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While most people associate Vermont with maple syrup and green mountains rather than rocks, it actually has many collectible rocks and minerals. Find out why you should add this overlooked rockhounding state to your itinerary in this informative article.
The Green Mountain State possesses these common rocks and minerals:
- jasper,
- marble,
- granite,
- amphibolite,
- slate,
- fossils,
- quartz,
- gold,
- pyrite,
- calcite,
- and garnet.
Vermont isn’t a large state, but it’s still helpful to have some guidance before you set out on your rockhounding expeditions. Learn all about the rocks, minerals, and gems of the Green Mountain State with this informative post.
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 Vermont
Take a look at these common rocks of Vermont:
Jasper
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Niquette Bay | 44.586152, -73.199589 |
| Malletts Bay | 44.553318, -73.240521 |
| Keeler Bay | 44.658422, -73.320539 |
Due to the continental drift that occurred after the ice age, jasper was brought down to the shores of Lake Champlain. The gravels and surrounding creeks have been known to contain beautiful jasper specimens.
Check out the bays of Lake Champlain, specifically Niquette Bay, Malletts Bay, and Keeler Bay, to collect this colorful rock.
Marble
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Grand Isle County | 44.687891, -73.301803 |
| Franklin County | 44.732830, -73.173613 |
| Addison County | 43.959770, -73.385395 |
| Windsor County | 43.504916, -72.634164 |
There are so many wonderful rocks in Vermont that the state decided to name three state rocks, and marble is one of them. Marble from this state is gorgeous and of exceptional quality, and this state is also home to one of the largest marble mines in the world.
To find Vermont marble, visit Grand Isle County, Franklin County, or Addison County. While you might not be able to visit the marble quarries in these counties, you can visit the surrounding areas.
Granite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Washington County | 44.240290, -72.610798 |
| Barre | 44.157975, -72.447563 |
| Graniteville | 44.149169, -72.490736 |
Did you know that Barre, Vermont, is called the world’s granite capital? Granite is another one of Vermont’s three state rocks, and it is extremely abundant in this state. You’ll often see granite incorporated into the architecture and structures of this state, such as bridges, pavement, and buildings.
Without a doubt, the best place to go for granite in Vermont is Washington County, specifically the town of Barre.
TIP: Granites vary in shape and color, but if you want to find them in the U.S., you first have to understand how they form. Find out more in the article below:
Where to Find Granite: Best Environments & Locations (USA)
Amphibolite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Windsor County | 43.504916, -72.634164 |
| Orange County | 43.954039, -72.409904 |
| Windham County | 42.993371, -72.705232 |
Amphibolite is a coarse metamorphic rock that’s spread throughout Vermont. It’s generally used for construction rather than as a decorative stone since it’s dark gray to black in color.
There are three counties in Vermont where amphibolite is abundant: Windsor County, Orange County, and Windham County.
Slate
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Bridport | 43.959702, -73.317945 |
| Chittenden County | 44.353284, -73.161094 |
| Rupert | 43.255174, -73.210533 |
Slate is the third state rock of Vermont, and it comes in all sorts of colors in this state, such as red, green, purple, and gray.
While you might not be able to visit and collect from the mines, the surrounding areas are great places to start. Just ensure that you are legally able to collect from the area you chose before picking up any rocks.
The area along the Vermont/New York state line is filled with slate, so most rockhounds begin their search for this rock there.
Fossils
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Lake Champlain | 44.163483, -73.307886 |
| Burlington | 44.470025, -73.213606 |
| Charlotte | 44.303207, -73.291654 |
| Rutland | 43.601407, -72.959402 |
Who would have guessed that the state fossil of Vermont, would be the Beluga whale! One famous Beluga whale fossil, named Charlotte, was preserved by the Champlain Sea sediments, and it was discovered near Charlotte, Vermont.
The majority of the fossils discovered in this state are the remains of marine life, and they are often discovered on the shores of Lake Champlain.
If you want to collect fossils from the Green Mountain State, head on over to the shores of Lake Champlain, an area with the world’s oldest fossilized corral reef and many other fossils.
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 Tennessee
Vermont doesn’t have many gems, but it does have a few collectible minerals for rockhounds:
Quartz
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Devil’s Den | 43.357116, -72.893615 |
| Adams Brook | 42.913256, -72.731039 |
| Perkinsville | 43.372757, -72.513749 |
| Gassetts | 43.324174, -72.607189 |
| Fairhaven | 43.589120, -73.260921 |
Rockhounds often come across smoky and clear quartz crystals in Vermont, and it’s one of the few minerals that’s plentiful in the state. Smoky quartz is rarer than clear in this state, but as long as you know where to look, you should be able to find some without too much trouble.
For smoky quartz, look near Devil’s Den or Perkinsville, and you might find other minerals, such as pyrite or calcite, at these locations as well.
Gold
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Gold Brook | 44.442680, -72.674020 |
| White River | 43.812028, -72.597390 |
| Little River | 44.380161, -72.768175 |
| Missisquoi River | 44.857798, -72.426183 |
| Lamoille River | 44.641621, -72.953717 |
Vermont experienced a small gold rush back in the 19th century, and while it didn’t take off like California or Alaska, there is a decent amount of placer gold in this state. Nuggets are rare, but gold flakes can be panned from the rivers and creeks of this state.
Pan for gold in the White River, Gold Brook, Little River, and Missisquoi River. You can also check out the surrounding creeks and gravel beds for this valuable mineral.
TIP: Vermont, renowned for its picturesque rivers, creeks, and mountains, holds a glittering secret dating back to the 19th century – a rich history of gold prospecting. Find out more below:
Gold Prospecting in Vermont: 7 Best Locations & Laws
Pyrite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Grand Isle | 44.704486, -73.296310 |
| Ely Mine | 43.927528, -72.283748 |
| Devils Den | 43.357116, -72.893615 |
| Gassetts | 43.324174, -72.607189 |
| Fairhaven | 43.589120, -73.260921 |
While it’s true that there’s gold in Vermont, there’s also plenty of pyrite. However, pyrite typically isn’t as abundant in the rivers that contain gold, and it’s usually found in the mines of this state.
If you’re on the hunt for pyrite, look near the mines of this state and areas such as Grand Isle and Devils Den.
Calcite
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Grand Isle | 44.704486, -73.296310 |
| Perkinsville | 43.372757, -72.513749 |
| Ludlow | 43.395121, -72.694514 |
| Gassetts | 43.324174, -72.607189 |
| Fairhaven | 43.589120, -73.260921 |
Rockhounds collect calcite crystals along with quartz and pyrite in this state. Occasionally, it’s found with a few other minerals, such as garnets or tourmalines, but these are not as common in Vermont.
Anywhere you find quartz or pyrite in this state is highly likely to have calcite, so keep a close eye out for this mineral in Grande Isle, Perkinsville, and Ludlow.
Garnet
| Location | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Bennington | 42.867860, -73.192537 |
| Eden Mills | 44.712938, -72.511879 |
| Chester | 43.261920, -72.608395 |
| Gassetts | 43.324174, -72.607189 |
| Lake Willoughby | 44.744514, -72.064797 |
Sparkling garnets are found in a few areas of Vermont, and they often appear with quartz. Both grossular and almandine garnets have been found in this state, and some are gem-quality.
Bennington, Eden Mills, and Chester are top-notch rockhounding locations for Vermont garnets.
TIP: Since real garnet is a pretty common material, garnet fakes aren’t very common. Find out more in the article below:
Real vs. Fake Garnet: Focus on These 6 Differences
FAQ About Common Rocks & Minerals in Vermont
While Vermont is a small state, it still has a few more rocks and minerals for rockhounds:
What Rare Rocks Can You Find in Vermont
In the Green Mountain State, some rare rocks you can collect include geodes, agates, jaspers, and serpentines. You can also collect all sorts of marine fossils from this state, and you might even find the state fossil, the Beluga whale!
This state is known more for its common rocks, such as high-quality granite and marble, rather than collectible or rare rocks.
Vermont is a small state, so there aren’t too many rockhounding locations that rockhounds need to travel to. Take a look above to see some of the best locations for rocks in this state.
What Rare Minerals Can You Find in Vermont
Vermont might not have a lot of valuable gems, but it does offer some collectible minerals, including garnets, smoky quartz crystals, gold, tourmaline, staurolite, beryl, kyanite, and aventurine.
All these minerals are on the rare side, but they have been discovered in the state, so there’s always a possibility that the next passing rockhound will find them.
If you’re looking for a specific mineral, take a look at the locations given above to see exactly where you can pick up your next treasure.
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 Vermont
Vermont couldn’t list a single rock as its state rock, but instead chose three, so we will designate those three as the most famous rocks in Vermont.
Granite, marble, and slate all play an enormous role in the economy, architecture, and history of the state, and they continue to be important resources to this day. All three of these rocks are of high quality in Vermont, so it’s worth a trip if you’re on the hunt for these rocks.
In the sections above, you’ll find specific locations for each of these three rocks, so you’ll know exactly where to look in the Green Mountain State.
Conclusion
Vermont might not be the flashiest rockhounding state, but it does have some interesting treasures, which is impressive for a small area! During your travels in the Green Mountain State, perhaps you’ll come across a Beluga Whale fossil, high-quality marble, or colorful garnets.
Wherever your rockhounding adventures take you in the Green Mountain State, you’ll have the opportunity to see and collect some fascinating rocks and minerals!
TIP: Vermont is among the most overlooked states in the U.S. in terms of rockhounding. Check out the complete rockhounding guide in the article below:
GUIDE: Best Rockhounding in Vermont & What Rocks Find