Rockhounding in Maine: where to find gems and minerals
Good news for rockhounds: Maine has gems and minerals to find. We've mapped 14 places where gems and minerals have been recorded, all on public land open to prospecting. 14 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 14 spots on the Maine 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 Maine
Gemstone (11 spots), Pegmatite (mica) (2 spots), Amethyst (2 spots), Pegmatite (tantalum) (2 spots), Beryllium minerals (2 spots), Beryl (2 spots), Pegmatite (feldspar) (1 spot)
Questions we often get
Where can I go rockhounding in Maine?
We haven't found a place in Maine set up for visitors yet, but there's still plenty to explore on your own. On the map you'll find 14 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 Maine under mining claims?
No. Every one of the 14 gem and mineral sites we map in Maine 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 Maine?
We haven't listed one in Maine yet. Check back soon: we're adding clubs state by state.