Pike’s Peak is another place where topaz can sometimes be found. Topaz is a “common” gemstone, but it’s not a very common find outside of the commercial claims. Some of the groups and families that own these allow rockhound clubs onto the property, but there are no guarantees.įor the most part, Topaz in Colorado seems to be found in granite formations. Like aquamarine, topaz has a lot of commercial potential and the good spots are mostly wrapped up in claims. It’s also found on the slopes of mountain gem fields, such as those on Mount Antero. In Colorado, the majority of the topaz has come from the Pikes Peak area, a historic gold mining region. It can be a daring adventure, but it’s one you should undertake with both caution and the knowledge that you may not find what you’re looking for at all. Your best bet is to find the tailings of old silver mines, but be aware that not all of these areas are safe. Most of the mineral lies in claims, unfortunately. The rarer material is what most people are looking for in Colorado. It’s a little bit soft for rings, but it works well in most other types of jewelry. Rhodocrosite, on rare occasions, forms pink gemstones with high clarity. There’s more to the mineral than that, however. For many rockhounds, rhodochrosite is known for its deep red, pink, and white bands. Once a discarded byproduct by an early silver mine, it has now become highly sought after. Rhodochrositeīrilliant, gem-quality Rhodochrosite is one of Colorado’s most valuable minerals. You’ll have to either know someone or find one of the unclaimed areas to get your own specimens. In a sad twist, Mount Antero is covered in mining claims these days. The 10th highest peak in the US boasts an incredible amount of minerals, high above where normal hikers tend to spend their time. Mount Antero is the center of aquamarine collecting in Colorado. There, daring prospectors can rise to elevations up to 14,000 feet to prospect their claim during the short summer season, just above the protection of tree line. It’s found primarily in a few mountain ranges in central Colorado. The state gemstone of the wonderful state of Colorado, this brilliant clear blue crystal can often take a bit of an adventure to find. Fortunately, there are good spots outside of Kremmling that we’ll detail below. In Colorado, its distribution is far-flung for the most part. Petrified wood can be found in many scattered locations across the western U.S. At least until you noticed the abnormal weight. You wouldn’t be amiss for thinking they’re an actual piece of wood. The end result is a mineralized fossil that’s known as a limb cast These often preserve the finest details of the bark, growth rings, and cellular structure. Some rarer specimens are replaced with opal due to higher moisture levels. Petrified wood comes in the usual varieties of amorphous silica, usually forming as a jasper or agate material. The replacement occurs by percolating groundwater that replaces the organic materials with silica. It’s formed by the displacement of a wood buried under sediment. One of these is sure to spark your interest and sense of adventure. Now let’s take a closer look and profile some of the more interesting rocks, gems, and minerals found across the state. The vast mountains of public lands, while daunting to some, illicit a newfound sense of exploration and discovery for others. Some of the more high profile include dinosaur fossils, petrified wood, amazonite, flourite, and even aquamarine.Ĭolorado can certainly be considered a rockhound and gem hunter’s dream.

With over 770 types of minerals to be found, it’s second only to California in the number of different gems and minerals statewide.Ĭolorado is also host to a dizzying array of rocks and minerals. Starting with the rich gold and silver deposits which were the starting point of so many Colorado towns, the Centennial State. Always respect private property! Rockhounding In Colorado It is also your responsibility to verify and gain permission to visit each collection site that is mentioned on this website. Remember! It is your responsibility to know the rockhounding laws and regulations for each site you visit.

Crystal river gems