The federal mineral record holds 2,664 entries for Texas — 1,962 mines that shipped ore, 30 prospects that never became mines, 543 recorded occurrences. Below it: 4 places where you can legally collect.
Mineral history, not an invitation. This mineral history comes from a federal record of historic mines, prospects, and occurrences. It is not a list of places to collect. Historic mine sites are usually on private land, under active mining claims, or unsafe to enter — and often all three. The places you can actually collect are in the legal-access directory below.
The commodities that drew miners and prospectors to Texas, by number of historic records:
Copper · 223Clay · 194Uranium · 179Silver · 144Limestone · 140Sulfur · 125Lead · 109Iron · 105
Records from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System, a legacy federal database last revised August 2022 and no longer updated.
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Ladonia, TX
mosasaur teethammonitesexogyra oysters
Public land, rules apply · Free · The park relocated during construction and now sits at 2242 FM 904, where the road crosses the North Sulphur River. No posted hours, but automatic gates may close after dark (a sensor lets you drive out). The river channel is unsafe when running high, so check conditions after rain — the best collecting and the worst danger both follow a storm.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Mason, TX
blue topazsmoky quartzquartz crystals
Fee dig · Fee · The ranch does not post fixed hunting dates; call Deloris Lindsay at 325-347-4052 to arrange. Central Texas summers are punishing in the creek gravel — spring and fall are far better.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Mineral Wells, TX
crinoid stemsbrachiopodsbryozoans
Public land, rules apply · Free · Open every day of the year, 8 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., holidays included. Go right after rain, when a fresh crop of fossils has washed out of the shale. An annual Crazy Fossil Dig event runs each October.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Teri Smith Rock Hunts — Alpine-Area Ranches
Alpine, TX
plume agatemoss agatebanded agate
Fee dig · Fee · Spring (March-April) and fall (October-November) seasons out of Alpine, including a four-day Pigmon Ranch hunt in early March. The Spring 2026 season is posted as running. Most hunts meet at 8 a.m. at the Little Caesar's parking lot in Alpine (9 a.m. for Ritchie). Confirm dates by text at (432) 386-3431 or email agatehunter@sbcglobal.net.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
GoldSilverCopperQuartz CrystalsAgatesJasperFluoritePetrified WoodGemstones
Yes — at places that allow it. This page lists 4 in Texas: fee digs, designated collecting areas, and official localities, each checked against its source. Everywhere else, legality depends on who owns the land and what rules apply. Before any trip: check land ownership and current mining claims, get permission, respect closures, and never enter old mine workings.
Treat Texas's historic mines as history, not destinations. Most sit on private land or active mining claims, and old workings are dangerous even to walk. The mineral record on this page tells you what the ground holds — the directory tells you where you are welcome to look for it.