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Although many people visit Louisiana to celebrate Mardi Gras or taste Cajun cuisine, rockhounds visit this state for its rocks, gems, and fossils. Find out what rocks and minerals you can discover in the Pelican State with this overview.
Look out for these common rocks and minerals as you explore Louisiana:
- agate,
- agatized coral,
- petrified palm wood,
- limestone,
- sandstone,
- opal,
- carnelian,
- and lapearlite.
While it’s true that Louisiana might not have as many popular rocks and minerals as other U.S. states, there are still some beautiful stones for rockhounds to collect. The information in this guide will explain everything you need to know about rockhounding in the Pelican State.
If you are interested in checking out the best rockhounding tools you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
What Rocks Are Found in Louisiana
The majority of rocks in Louisiana are sedimentary, so you’ll often come across:
Agate
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Ouachita River | 32.723405, -92.067050 |
| Old Pearl River | 30.467479, -89.775078 |
| Bogue Chitto River | 30.467479, -89.775078 |
| Amite River Valley | 30.654699, -90.910581 |
| East & West Feliciana Parishes | 30.810694, -91.040055 |
| Tangipahoa River gravels | 30.724869, -90.485298 |
Agate was originally the state gemstone of the Pelican State, but it was renamed as the state mineral of Louisiana in 2011. There are plenty of stunning banded agates all over the state, specifically near gravel and limestone deposits.
Rockhounds also visit the Louisiana Rivers, such as the Old Pearl River and Bogue Chitto River, for this rock, but they have to keep a constant watch for alligators and other wildlife.
Swing by the Ouachita River, the Old Pearl River, or the Bogue Chitto River to collect Louisiana agates.
Agatized Coral
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | 30.096480, -89.895623 |
| Catahoula | 31.566680, -91.863223 |
| East Baton Rouge | 30.583272, -91.258914 |
| Evangaline | 30.256326, -92.580565 |
| Old Pearl River | 30.467479, -89.775078 |
| Pollock | 31.525242, -92.393766 |
Agatized corals are highly prized among rockhounds and collectors, and you can find them right here in Louisiana.
These million-year-old rocks are created when agate replaces the original coral specimen, leaving a perfect fossil of the creature. Similar to a geode, these rocks might not look impressive at first, but once you crack them open, they display their full color and beauty.
Wherever you find agate in Louisiana, there’s a chance that you’ll also find agatized coral. With that being said, most of Louisiana’s agatized coral specimens were uncovered in the southern areas of the state, so if you want to find this rock specifically, head south. Search near the gravels and streams of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Pollock for this valuable rock.
Petrified Palm Wood
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Catahoula | 31.566680, -91.863223 |
| Rapides Parish | 31.279144, -92.561313 |
| Toledo Bend Reservoir | 31.575635, -93.749841 |
| Pollock | 31.522023, -92.401748 |
| Grant Parish | 31.624717, -92.646641 |
| Sabine Parish | 31.573136, -93.735144 |
| Natchitoches | 31.765303, -93.105615 |
If you want to collect a rock that displays a unique polka-dot pattern, petrified palmwood is exactly what you’re looking for.
Petrified palmwood, also known as palmoxylon, is the state fossil of Louisiana, and it’s known for its dotted pattern that was created by the original plant’s rod-like structures.
Louisiana’s palmoxylon can come in many gorgeous colors, including pink, brown, white, orange, red, and honey. Some palmoxylon specimens from Louisiana are agatized or opalized, but these are much rarer than normal palmoxylon.
In addition to palmoxylon, rockhounds also collect petrified wood in Louisiana. However, petrified palm is a more popular find since it’s rarer and the plant itself no longer exists anywhere in the world.
Rapides Parish, Grant Parish, and Sabine Parish are a few of the top places for palmoxylon and petrified wood in the state. Gravel beds, streams, and other bodies of water in these areas often contain these treasured fossils.
TIP: Many petrified kinds of wood are unsuitable for rock tumbling or lapidary work because it has too many faults and fractures. Check out the complete guide below:
How To Cut & Polish Petrified Wood: Follow These 3 Steps
Limestone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| De Soto Parish | 32.059344, -93.732369 |
| Baton Rouge | 30.463645, -91.190043 |
| Grant Parish | 31.624717, -92.646641 |
| Caldwell Parish | 32.082934, -92.053228 |
| Sabine Parish | 31.573136, -93.735144 |
| Ouachita Parish | 32.574700, -92.037906 |
| Natchitoches | 31.765303, -93.105615 |
Since limestone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks in Louisiana, rockhounds have no trouble finding it in this state. Rockhounds often discover all kinds of marine fossils within this rock, including creatures from the Mississippian and Denovan periods.
Corals, mollusks, cephalopods, trilobites, and crinoids are commonly found in Louisiana’s limestone deposits, so keep an eye out for these collectible fossils as you explore.
Almost every county in Louisiana has some limestone, and some of the best ones to visit are De Soto, Grant, Caldwell, and Sabine.
Sandstone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Leesville | 31.144592, -93.254403 |
| Kisatchie National Forest | 30.998322, -92.623281 |
| Claiborne | 32.545867, -92.207848 |
| Jackson | 30.829724, -91.222872 |
| St Bernard Parish | 29.968477, -89.460860 |
| Vernon Parish | 31.104089, -93.247767 |
While sandstone isn’t as abundant as limestone in the Pelican State, it does exist in various areas. Some common types of sandstone in Louisiana are Catahoula Sandstone and Fayetteville Sandstone, and it’s often discovered along with mudstone.
Sandstone exists on the beaches in St Bernard Parish or on the trails near the Kisatchie National Forest. You can also find slabs of this sedimentary rock in Claiborne and Leesville.
Recommendation box: All tools and equipment you need for rockhounding and rock identification* (Amazon links):
1. Estwing Rock Hammer – Light, comfortable, and extremely durable hammer.
2. Estwing Geologist Pick – Classic and the most trusted paleo pick in the world.
3. Finder 12-inch Chisels – Heavy-duty chisels set with hand protection.
4. Mini Handle Shovel – This is a great tool for digging deep in the dirt.
5 Ironclad Utility Work Gloves – Breathable, but they also protect the areas requiring them most.
6. 3M Safety Glasses – Comfortable and efficient goggles for rockhounding.
7. Convoy 8+ UV Light – 365nm UV LED flashlight with a patented glass filter.
8. Wesley’s Jewelers Loupe – High magnification options (30X and 60X) with carrying case.
9. Mohs Hardness Kit – A specially designed kit for rockhounds
*All recommended products are personally tested and regularly used by experts from this website.
What Minerals Are Found in Louisiana
Although Louisiana might not be the most mineral-rich state, it does have some collectible gems for rockhounds to uncover, such as:
Opal
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Catahoula | 31.566680, -91.863223 |
| Leesville | 31.144592, -93.254403 |
| Sabine River | 30.585032, -93.682118 |
| Toro Bayou | 31.370762, -93.455505 |
| Vernon Parish | 31.170502, -93.338402 |
| Ouachita River | 32.723405, -92.067050 |
Who doesn’t enjoy collecting precious opals for their collection? Precious opals, also known as gem-quality opals, are famous for their stunning rainbow sheen, and the ones found in Louisiana are of high quality.
One interesting and extremely rare opal that’s found exclusively in Louisiana is called the Louisiana Sand Opal.
The Louisiana Sand Opal is a form of sandstone that’s held together by clear opal, so when it’s exposed to light, it displays a brilliant rainbow sparkle. It was mined from the Catahoula Formation for a brief period of time, and rockhounds can find it near Catahoula or in Leesville.
Leesville, the Sabine River, and the Ouachita River are all great sites to search for opal. If you’re on the hunt for Louisiana Sand Opal, Leesville is your best bet.
TIP: Opals are more expensive than diamonds and gold! Check out the complete article about value of opals below:
8 Factors Why Opal is Valuable (Prices for Different Types)
Carnelian
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Livingston Parish | 30.309959, -90.676314 |
| Tangipahoa Parish | 30.679590, -90.416218 |
| East Feliciana Parish | 30.868117, -91.042379 |
| Wilson | 30.921027, -91.114203 |
| East Baton Rouge Parish | 30.583272, -91.258914 |
| Bienville Parish | 32.337229, -93.118136 |
With its impressive and bold red color, it’s no wonder that carnelian is considered to be one of the stones of kings. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a king to own this gem since rockhounds can collect gem-quality carnelian from various areas in Louisiana.
You can search for carnelian near the East Feliciana Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish, and East Baton Rouge Parish.
LaPearlite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Sabine Lake | 29.833939, -93.797790 |
| Lake Chien | 29.334180, -90.454302 |
| Lafourche Parish | 29.476148, -90.217233 |
| St Bernard Parish | 29.840615, -89.458073 |
| Plaquemines Parish | 29.492178, -89.859074 |
| Terrebonne Parish | 29.252700, -91.262669 |
Surprisingly, Louisiana’s state gem isn’t technically a mineral or a rock, and it’s called lapearlite. Lapearlite is a polished piece of American Oyster shell, which is technically composed of minerals.
This unique gem looks similar to a pearl, and it displays a gorgeous shine once it’s polished. These beautiful gems are usually incorporated into jewelry and other eye-catching decorations.
It’s no surprise that lapearlite is found off the coast of Louisiana in the coastal belt. Visit the Terrebonne Parish, St Bernard Parish, or Lake Chien to bring home some authentic Louisiana lapearlite.
FAQ About Common Rocks & Minerals in Louisiana
Dive deeper into Louisiana’s common rocks and minerals with the following FAQs:
What Rare Rocks Can You Find in Louisiana
In the Pelican State, rockhounds can bring home a handful of rare rocks, including agates, jaspers, palmoxylons, and the Louisiana Sand Opals.
It’s true that rockhounds can pick up agates and jaspers almost anywhere in the U.S., but palmoxylon and the Louisiana Sand Opal are both extremely rare and are found almost exclusively in the Pelican State.
Palmoxylon is a rare treat for any rockhound due to its warm colors and unique polka-dot patterns. It’s a fossil of a plant that is now extinct, and the polka-dot pattern was created by rod-like structures that grew within the living plant. This unique rock is Louisiana’s state fossil and one of the most popular finds for traveling rockhounds.
Interestingly, one of the rarest rockhounding finds in Louisiana is a rock and mineral that have combined into a single stone. The Louisiana Sand Opal is sandstone that has been combined with clear opal, giving the sandstone a rainbow iridescence.
As you can imagine, the Sand Opal is at the top of every rockhound’s list in Louisiana, but this rock is notoriously difficult to find and only occurs in a specific area of the state.
Almost all the rivers and streams in Louisiana are sure to have agates and jaspers, so you’ll be able to collect those rocks no matter where you go in the state.
For rarer rocks, such as palmoxylons and Louisiana Sand Opals, you might have to narrow your search to more specific areas.
For Palmoxylons, Grant Parish and Sabine Parish are excellent places to start, and for Louisiana Sand Opals, Leesville is the place to go.
BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals
- Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home)
- Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
What Rare Minerals Can You Find in Louisiana
Although Louisiana might not have as many rare minerals as other U.S. states, it does have a few interesting ones. Some rare minerals you can find in Louisiana are precious opal, carnelian, lapearlite, and diamond.
However, it’s worth noting that only one diamond has been found on record in Louisiana, so it might be a challenge to find diamonds in this state.
Precious opal, carnelian, and lapearlite are much more common in Louisiana than diamonds, and rockhounds usually return home with at least one of these gems.
Unlike opal and carnelian, lapearlite is not a mineral that’s formed by the earth. Lapearlite is composed of polished American Oyster shell, and its white color and shine resemble that of a pearl. Since Louisiana has plenty of rivers, lakes, and beaches, it’s no surprise that this gemstone is easy to find.
The rivers and lakes of Louisiana are some of the best places to find rare minerals. Check out the Ouachita River, Sabine Lake, and Lake Chien to bring home some of these gems. You can also take a look at the location sections above to find more specific destinations for your search.
What is the Most Famous Rock or Mineral Found in Louisiana
Louisiana has some interesting rocks and minerals, but the most famous one is agate. In addition to normal banded agates, Louisiana has a special type of agate called agatized coral. This stunning rock is only found in a few U.S. states, and it’s extremely valuable among collectors and rockhounds.
Essentially, agatized coral is a coral fossil that’s composed of agate. Since it’s a fossil, it captures the exact shape of the coral that lived millions of years ago, and the stunning colors and patterns of agate add even more beauty to the rock.
Whether you want to collect agates or agatized coral, rockhounds will have the opportunity to find both in Louisiana. Visit the Old Pearl River and East Baton Rouge to collect these colorful rocks for your collection.
Conclusion
Even though Louisiana doesn’t have massive amounts of rocks and minerals, the ones that it does have are unique and extremely valuable for rockhounds. Agatized coral, opalized wood, Louisiana Sand Opal, palmoxylon, carnelian, and more all make Louisiana a worthwhile stop for rockhounds.
The next time you visit the Pelican State, take some time to explore the rivers and expand your rockhounding collection with some special finds!
TIP: The state of Louisiana is famous for its oil, gas, as well as its salt domes. Louisiana is a good place for rockhounding since it is abundant in certain rocks and minerals. Find out more:
Where to Rockhound in Louisiana & What You Can Find