W\/@42.231302,-90.4029366,458m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e2e103d37ee37f:0xc00ee3763afd3b0d!2sJackson+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d42.1560699!4d-90.5257823!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d42.231302!4d-90.4016642\" target=\"_blank\">Bellevue, in Mississippi River gravels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B051'07.4%22N+91%C2%B008'57.5%22W\/@40.852054,-91.1515027,805m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87e6cada4c890dc9:0x566a948de2c75692!2sDes+Moines+County,+IA!3b1!8m2!3d40.9123374!4d-91.1736994!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.8520538!4d-91.149314\" target=\"_blank\">Burlington<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/40%C2%B056'50.5%22N+91%C2%B034'18.8%22W\/@40.947351,-91.5726502,276m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ec2a7b09e3fec1:0x7ab079e96dcef266!2sBig+Creek+Lake!3b1!8m2!3d41.811756!4d-93.74097!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d40.9473512!4d-91.5718983\" target=\"_blank\">Skunk River gravels near Mount Pleasant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Iowa 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><\/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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowadnr.gov\/hunting\/places-to-hunt-shoot\/wildlife-management-areas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa&rsquo;s Public Lands 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 Iowa will have records of who owns each piece of property. You can also usually get the landowner&rsquo;s name and address by visiting the county records office. I would probably start by <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/iowa.iowaassessors.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">contacting the assessor in whatever county you&rsquo;re interested in<\/a> and getting whatever contact information you can for the landowner.<\/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 rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iowadnr.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\">Iowa Department of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/iowageologicalsurvey.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Iowa Geological Survey<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/00357529.2002.9924893?journalCode=vram20\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Iowa Mineral Locality Index<\/em>, Smith &amp; Prior<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iihr.uiowa.edu\/igs\/publications\/uploads\/2015-12-17_15-12-27_em-6.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Rock and Mineral Collecting Areas in Iowa<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Iowa is a fantastic state for rockhounding, thanks in large part to the world-class geode beds centered around the town of Keokuk. Collectors and amateur geologists flock to this area for a chance to find their own geodes filled with beautiful crystal varieties like amethyst and chalcedony. Iowa has much more to offer than just &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3528,"comment_status":"open","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\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1-300x263.jpg",300,263,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_med_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",360,315,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_low_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",240,210,false],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_104118118-1.jpg",400,350,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Mike Rhea","author_link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/author\/mikerhea22gmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Iowa is a fantastic state for rockhounding, thanks in large part to the world-class geode beds centered around the town of Keokuk. Collectors and amateur geologists flock to this area for a chance to find their own geodes filled with beautiful crystal varieties like amethyst and chalcedony. Iowa has much more to offer than just&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3525"}],"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=3525"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3525\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7234,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3525\/revisions\/7234"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3528"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}