Millions of years of geological activity have made Nevada the perfect place for mining gold and other precious minerals. But those eons have also formed countless rockhounding sites loaded with unimaginable diversity.
If you’re ready to score your own piece of the Silver State, head out with a shovel and start rockhounding for gems hiding just beneath the dust—because getting a little out there sometimes means getting your hands a little dirty.
From gemstone shops to legendary dig sites in every corner of the state, Nevada’s got the goods—and the people who help you find them. Start here to plan your next rockhounding run.
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From turquoise and black fire opals to garnets and chalcedony, Nevada’s rockhounding spots offer the opportunity to unearth gems of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
In northwestern Nevada, near the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, sits one of the state’s best rockhounding areas. Denio is home to the Virgin Valley black fire opal, Nevada’s official state gemstone. In fact, the Silver State is one of only two places on the planet where you can find black fire opals (the other is New South Wales, Australia).
The best way to dig for these prized stones is to visit a pay-to-pick mine like Royal Peacock Opal Mine, which offers guests a comfortable, extended stay at their onsite rental cabins. Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine and Bonanza Opal Mines are worth the trip, too.
Garnet Hill, located just outside Ely, is a must for anyone hunting for garnets. These hefty red gemstones, which originally fooled prospectors into thinking they were rubies, can be found on the ground or buried beneath the surface. One of the state’s most well-known rockhounding sites, Garnet Hill also offers sweeping views of the largest copper mine in Nevada.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Fun fact: If prospectors had known exactly which crimson gemstone they were unearthing in northeastern Nevada, they’d be called the Garnet Mountains instead of the Ruby Mountains!
Options abound for rockhounding near Las Vegas. For turquoise enthusiasts, Tonopah is the ultimate destination. With more turquoise mines than any other state, Nevada produces this prized gem in a variety of hues, ranging from robin’s egg blue to deep teal. Get your hands on some at Otteson Brothers Turquoise, which offers half- and full-day rockhounding excursions.
Just down the road in Goldfield, a rockhounder’s buffet of chalcedony, agate, jasper, obsidian, quartz, and more awaits at Gemfield. Some of the best rockhounding diversity in the state is packed into this one area, and for a small fee, you can load up buckets of these gems.
If you’re a fan of fossils, pack up your rock pick and head for Oak Springs Trilobite Area. Just west of Caliente, rockhounders can find six species of trilobites hidden inside the shale here.
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Get A Little Out There With Alex Honnold
From untouched climbing and turquoise mining to burro-filled towns and motels covered in clowns, follow Alex Honnold as he explores what the Silver State has in store for him—and you.
Not into digging? No problem. You can go gem mining in Nevada with just a credit card. Gem shops throughout the Silver State sell a treasure trove of loose stones, cool rocks, and jewelry made from locally mined turquoise, garnet, silver, and more.
Some of our favorites include Jason’s Art Gallery in Austin, Erick Begay Native American Jewelry in Boulder City, Garnet Mercantile in Ely, Enigmata Esoterica in Goldfield, and Rockchuck Gem & Mineral Gallery in Schurz.
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