KENTUCKY
State Rock: Kentucky Agate (2000)
State Gemstone: Freshwater Pearl (1986)
State Mineral: Coal (1998)
State Fossil: Brachiopod (1986)
The most abundant rocks and minerals that can be found in Kentucky include: Geodes, Quartz crystals, Agate, Calcite, Fluorite, Jasper, Chalcedony, Petrified wood, Galena, and Barite.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
EUREKA MINE & COLUMBIA MINE
The Eureka Prospects and Columbia Mines are located in a hardwood forest alongside Hurricane Creek.
Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum
205 N Walker St., Marion, Kentucky 42064
MINE INFORMATON
Scheduled digs for fluorite and other kinds of minerals begin late April through October. In addition to daytime digs, night digs for fluorescent specimens are held too. The museum can also arrange custom digs.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Safety Goggles
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellant
- Hand Lens
- Crack Hammer
- Chisel
- Shovel
- Wrapping Paper for Specimens
- Bucket
- Sledgehammer (optional)
- UV Light (optional)
HOURS
Open Year Around
Winter Hours
Nov., Dec. Jan., Feb., March, & April
Wednesday through Saturday 10:00AM-3:00PM
Summer Hours
May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct.
Monday through Saturday 10:00AM-3:00PM
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 391, 205 North Walker Street.
Tours, for other times, may be arranged by contacting us at 270-965-4263
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.