NEW MEXICO
State Gemstone: Turquoise (1967)
State Fossil: Coelophysis (1981)
New Mexico, known as “The Land of Enchantment” is a great place for rockhounds. Here, you’ll find a large variety of rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils. Turquoise is another great find. It was mined in Santa Fe in pre-Columbian times.
The best rockhounding sites in New Mexico are in the state’s National Forests and wilderness areas, including mining dumps, stream gravels, and rocky surfaces. Public lands like Rockhound State Park and Jemez National Recreation Area are also great places.
PECOS DIAMONDS IN NEW MEXICO
MINE INFORMATON
The Crystal Collector and his nephew Dylan found out that this location digging for Pecos Diamonds in New Mexico is epic! Watch the video for the inside scoop on directions to this location! It’s on BLM land so it is open to the public. Just bring yourself and look for the decayed out gypsum areas and sometimes not, just look close to the ground and they are there in lots of areas!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks



ROSWELL NEW MEXICO
MINE INFORMATON
Visiting Roswell, New Mexico collecting Pecos Diamonds, which are actually quartz Crystals!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks




AZURITE & MALACHITE CRYSTAL MINING
MINE INFORMATON
The Crystal Collector and friends search 100 year old tailings for Azurite, Malachite, Smithsonite, and more! The location is the Graphic Mine in New Mexico. Search on Facebook for their page to go digging.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks



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.