Rockhounding in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's granite mountains yield smoky quartz, beryl, topaz, amazonite, and fine mineral specimens from its historic pegmatite mines.
4 Rockhounding Locations
New Hampshire Pegmatites (Beryl & Smoky Quartz)
North Conway, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
White Mountain pegmatites known for smoky quartz, beryl, and topaz. Fee-dig operations near North Conway and the Moat Mountain area.
Moat Mountain Smoky Quartz
North Conway, New Hampshire · USFS
USFS area in the White Mountains known for smoky quartz and topaz crystals. Requires hiking. Collecting for personal use.
New Hampshire Beryl Quarries
Keene, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Numerous pegmatite quarries in the Keene area for beryl, smoky quartz, and garnet. Some fee-dig operations available.
Russel Mines
Alstead, New Hampshire · Fee Dig
Historic pegmatite mines in the Alstead area. Known for beryl and quartz crystal specimens.
⛏️ Gear for New Hampshire Rockhounding
Here's the essential gear recommended for rockhounding in New Hampshire.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35