Where to Find Jade in Alaska: 3 Mapped Sites
Alaska has 3 documented sites where jade have been reported, and the best-known are Shungnak, Jade Creek, and Jade Mountains. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 3 of the 3 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Jade Map: Alaska
All 3 jade sites in Alaska. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Jade Are Found in Alaska
Jade forms along serpentinite belts at old plate boundaries and travels far as river and beach cobbles. Water-worn cobbles with a greasy rind are the classic find; test suspect stones on the spot.
The richest reported sites in Alaska: Shungnak, Jade Creek, Jade Mountains.
Of the 3 sites, 3 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Jade Sites in Alaska
- Shungnak — Public Access
- Jade Creek — Public Access
- Jade Mountains — Public Access
How to Identify Jade
Jade (nephrite or jadeite) is defined by toughness, not hardness: its interlocking fibrous structure means it will not shatter under a hammer blow the way most green rocks do. It feels dense and cool, takes a greasy-to-waxy polish, and rings when tapped. Serpentine is the common impostor — it scratches easily with a knife, while jade resists.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find jade in Alaska?
Alaska has 3 mapped sites where jade have been reported. The best-known are Shungnak, Jade Creek, and Jade Mountains. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many jade sites are mapped in Alaska?
We have 3 documented jade sites in Alaska, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect jade in Alaska?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify jade?
Jade (nephrite or jadeite) is defined by toughness, not hardness: its interlocking fibrous structure means it will not shatter under a hammer blow the way most green rocks do. It feels dense and cool, takes a greasy-to-waxy polish, and rings when tapped. Serpentine is the common impostor — it scratches easily with a knife, while jade resists.
What should I bring to collect jade?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.