Rockhounding in Illinois: where to find gems and minerals
Good news for rockhounds: Illinois has gems and minerals to find. We've mapped 51 places where gems and minerals have been recorded, all on public land open to prospecting. 51 of them have no active mining claim: grab your rock hammer and go, with hand tools you don't need anyone's permission.
See all 51 spots on the Illinois map
How to read the map
- Green: public land, no active claim. Go ahead with your rock hammer and hand tools, no permission needed.
Many recorded sites are old mines. Shafts, tunnels and bad air can kill: never go inside. Prospect in the creek and on the surface, and use common sense out there. See our terms.
What people find in Illinois
Fluorite (51 spots)
Questions we often get
Where can I go rockhounding in Illinois?
We haven't found a place in Illinois set up for visitors yet, but there's still plenty to explore on your own. On the map you'll find 51 spots on public land with no active mining claim, where you can go with hand tools without asking anyone.
Are the gem and mineral sites in Illinois under mining claims?
No. Every one of the 51 gem and mineral sites we map in Illinois is on public land open to prospecting, with no active mining claim. You can go with hand tools, no permission needed.
Are there rock and mineral clubs in Illinois?
We haven't listed one in Illinois yet. Check back soon: we're adding clubs state by state.