Rock Hunting Sites in Pennsylvania
Region | Key Sites | Notable Finds |
---|---|---|
Southeastern Pennsylvania | Quarries and outcrops along the Maryland state line, McAdoo, Brookdale Mine, Crystal Cave | Quartz crystals, petrified wood, other minerals |
Western Pennsylvania | Etna, Girty, Morrison Cove | Calcite, barite, quartz crystals |
Northeastern Pennsylvania | McAdoo | Quartz-family minerals, azurite, pyrite |
Popular Finds in Pennsylvania
- Rocks and Minerals: Serpentine, quartz crystals, calcite, petrified wood, amethyst, fluorite, chalcedony, celestine, tourmaline, jasper.
- Geodes: Found in Grubb Lake, Mud Lake, Upland, Gravel Bar Hollow, Crystal Cave Mine (fee site).
- Amethyst: Common in southeastern Pennsylvania, especially in igneous and metamorphic exposures and stream gravels.
Considerations for Rockhounding
- Permission and Access: Obtain permission for private land; joining local clubs can provide access.
- Safety and Regulations: Follow signage, collect legally, be aware of public land and state park regulations.
Resources and Further Reading
- “Roadside Geology of Pennsylvania”
- Online rockhounding guides
- Pennsylvania Rockhounds Facebook group