WELCOME TO GEMFIELD!
When you arrive at Gemfield, plan to check out the sign with info on various mineral deposits in the area and how to find ‘em. Although the claims are located on BLM property, the rocks, minerals and other materials are claimed property and may not be collected without permission. Permission is granted when you sign the visitor log at the box at the picnic table, on site, which is also a release of liability. Dig $1 per pound, which is cash or check (made out to Goldfield Art & BS) in the box or in town (Goldfield Art & BS, 306 E. Crook aka Hwy 95), Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle (QR codes on site and at Goldfield Art & BS.) We operate on the honor system. Discounts are available for Rock Clubs or larger volumes of rock.
Gemfield is truly a hidden gem of Nevada’s high desert. It is rare to find such a high concentration of diverse minerals—especially that variety of chalcedony—all packed into one localized district.
Gemfield, Nevada, is a premier public pay-to-dig rockhounding site located about 4 miles northwest of Goldfield along Highway 95. Known as one of the best locations for finding gemstone-quality chalcedony, jasper, and agate, visitors can dig for $1 per pound. The area is renowned for its diverse, colorful minerals including purple and blue chalcedony.
If you are planning to explore the area or are interested in the specific geology of these deposits, here is a quick breakdown of what makes those finds so unique:
Tips for Rockhounding in the Area
Claim Status: Always check if you are on an active mining claim. Much of the Gemfield area is claimed, but some owners allow "pay-to-dig" access or have designated public areas. Gemfield is $1 per pound.
Lighting is Key: For agates and jasper, the colors "pop" best just after a light rain or during the "golden hour" (shortly after sunrise or before sunset).
Safety First: In this part of Nevada, always bring extra water, a spare tire, and be mindful of the high-altitude sun, even in cooler months.
Caution: There is wildlife in abudance in this, please be aware.
Gemfield is easily one of the most vibrant spots in Esmeralda County. That four-mile hop from Goldfield makes it an incredibly accessible "outdoor museum" of geology, especially given how much color is packed into this area.
Maximizing Your Haul
The Spray Bottle Trick: That spray bottle is your best friend for identifying Chalcedony and Jasper. Many of the stones look like dusty common rocks until they are wet, which reveals the "purply oranges" and "deep reds" you're looking for.
Identify the "Float": Before you start digging deep, scan the surface for "float"—pieces that have naturally weathered out. This can help you decide which area has the specific color spectrum you want to focus on. There are helpful, color photos to assist you in locating what you are looking for.
The 5-Gallon Rule: While it's tempting to take everything, experienced rockhounders suggest filling your bucket with variety first, then high-grading (swapping out for better pieces) as you find higher-quality specimens. Sharon says, “ditch the bucket and use pillow cases, set them by the road and pick up when you are done.”
Logistics for the Trip
Vehicle Prep: Even though it’s only 5 miles from town. Low profile vehicles are not recommended on the road to Gemfield. Ensuring your tires are in good shape is a must before heading down the road.
Pay-to-Dig Etiquette: Since this is a managed site, keep an eye out for the registration station or fee box. Paying that small fee helps the claim owners keep the area open and accessible for everyone. $1 per pound.
There are also beautiful Chalcedony specimens and other treasures available in the town of Goldfield at the Goldfield Art & Business Services 775-485-3789 at 406 Crook Ave. (Highway 95) Come on by!
Located in western central Nevada, this public dig site is believed to hold the United States’ largest deposit of gemstone-quality chalcedony. This smooth, quartz stone—whose varieties include agate, jasper, and opalite—is prized for its hardness and luster and is ideal for polishing and for creating jewelry.
Gemfield’s chalcedony appears in many shapes, patterns, and hues ranging from green to black and pale blue to pinkish-purple. With so many options to choose from, visitors can easily spend all day scouring the hillside for a prize gemstone.
But Gemfield isn’t a one-hit wonder. The site is a rockhounder’s paradise and is prized for its vast mineral diversity within a relatively compact space. Along with chalcedony, Gemfield boasts deposits of turquoise, jasper, borax, silver, and even gold.
-Atlas Obsura
(Sharon says, “she has not found any turquoise yet.”)
Gemfield stands out in this mineral rich state, thanks to its spectacular mineral diversity within a small area. Discover deposits of turquoise, obsidian, agates, jasper, crystal, lithium, borax, gold, silver, and a stunning 6 types of chalcedony all in one place. -Travel Nevada
Gemfield, Nevada, is highly reviewed as a "rockhound's treasure chest," renowned for having what is considered the largest deposit of gemstone-quality chalcedony in the United States. Visitors consistently describe the site as a rewarding "pay-to-dig" experience where beautiful materials are often found simply lying in heaps on the ground. -Reddit
Gemfield, Nevada, is a highly regarded, easily accessible, and affordable ($1/lb) rockhounding site located about 4 miles north of Goldfield, Nevada. It is praised as a "rockhound's treasure chest" for finding gem-quality chalcedony in diverse colors, including blue, red, and purple, making it excellent for cutting and polishing. -Trip Advisor