Pay-To-Dig Gem Mines in Texas

Mason County in the Texas Hill Country is the only place in the world where Texas Blue Topaz — the state gemstone — is found. Several ranches offer fee-dig access to the Llano Uplift pegmatites where topaz crystals occur in rhyolite cavities. The crystals range from colorless to a prized pale blue-grey.

One of the most famous agate collecting destinations in the American Southwest. The Stillwell Ranch in the Big Bend region offers fee access to collect colorful agate nodules, plume agate, and Pom Pom agate from the Cretaceous limestone formations. Desert scenery is spectacular. RV camping available on site.

Dig for deep-purple amethyst crystals in native pegmatite in the Texas Hill Country. One of only a few fee-dig amethyst operations in the southern US. Beautiful gem-quality and collector specimens.

Dig for Texas Blue Topaz — the state gem of Texas — from native granite pegmatites in Mason County. Texas topaz is prized for its distinctive sky-blue color. Open seasonally with guided digs available.

Collect beautiful Texas Hill Country minerals and fossils.

Famous for red and colorful plume agate found only in this part of Texas.