Best Rockhounding Spots in New York
Free rockhounding locations, pay-to-dig mines, permit rules, and community field notes for New York
Top Minerals Found in New York
- 💎Herkimer diamonds (quartz)
- 💎Garnet (almandine)
- 💎Wollastonite
- 💎Tourmaline
- 💎Pyrite
- 💎Dolomite
- 💎Fossils (trilobites)
Best Regions to Explore
Best Season to Visit
Late spring through fall. Herkimer diamond digging is best after spring frost-heave loosens the dolostone.
Expert Collecting Tips
Herkimer "diamonds" are actually perfectly formed double-terminated quartz crystals found in 500-million-year-old dolostone. Several commercial mines allow fee digging. Garnet Mine Tours in North Creek is another popular destination.
⭐ New York Rockhounding Highlight
New York's Herkimer County is world-famous for its doubly-terminated quartz crystals — known as Herkimer diamonds — of exceptional clarity and form.
Pay-To-Dig Mines in New York
Fee-based mining experiences where you keep what you find.
Barton Mines Garnet Mine Tours
North Creek, New York
💰 $10–$20 per person
The largest garnet mine in the world — and it offers public tours and fee digging. The Gore Mountain almandine garnets found here are among the largest in the world, with some reaching softball size. Tours operate seasonally on weekends. Take home garnets you find yourself or purchase specimens in the gift shop.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Herkimer, New York
💰 $15-$18 per person
Break open 500-million-year-old dolostone to find doubly-terminated quartz crystals known as Herkimer Diamonds. These exceptionally clear crystals form in natural rock pockets (vugs). Hammers and chisels provided.
Ace of Diamonds Mine
Middleville, New York
💰 $15 per person
Another great Herkimer Diamond location in Middleville, NY. Dig in ancient dolostone layers for double-terminated quartz crystals. Excellent family-friendly experience with tools provided.
Diamond Mountain Mining
Little Falls, New York
💰 $15-$25 per person
Mining attraction in the Mohawk Valley region of upstate New York
Herkimer Diamond Mines (Ace of Diamonds)
Herkimer, New York
💰 $15-$20
Collect doubly-terminated quartz crystals — called Herkimer Diamonds — from Cambrian dolostone. Use hammers and chisels to crack open rock and find crystal-filled vugs.
Free Rockhounding Locations in New York
Public and permitted sites where you can hunt for gems and minerals.
Diamond Mountain Mining
Little Falls, NY
Pay-to-dig mining site in Little Falls featuring garnet, quartz, feldspar and mica deposits. Popular destination for rockhounds.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Herkimer, New York
Famous for beautiful double-terminated quartz crystals known as Herkimer Diamonds.
Dig Permits & Regulations in New York
What you need to know before you dig — rules vary by land type.
Herkimer Diamond Mines - Private Fee Sites
Several private fee-based quarries near Herkimer, NY allow visitors to dig for the famous doubly-terminated quartz crystals known as Herkimer diamonds.
New York State Parks
Collection of rocks and minerals is generally prohibited in New York State Parks. Herkimer diamonds (quartz crystals) are found near Herkimer County at private fee sites.
Rockhounding Clubs in New York
Connect with local rockhounds and join a club near you.
Herkimer Diamond Gem & Mineral Club
Herkimer, New York
Focused on collecting Herkimer Diamonds (double-terminated quartz crystals) from the famous dolostone deposits in Herkimer County.
Rockhounding in New York — FAQ
Where can I go rockhounding in New York?
New York has 2 documented free dig sites and 5 pay-to-dig mines in our database. Use the interactive map to find exact coordinates.
What gems can you find in New York?
Common finds in New York include Garnet, Quartz, Feldspar, Mica, Almandine Garnet, Gore Mountain Garnet. Results vary by site and season.
Do you need a permit to rockhound in New York?
Some areas in New York require permits, especially on National Forest and BLM land. Check the regulations section above for specific requirements.
What tools do I need for rockhounding in New York?
Bring a rock hammer, chisels, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy boots. A field guide and the We Lick Rocks AI rock identifier app are also great to have on hand.