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14 Common Rocks & Minerals You Can Find in New Jersey

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While New Jersey might not be as large as other states, it has more than enough rocks and minerals to be considered one of the best places in the U.S. for rockhounding. Whether you want to collect rocks, minerals, or gems, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Garden State in this article.

In the Garden State, the most common rocks and minerals are:

  • marble,
  • agate,
  • serpentine,
  • jasper,
  • geode,
  • obsidian,
  • amethyst,
  • opal,
  • datolite,
  • prehnite,
  • quartz,
  • amber,
  • carnelian,
  • and garnet.

There’s so many rocks and minerals in New Jersey that it might make your head spin if you try to find them all at once. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the rockhounding information, locations, and guidance you need to find what you’re searching for and more in the Garden State.

Common Rocks and Minerals in New Jersey
Common Rocks and Minerals in New Jersey

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 New Jersey

As you explore the Garden State, keep an eye out for these common rocks:

Marble

Marble
Marble
LocationGPS Coordinates
Turkey Mountain40.948597, -74.373018
Montville40.947255, -74.348302
Lake Valhalla40.931599, -74.371979
Marble Mountain (near Royal Green Marble Quarry)40.730638, -75.161224
Warren County40.816646, -74.970261
Franklin Quarry (surrounding areas)41.094418, -74.607838
Where to Find Marble in New Jersey

In the Garden State, the two most famous types of marble are Franklin Marble and Cockeysville Marble. Franklin Marble is prized for its crystalline structure and white, gray, and pink color.

Because of its stunning appearance, it’s a popular choice for buildings and monuments. Cockeysville Marble has hues of white, beige, and gray, and it’s been a favorite for monuments and architectural structures throughout history. 

Turkey Mountain, Marble Mountain, and Lake Valhalla have some excellent marble pieces for rockhounds. The areas near the Franklin Quarry and the Royal Green Marble Quarry are also great locations for this rock.

Agate

Agate
Agate
LocationGPS Coordinates
The Palisades40.949790, -73.920414
Bergen County40.974947, -73.918375
Pompton Lakes41.001720, -74.282451
Snake Hill40.757961, -74.089803
Union County40.654206, -74.178014
Burlington County40.005876, -75.007980
Camden County39.955553, -75.092639
Where to Find Agate in New Jersey

The Garden State is an excellent place to collect high-quality banded agates. Some fortunate rockhounds also find moss agates in this state, but they are rarer and more difficult to find than banded agates.

There are agates all over New Jersey, and they are especially abundant in the Palisades, Bergen County, Pompton Lakes, and Snake Hill.

Serpentine

Serpentine
Serpentine
LocationGPS Coordinates
Lake Valhalla40.933025, -74.376528
Montville40.909913, -74.379267
Turkey Mountain40.948727, -74.372546
Somerville40.571993, -74.607786
Phillipsburg40.677866, -75.176058
Ringwood41.097444, -74.284554
Where to Find Serpentine in New Jersey

If you want to collect gem-quality serpentine rocks in New Jersey, you’re in luck! There are multiple areas spread across the state where this rock is plentiful.

Lake Valhalla, Turkey Mountain, and other areas near Montville are great locations for collecting New Jersey serpentine.

Jasper

Jasper
Jasper
LocationGPS Coordinates
Passaic County41.067328, -74.307813
Camden County39.955553, -75.092639
Burlington County40.005876, -75.007980
Warren County40.848857, -74.986740
Washington Crossing State Park40.304980, -74.857217
Belle Mead40.464889, -74.670784
Where to Find Jasper in New Jersey

While red is the most common color of New Jersey jasper, rockhounds also find black jasper on occasion. When you search for jaspers, keep an eye out for agates since the two are typically discovered together in the Garden State.

Check out Passaic County, Camden County, and Burlington County to bring home New Jersey jasper. If you’re searching for black jaspers specifically, then Washington Crossing State Park should be your first stop.

TIP: To identify real jasper, watch through it in the sun or kit with a flashlight. Real jasper is opaque and doesn’t transmit light. Find out more below:
Identifying Real Jasper Mineral (Step-by-Step Guide)

Geode

Geodes
Geodes
LocationGPS Coordinates
Bergen County40.961293, -73.929434
Bernardsville40.715022, -74.571862
Bergen Hill40.716845, -74.067051
Ringwood41.080619, -74.290536
Kearny40.754643, -74.146183
Englewood40.879403, -73.959962
Where to Find Geode in New Jersey

You never know for certain what you’ll find when you crack open a geode, but in New Jersey, the most common geodes are filled with quartz or amethyst. Look in the basalt and diabase outcrops near the locations above to collect New Jersey geodes. 

Bergen County and the surrounding areas are known to contain geodes, especially areas near the Hudson River.

Obsidian

Obsidian
Obsidian
LocationGPS Coordinates
Green Pond Mountain40.966750, -74.543749
Essex County40.761913, -74.316526
Morris County40.799684, -74.493146
Passaic County41.083892, -74.298200
Musconetcong Mountain40.657912, -75.009830
Wawayanda State Park41.197378, -74.396865
Where to Find Obsidian in New Jersey

As you explore the waterways and riverbeds of New Jersey, look out for obsidian! You can also find obsidian in a few of New Jersey’s mountains, such as Green Pond Mountain.

Search near Green Pond Mountain, Essex County, and Morris County for high-quality obsidian in the Garden State.

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 New Jersey

There’s a whole world of minerals hidden in New Jersey, and some of the most common ones include:

Amethyst

Amethyst
Amethyst
LocationGPS Coordinates
Bergen County40.974947, -73.918375
The Palisades40.949790, -73.920414
Passaic County41.067328, -74.307813
Snake Hill40.757961, -74.089803
Pompton Lakes41.000165, -74.279704
Hoboken40.743538, -74.024917
Where to Find Amethyst in New Jersey

This purple mineral is a favorite for many rockhounds, and New Jersey possesses both crystal and geode forms of this stone. Additionally, it’s plentiful throughout the state, so rockhounds often return home with quality specimens.

Without a doubt, Bergen County is the number one spot in New Jersey for amethyst. If you aren’t in the area, check out Passaic County or Pompton Lakes instead.

Opal

Opal
Opal
LocationGPS Coordinates
Bergen County40.974947, -73.918375
Snake Hill40.757961, -74.089803
Hoboken40.743538, -74.024917
The Palisades40.949790, -73.920414
Pompton Lakes41.000165, -74.279704
Prospect Park Quarry40.940519, -74.175327
Where to Find Opal in New Jersey

While the majority of the opals from New Jersey are common opals, there are reports of fire opals in this state. Precious opals, such as fire opals, are gem-quality and highly sought-after by rockhounds in New Jersey.

Bergen County is a fan-favorite rockhounding area, but you can also check out Snake Hill and Prospect Park Quarry for common and fire opals.

TIP: Opal and opalite are fundamentally different substances with almost identical appearances. Check out the differences in the article below:
Opal vs. Opalite: 6 Crucial Differences (Are They Same?)

Datolite

Datolite
Datolite
LocationGPS Coordinates
Passaic County41.067328, -74.307813
Bergen County40.974947, -73.918375
Somerville40.558887, -74.611391
Union County40.609912, -74.214406
Pompton Lakes41.000165, -74.279704
Snake Hill40.757961, -74.089803
Where to Find Datolite in New Jersey

The datolite that rockhounds discover in New Jersey is usually large and crystalline, possessing a clear or light green color. Also, datolite from New Jersey is typically found with other gems and minerals, so be sure to look around once you collect this mineral.

Some places to look for datolite in New Jersey include Passaic County, Bergen County, and Union County.

Prehnite

Prehnite
Prehnite
LocationGPS Coordinates
Watchung Mountains40.579610, -74.567720
Somerville40.562409, -74.617829
Morris County40.830453, -74.556300
Pompton Lakes41.000165, -74.279704
Bound Brook40.566959, -74.542062
Kingston40.396719, -74.608221
Where to Find Prehnite in New Jersey

There’s a special type of prehnite that exists in New Jersey called Franklin Prehnite. This type of prehnite acquired its namesake from the Franklin mining district, and this mineral is known for its bright green color and gorgeous structure.

Any area in the Franklin Township is highly likely to contain prehnite. The Watchung Mountains, Pompton Lakes, and Kingston are some of the best places to look.

Quartz

Quartz
Quartz
LocationGPS Coordinates
Bergen County40.974947, -73.918375
Passaic County41.067328, -74.307813
Warren County40.851973, -74.979874
Pompton Lakes40.999259, -74.278846
Manasquan40.116091, -74.032546
Ocean County39.843025, -74.171640
Where to Find Quartz in New Jersey

Since clear quartz is one of the most common minerals in the U.S., it’s no surprise that rockhounds uncover plenty of it in the Garden State.

In addition to clear quartz, rockhounds also acquire amethyst and even citrine from this state. Natural citrine that’s not heat-treated is quite rare, but fortunately, rockhounds can find it in various areas of New Jersey.

One particularly fascinating type of quartz that washes up on the beaches of New Jersey is called the Cape May Diamond.

These quartz specimens are translucent, and because they are polished by the sand and water, they closely resemble diamonds. Since these stones are typically discovered near Cape May Point, New Jersey, they were given the nickname of Cape May Diamonds.

If you want to collect clear quartz and amethyst crystals, Passaic County or Bergen County are the places to go. For natural citrine, Warren County is your best bet. To collect Cape May Diamonds, head over to the beaches in Ocean County.

Amber

Amber
Amber
LocationGPS Coordinates
Sayreville40.474676, -74.268904
Middlesex County40.411661, -74.391173
Crosswicks Creek40.138891, -74.619377
Burlington County39.995356, -74.947555
Camden County39.820738, -75.016370
Mullica Hill39.736623, -75.225895
Where to Find Amber in New Jersey

While it’s technically not a mineral, amber is a collectible gemstone, and there’s vast amounts of it in New Jersey. Amber from this state comes in all sizes, and some rockhounds even find specimens with small insects or plants inside.

Although amber can be found all over New Jersey, it’s particularly abundant in the southern regions. There are some great places to find amber in Middlesex County and Burlington County, as well as Sayreville.

TIP: If you’re uncertain about the worth of a piece of amber jewelry or a raw amber stone you’re not alone in facing this challenge. Find out the answer in the article below:
How Much is Amber Worth? Costs per Carat and More!

Carnelian

Carnelian
Carnelian
LocationGPS Coordinates
Passaic County41.083892, -74.292706
Stirling40.669634, -74.500969
Bergen County40.974947, -74.099649
Hudson River40.948955, -73.918267
Oradell Reservoir40.957651, -74.021461
Lake Tappan41.024229, -73.985398
Where to Find Carnelian in New Jersey

With its rich, fiery colors, it’s no wonder that carnelian is a popular find in New Jersey, especially since the pieces from this state are high-quality. The stones from this state appear in a stunning shade of orange, and the coloring is typically solid throughout the specimens.

Passaic County and Bergen County are two of the best spots for carnelian hunting in New Jersey.

Garnet

Garnet
Garnet
LocationGPS Coordinates
Mine Hill40.876479, -74.597958
Nolands Point40.947810, -74.614352
Lake Hopatcong40.945122, -74.641342
Sparta41.029441, -74.629385
Ringwood41.092269, -74.264298
Hudson River40.948955, -73.918267
Where to Find Garnet in New Jersey

Rockhounds come across garnets all the time in New Jersey, especially near the streams and waterways of the state. These red stones can be confused with corundum, better known as ruby, which is also present in the Garden State.

Mine Hill, Nolands Point, and Lake Hopatcong are excellent locations for New Jersey garnets. For rubies, Sparta and its mining areas should be your first stop.

FAQ About Common Rocks & Minerals in New Jersey

Let’s explore the rare rocks and minerals of New Jersey in the following sections:

What Rare Rocks Can You Find in New Jersey

The Garden State is overflowing with rare rocks, such as obsidian, serpentine, agate, soapstone, petrified wood, fossils, geode, and jasper.

Depending on where you search in New Jersey, you will be able to collect high-quality banded and moss agates for your collection. Serpentine and obsidian are also popular finds in this state, especially since many serpentine pieces are gem-quality.

These rare rocks are spread throughout the Garden State, but there are a few areas where you can find more than one, such as Turkey Mountain, the Palisades, Burlington County, and Bergen County.

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):

What Rare Minerals Can You Find in New Jersey

You won’t be disappointed during your search for rare minerals in New Jersey, and some popular ones you might come across are rubies, Cape May Diamonds, garnets, carnelians, natural citrines, amethysts, datolites, prehnites, gold, silver, opals, galenas, malachites, apatites, sunstones, and pearls.

From this list, the rarest New Jersey minerals are rubies, natural citrines, sunstones, and Cape May Diamonds. The Cape May Diamonds are unique minerals that are only found in specific U.S. states, such as New Jersey, and they are popular due to their resemblance to diamonds.

In the Garden State, the best locations to find rare minerals are Passaic County, Bergen County, and the Pompton Lakes. If you’re on the hunt for a specific mineral, take a look at the locations above for more options.

What is the Most Famous Rock or Mineral Found in New Jersey

Surprisingly, the most famous stone found in New Jersey isn’t a rock or mineral at all, but it is considered a gemstone.

The Garden State is famous for its wealth of high-quality amber, especially in the southern regions. Rockhounds collect amber specimens of all sizes from this state, and some even have small insects or plants inside. 

When you search for New Jersey amber, look near Salem County, Oldman’s Creek, Sayreville, and the other locations listed in the amber portion of this post. Creeks and parks are typically the best places to pick up amber in the Garden State.

Conclusion

Even though New Jersey is the 5th-smallest U.S. state, it packs more than enough rocks and minerals within its state lines to make it a worthwhile trip for any rockhound.

If you’re interested in collecting amber, rubies, amethysts, natural citrines, agates, or jaspers, book a trip to New Jersey. You never know exactly what you’ll find in the Garden State, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with some gorgeous stones for your collection.

TIP: New Jersey is known for its remarkable range of rocks and minerals, making it one of the greatest rockhounding destinations in the United States. Check out the complete rockhounding guide below:
GUIDE: Best Rockhounding in New Jersey & What Rocks Find