Eureka

Rockhounding in South Dakota: where to find gems and minerals

Good news for rockhounds: South Dakota has gems and minerals to find. We've mapped 389 places where gems and minerals have been recorded, all on public land open to prospecting. 90 of them have no active mining claim: grab your rock hammer and go, with hand tools you don't need anyone's permission. 299 are on someone's mining claim, so ask the claim holder before you dig at those.

See all 389 spots on the South Dakota map

How to read the map

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 South Dakota

Pegmatite (feldspar) (256 spots), Pegmatite (mica) (139 spots), Tourmaline (117 spots), Beryl (86 spots), Beryllium minerals (60 spots), Pegmatite (lithium) (29 spots), Spodumene (21 spots), Pegmatite (niobium) (13 spots), Pegmatite (tantalum) (10 spots), Lepidolite (6 spots), Vanadinite (3 spots), Opal (2 spots)

Questions we often get

Where can I go rockhounding in South Dakota?

We haven't found a place in South Dakota set up for visitors yet, but there's still plenty to explore on your own. On the map you'll find 90 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 South Dakota under mining claims?

Some are. Every spot we map in South Dakota is on public land open to prospecting, but 299 of the 389 fall inside an active mining claim. A claim means someone holds the mineral rights there, so you need their permission to dig. The other 90 have no active claim: those you can work with hand tools, no permission needed.

Are there rock and mineral clubs in South Dakota?

We haven't listed one in South Dakota yet. Check back soon: we're adding clubs state by state.