Geologic Map of Phantom Lake Quadrangle Geologic mapping of the Phantom Lake quadrangle in Carbon County is available. ), Check ant beds in this area for peridot and other little gems. The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links): How can we talk about rockhounding in Wyoming and not mention the famous Yellowstone National Park? 15. While there may have been changes in hours of public viewing, business location and/or other Wyoming is perhaps most well known for its world-class National Parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Gemstones are some of the most enjoyable specimens that rockhounds can find, but its not always easy to know where to look. Rockhounding Wyoming by Kenneth Graham. Each of the included tracks will eventually have its own transcription of events. google_color_text="FFFFFF"; Geology of WyomingCompile digital bedrock and surficial geologic maps at 1:100,000 scale for the state in order to revise the 1:500,000 scale geologic map of Wyoming and surficial geologic map of Wyoming. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The Wyoming State Mineral and Gem Society is an umbrella organization. . Sapphires and other treasures lie north of Yellowstone. For additional reading, Id highly recommend these books you can find on Amazon: Please remember that rock collecting locations are constantly changing. Sublette County, located in western Wyoming, is noted for its jade findings, while the mineral molybdenite is found in the Wind River Mountains. Wyoming is home to Yellowstone National Park, which spans over 2 million acres. google_ad_host="pub-6693688277674466"; That is partly because of about 50 percent of the state's public land. If you head to Copper Mountain, you might find some specimens like beryl, feldspar, lithium, magnetite, and manganese. google_color_url="FFFFFF"; From beginners to advanced collectors, everyone will find something in Wyoming! And if you have any tips (Ill keep your finds a secret! If youre looking for gemstones and crystals, Wyoming is home to quite a few that will make good additions to your collection. Rockhounding in Wyoming is a great way to get out and enjoy the states expansive landscapes and beautifully unique terrain. Feldspar vs. Quartz: Whats the Difference? The majority of counties in Wyoming contain numerous minerals, rocks, gemstones, and fossils. Johnson County is located in north-central Wyoming. In general, the best places to find agates in Wyoming are in gravels and washes, particularly in Sweetwater County, Fremont County, and along the Sweetwater and Wind Rivers. A lot of theseWyomingrock collecting sights have mining claims that come and go. The best rockhounding locations in the United States include the Oregon Beaches, Lake Superior, Crater of Diamonds State Park, Emerald Hollow Mine, Jade Cove Trail, Gold Prospecting Adventure, Fossil Butte National Monument, Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine, Spectrum Sunstone Mine, or Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine. Afton Canyon is one of only three places where the Mojave River flows above ground year-round in the Mojave Desert. Not a member of this organization? lol Thanks again! You can probably find it just about anywhere in the area, though I had good success looking along the eastern flank of Black Rock. If you want to find agates in Albany, they are usually found near Marshall, located in northwestern Albany. The famous Triceratops fossils are plentiful in Wyoming; however, the Knightia Fish is the official state fossil of Wyoming. Its water has provided food and habitat for humans and wildlife . Veins of banded agate and drusy quartz occur in Mississippian limestone beds a few miles northwest of Guernsey, Platte County. Check out my article about how to identify a geode. Albany County is in the bottom eastern portion of Wyoming and borders the northern Colorado state line. The Absaroka Mountains are an excellent place to explore. Is the watermelon rock you mentioned in article of the tourmaline family? amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The Sand Creek and Red Buttes areas of Albany County are full of sedimentary rocks. google_ad_type="text_image"; You can also read through my free rock identification guide and mineral identification guide which are filled with useful information and tools. If you want to find sapphires, you may go to the Palmer Canyon in Albany, or go to Fremont, to the Grizzly Creek and Sweeny Basin. The Triceratops was designated as the official state dinosaur of Wyoming in 1994, while the Knightia Fish gained the status of state fossil in 1987. Simple Explanation. Post navigation. The 12 Best Places to See Lava (With Helpful Tips) Thats one of the reasons why you can quite a lot of fake ones for sale. Guide to Prospecting and Rock Hunting in Wyoming BTW: Check out this amazing metal sign (Amazon link) which is perfect for everyone who loves rockhounding in Wyoming! One of the most common questions rockhounds have is whether or not they are allowed to collect at a certain location. The Sierra Madre Mountains are noted for their jade findings too. I found this book very useful and clearly written. Rainbow agates have been found along the Wind River near Riverton. Rockhounding is recognized as a legitimate recreational pursuit on nearly all of the 18 million acres of public land in Wyoming. google_ad_width=120; google_color_text="FFFFFF"; But where else can rockhounds explore, and what can they find? amzn_assoc_linkid = "aac5e87b1ca95eb9841c18e11fbbd48f"; Knightia Fish fossils are primarily uncovered in the Green River Formation of Wyoming. Fossilized leaves near Miles City, MT: 2.) I love finding agates because you never know what sort of beautiful patterns and colors they might contain. The ACEC encompasses approximately 41,500 acres, of which about 23,600 acres are public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Barstow Field Office. Rockhounding Wyoming: A Guide to the State's Best Rockhounding Sites $24.95 This title will be released on July 1, 2023. This area was explored by a South African diamond company briefly but nothing came of it. Quartz crystals, chalcedony, and vein moss agate occur along outcrops of the Bridger formation in the regions north of Sweetwater County. Theyre excellent for novices and experts alike, not to mention the members can likely share some of the lesser-known locations. Another good place would be the 100 miles west of Casper County, discovered by a local rockhound. Here, rockhounds can find some incredible specimens, including: The Casper Mountains contain chromite, feldspar, and beryl. This region is full of mica minerals, phonolite, pumice, and Wyomingite in the Leucite Hills area. Wyoming is full of jades, mostly of the nephrite class, and the jadeite class, which sounds like something out of Star Wars. //-->, , Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. Now that weve talked about the best places for rockhounding in the state of Wyoming let us take a look at where you might find individual specimens, such as gemstones, minerals, and rocks. If you want to know more about rockhounding in Wyoming or you prefer paper books, I recommend buying the book Rockhounding Wyoming: A Guide to the States Best Rockhounding Sites (2nd Edition). popular museums of interest to rockhounders, places to visit, and rockhounding sites for children and families. I have written entire articles which cover the rockhounding laws and regulations for nearly every type of public land you can think of. Welcome to the Wyoming State Geological Survey Interpreting the past, providing for the future Take our Survey for a Chance to Win a Map! South of Douglas in Converse County is where you will find jade as well. Check out recommended tools for rockhounding here:Recommended tools and equipment for rockhounding, What Rocks Are Good For Tumbling? Master Faceter, Avid Rock Hound, World Traveler. Public access. The ranchers might harass you, but I just harass them back, since its public. Agatized fossil shells near Rock Springs, WY: 14. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS (Rough Draft, 05/02/2021 Revision), Hiking and Adventure Map (Work in Progress). ,
