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Utah is called the “Rockhounding Capital of the U.S.” for a reason! Learn why rockhounds from around the globe travel to collect the many rocks and minerals of Utah in this informative guide.
Keep a lookout for all the common rocks and minerals that exist in the Beehive State, such as:
- jasper,
- dugway geodes,
- agate,
- wonderstone,
- fossils,
- chert,
- obsidian,
- birdseye marble,
- beryl,
- azurite,
- topaz,
- galena,
- garnet,
- cerussite,
- malachite,
- and pyrite.
Utah has many opportunities for rockhounds, and with the right information, you can return home with a wealth of gorgeous rocks and minerals. In this guide, we will go over the rocks and minerals that this state offers, plus their rockhounding locations, so that you can enjoy Utah’s rockhounding experience to the fullest!
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 Utah
From colorful jaspers to shiny geodes, there are many stunning rocks you can find in Utah:
Jasper
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Washington County | 37.228616, -113.512023 |
| Millard County | 39.139710, -113.018516 |
| Grand County | 38.927570, -109.769118 |
| Emery County | 38.884683, -111.032195 |
| Juab County | 39.659835, -113.306287 |
| Beaver County | 38.317963, -113.275630 |
Want to collect gorgeous Indian Blanket Jasper or jasperized dinosaur bones? If so, then Utah is the place to go! Indian Blanket Jaspers come in a variety of colors, mainly red, purple, brown, gold, black, and beige.
Some of the best Indian Blanket Jaspers come from Washington County and Millard County. For jasperized dinosaur bones, search near Emery County.
Dugway Geodes
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Dugway Geode Beds | 39.894156, -113.136778 |
| Glenwood | 38.761511, -111.985532 |
| Simpson Springs | 40.035677, -112.783429 |
| Newcastle | 37.658144, -113.553251 |
| Central | 37.413419, -113.636679 |
One of the reasons why Utah is world-famous in the rockhounding community is because of its Dugway Geode Beds. This rockhounding site not only contains high-quality geodes and thundereggs, but also a wide variety of collectible minerals, including beryl, garnet, topaz, chalcedony, and amethyst.
If you can only visit one place on your hunt for geodes, go to the Dugway Geode Beds. They have large, beautiful geodes and thundereggs that any rockhound would be proud to own!
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.
Agate
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Blue Valley | 38.359644, -110.836883 |
| Iron County | 37.811870, -112.949669 |
| Juab County | 39.596372, -111.998914 |
| Jericho | 39.749980, -112.204507 |
| Thompson Springs | 38.971115, -109.716997 |
| Emery County | 38.903922, -110.705352 |
Black and blue-banded agates, along with moss and plume agates, are some of the most popular finds in the Beehive State.
Banded, moss, and plume agates are the most common types of agates in this state, and if you want to collect blue agates, then you’ll need to visit a specific area since they are on the rarer side.
Blue Valley in Beaver County is where rockhounds go for blue agates, but Iron County, Juab County, and Emery County are three agate-rich areas for collectors looking for banded, moss, or plume agates.
Wonderstone
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Vernon Hills | 40.128930, -112.378926 |
| Tooele County | 40.621953, -112.848784 |
| Elko County | 40.478547, -114.452055 |
| Box Elder County | 41.209080, -113.579350 |
| Salt Lake County | 40.462221, -112.041387 |
| Juab County | 39.794961, -113.278911 |
With waves of yellow, orange, brown, and red, wonderstone is a colorful type of jasper that collectors can find in Utah. There are large wonderstone formations in Vernon Hills that are beautiful to behold, and the surrounding areas have plenty of pieces to collect.
Vernon Hills and Toole County are the best places to go for wonderstone, but you can also visit the surrounding counties of Elko and Sale Lake.
Fossils
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Fairfield | 40.254527, -112.094811 |
| Utah County | 40.087012, -111.830070 |
| Wayne County | 35.255029, -87.801518 |
| Washington County | 37.208931, -113.539489 |
| Emery | 38.925546, -111.257959 |
| Hurricane | 37.127861, -113.364299 |
While there aren’t any Megalodon teeth in Utah, there are other types of shark teeth that you can find in the state, along with dinosaur bones. The majority of the fossils in this state are plant and cephalopod fossils, and they are typically discovered in limestone outcroppings.
Utah County, Wayne County, and Washington County have plenty of fossils for rockhounds. Fairfield and Hurricane are known for their fossils embedded in limestone.
Chert
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Grand County | 38.912612, -109.645521 |
| Emery County | 38.903922, -110.914092 |
| Utah County | 40.112223, -111.824577 |
| Fairfield | 40.253478, -112.103395 |
| Agate Town | 39.014453, -109.243597 |
| San Rafael Swell | 38.823247, -110.677427 |
You can bring home high-quality chert from the washes and gravels of Utah. The majority of chert is found in Grand County, but it also washes into the surrounding counties.
Visit Grand County, Emery County, or Utah County for high-quality chert. More specifically, Fairfield, Agate Town, and San Rafael Swell are three areas known for their chert.
TIP: Chert is one of the best-known sedimentary rocks, appearing in a variety of hues and shapes. Find out where you can find this rock in the article below:
Where to Find Chert: Best Environments & Locations (USA)
Obsidian
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Black Rock | 38.715053, -112.967759 |
| Millard County | 38.699507, -112.911400 |
| Promontory Point | 41.619480, -112.546362 |
| Salt Lake County | 40.712316, -111.655458 |
Did you know that Utah is one of the best places in the U.S. to find snowflake obsidian? The washes and draws of western Utah produce beautiful obsidian stones that would look stunning in any rockhound’s collection.
The best obsidian in the state is found in Black Rock, which is located in Miller County. Promontory Point near Salt Lake also has some great specimens.
Birdseye Marble
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Utah County | 40.156320, -111.975639 |
| Manti-La Sal National Forest (surrounding areas) | 39.286949, -111.426346 |
| Birdseye | 39.924400, -111.550282 |
| Wasatch County | 40.305998, -111.174179 |
| Tooele County | 40.131125, -112.255790 |
Even though Birdseye Marble is technically limestone, it’s a beautiful stone that contains the round, fossilized remains of algae, which give it a “birds eye” pattern. Due to its beautiful pattern, this stone is a popular choice for crafting and high-end masonry projects.
Utah County is famous for its Birdseye Marble, and the surrounding counties of Wasatch and Toole also possess this stunning stone.
What Minerals Are Found in Utah
There are all sorts of gorgeous minerals in Utah, such as:
Beryl
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Wah Wah Mountains | 38.433722, -113.563004 |
| Topaz Mountains | 39.709125, -113.104034 |
| Wildhorse Springs | 39.787881, -113.191088 |
| Juab County | 39.647147, -113.712781 |
| Ibapah Mountains | 40.035913, -113.985323 |
Red beryl is only found at three locations worldwide, and two of them are in Utah. The most precious kind of red beryl is discovered in Utah, and it’s often attached to garnets, topazes, and hematites.
In the Beehive State, red beryl crystals come in all shapes, such as flat, elongated, and hexagonal, and they can range in color from light pink to deep shades of red.
The highest-quality red beryl comes from the Wah Wah Mountains and the Topaz Mountains.
TIP: Dating rocks and minerals is not a simple task, but scientists have been able to solve it. Check out the complete guide in the article below:
Step-by-Step Guide on Dating Rocks by PRO Geologist
Azurite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Silver Island Mountains | 40.928575, -113.814578 |
| Box Elder County | 41.455991, -113.261039 |
| Davis County | 40.937772, -112.139627 |
| Tooele County | 40.621953, -112.848784 |
| Grand County | 38.927570, -109.769118 |
| Beaver County | 38.317963, -113.275630 |
Rockhounds often return home with stunning azurite specimens from Utah. Additionally, the mineral is abundant in this state, so there’s multiple rockhounding spots where you can find it.
Check out the Silver Island Mountains, Box Elder County, and Davis County to collect Utah azurite.
Topaz
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Topaz Mountains | 39.708927, -113.103390 |
| Beaver County | 38.404109, -113.228938 |
| Toole County | 40.684465, -113.123442 |
| Juab County | 39.647147, -113.580945 |
| Thomas Range | 39.727194, -113.129161 |
| Topaz Dome Quarry | 39.697114, -113.099170 |
Utah topaz comes in all colors, and the most common shades are amber and clear. Interestingly, these crystals are often attached to rhyolite in this state.
The Topaz Mountains and other areas in Beaver County are known for their stunning amber topaz crystals.
Galena
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Box Elder County | 41.455991, -113.261039 |
| Cache County | 41.606353, -111.775848 |
| Salt Lake County | 40.462221, -112.041387 |
| Tooele County | 40.621953, -112.848784 |
| Emery County | 38.884683, -111.032195 |
| Juab County | 39.647147, -113.580945 |
Galena is so widespread throughout Utah that no matter where you go, you’re bound to run into this mineral. It’s rarely found on its own in the Beehive State, so you’ll usually be able to collect other minerals along with it.
Wherever you go in the Beehive State, keep an eye out for galena, especially in the counties listed above.
Garnet
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Summit County | 40.848257, -110.718066 |
| Weber County | 41.168131, -112.165756 |
| Salt Lake County | 40.614395, -112.136110 |
| Juab County | 39.647147, -113.580945 |
| Millard County | 38.924223, -113.032249 |
| Moses Rock and Comb Ridge areas | 37.083504, -109.732202 |
Pyrope garnets are popular finds in Utah, and they were given the nickname “Arizona rubies.” Garnets are widespread, just like galena, so it’s best to keep an eye out no matter where you go in the state.
Arizona rubies are often picked up from Moses Rock and Comb Ridge, and you can also find garnets in Summit County, Weber County, and Salt Lake County.
TIP: If you want to find gem-quality garnets in the U.S., you are lucky since there are many places you can find them. Find out more in the article below:
Where to Find Garnet: 4 Best Locations Near Me (United States)
Cerussite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Box Elder County | 41.455991, -113.261039 |
| Salt Lake County | 40.614395, -112.136110 |
| Cache County | 41.606353, -111.775848 |
| Tooele County | 40.621953, -112.848784 |
| Summit County | 40.848257, -110.718066 |
| Beaver County | 38.317963, -113.275630 |
Cerussite is an important ore of lead that’s known for its stunning shine and clear to cream coloring, and it’s all over the place in Utah. While the crystalline form might not be dangerous, it’s best to handle this mineral with care, just to be safe.
Keep a lookout for cerussite in Box Elder County, Salt Lake County, and Cache County.
Malachite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Box Elder County | 41.455991, -113.261039 |
| Weber County | 41.230129, -112.217941 |
| Davis County | 40.891072, -112.119028 |
| Tooele County | 40.555209, -113.150908 |
| Juab County | 39.769699, -113.300794 |
| Beaver County | 38.317963, -113.275630 |
Because there is plenty of copper in Utah, it’s no surprise that there is plenty of malachite as well. Utah’s malachite is usually found with other minerals, especially galena and azurite.
Box Elder County, Beaver County, and Weber County are some of the top places in Utah for malachite.
Pyrite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| East Erickson mining district | 39.910485, -112.508572 |
| Dugway mining district | 39.997385, -113.184957 |
| Big Cottonwood mining district | 40.607725, -111.651439 |
| Promontory Mountains | 41.619480, -112.545547 |
| Raft River Mountains | 41.898733, -113.401475 |
Pyrite is just as common in Utah as it is in most other states, so if you think you’ve found gold, you might want to see if it’s pyrite. The mining districts and surrounding areas tend to produce the best pyrite in the state.
For pyrite, stop by the East Erickson, Dugway, and Big Cottonwood mining districts. Utah’s mountains, such as the Promontory Mountains and Raft River Mountains, also contain plenty of this mineral.
TIP: From the Wasatch Mountains to the banks of the San Juan River, Utah’s diverse landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for those bitten by the gold prospecting bug.
Gold Prospecting in Utah: 7 Best Locations & Laws
FAQ About Common Rocks & Minerals in Utah
Curious about the rare rocks and minerals of Utah? Learn more in the following sections:
What Rare Rocks Can You Find in Utah
Utah has a treasure trove of rare and collectible rocks, such as geodes, agates, jaspers, fossils, obsidians, cherts, wonderstones, agatized wood, thundereggs, and meteorites.
Because there are rare types of agates and jaspers in this state, such as blue agates and Indian Blanket Jaspers, these two types of rocks tend to steal the spotlight. However, the obsidians, wonderstones, and meteorites of this state are stunning and should not be overlooked!
Utah has unique locations for each type of rare rock, so the best way to find what you are looking for is to use the specific locations given in this guide.
What Rare Minerals Can You Find in Utah
Utah is rich in rare minerals and gemstones, such as red beryl, gold, garnet, topaz, turquoise, opal, amethyst, azurite, silver aquamarine, onyx, fluorite, sphalerite, and selenite.
The great part about Utah is that most of these minerals are plentiful throughout the state, so rockhounds of all skill levels will be able to return home with special treasures. From this list, red beryl is the most popular find, and we’ll explain in more detail in the following section.
As stated, gemstones and minerals are spread all throughout Utah, so the easiest way to track down what you’re looking for is to use the specific coordinates provided in this post.
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 is the Most Famous Rock or Mineral Found in Utah
There’s no doubt that the most famous mineral found in Utah is red beryl. This gemstone is extremely rare, and two of the three places where it’s found in the world are in Utah. Not only that, but the specimens from this state are of exceptional quality and highly valuable.
Red beryl is one of the few minerals that is not widespread throughout Utah, and it’s only found near the Topaz Mountains, Wah Wah Mountains, and a few other locations that are listed above.
Conclusion
Not only are there many different types of rocks and minerals in this state, but they are so abundant that most rockhounds are able to find these treasures with ease.
When you visit the Beehive State, see if you can find some red beryl, amber topaz, sparkling geodes, or colorful jaspers. The only thing you know for certain when you visit this state is that you’re sure to return home with some gorgeous, one-of-a-kind treasures for your rockhounding collection!
TIP: The brilliant part about Utah is that there are plenty of rockhounding sites available throughout the state. Find out more in the article below:
Best Rockhounding Sites in Utah & What You Can Find