Where to Find Agates in Texas: 28 Mapped Sites
Texas has 28 documented sites where agates have been reported, and the best-known are Terlingua, Quitman Mountains (South), and General Area. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 28 of the 28 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Agates Map: Texas
All 28 agates sites in Texas. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Agates Are Found in Texas
Agates fill gas cavities in old lava flows, then outlast the host rock and concentrate in gravels. Hunt gravel bars, beaches, glacial till, and desert washes rather than solid outcrop.
The richest reported sites in Texas: Terlingua, Quitman Mountains (South), General Area, W side of Glass Mountains, Btwn Groveton & Trinity.
Local reporting distinguishes Moss Agate (3 sites), Texas Bouquet Agate (3 sites), Plume Agate (2 sites), Turritella Agate (2 sites).
Of the 28 sites, 28 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Agates Sites in Texas
- Terlingua — Public Access
- Quitman Mountains (South) — Public Access
- General Area — Public Access
- W side of Glass Mountains — Public Access
- Btwn Groveton & Trinity — Public Access
- Eagle Pass — Public Access
- Lopeno — Public Access
- Rio Grande River Area — Public Access
- Terlingua Creek — Public Access
- Chinati Mts — Public Access
- Falcon Lake General Area — Public Access
- Gravel pits near Rio Grande — Public Access
- Marfa and Ft. Davis — Public Access
- Agua Fria Ranch — Public Access
- Area surfaces all around Smithville — Public Access
- General Area — Public Access
- General Area — Public Access
- Moulton — Public Access
- Peach Creek — Public Access
- SW of Freer — Public Access
- Along US 67 — Public Access
- Bishop Ranch — Public Access
- Limestone road cuts — Public Access
- Limestone road cuts — Public Access
- Lobo valley — Public Access
- Mathis — Public Access
- Needle Peak — Public Access
- Stillwell Ranch N of Big Bend Natl Park — Public Access
How to Identify Agates
Agate is banded chalcedony: a waxy-luster stone, hardness about 7, that breaks with a smooth conchoidal (shell-like) fracture instead of splitting on flat planes. The reliable field test is backlighting — hold a wetted stone to the sun and an agate glows translucent at the edges, usually showing its bands. Jasper looks similar but stays opaque.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find agates in Texas?
Texas has 28 mapped sites where agates have been reported. The best-known are Terlingua, Quitman Mountains (South), and General Area. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many agates sites are mapped in Texas?
We have 28 documented agates sites in Texas, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect agates in Texas?
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 agate?
Agate is banded chalcedony: a waxy-luster stone, hardness about 7, that breaks with a smooth conchoidal (shell-like) fracture instead of splitting on flat planes. The reliable field test is backlighting — hold a wetted stone to the sun and an agate glows translucent at the edges, usually showing its bands. Jasper looks similar but stays opaque.
What kinds of agates are found in Texas?
Reports from Texas distinguish Moss Agate (3 sites), Texas Bouquet Agate (3 sites), Plume Agate (2 sites), Turritella Agate (2 sites), Pompom Agate (1 site).
What should I bring to collect agates?
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.
Agates in Nearby States
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.