Where To Find Gemstones In Venango County Pennsylvania?
Venango County in Pennsylvania is a place of beauty, adventure and discovery. With its lush forests, rolling hills and bubbling creeks there’s something new to explore around every corner. For those interested in gemstones or fossils, Venango County has much to offer.
This county has opportunities for gem and mineral hunting – from clear quartz in Oil Creek State Park’s streams to turquoise in a limestone quarry. In this blog post we will look at some of the great places around Venango where you can find your own pretty stones!
What types of gemstones can be found in Venango County, Pennsylvania?
- Amethyst: A violet variety of quartz which is found in certain areas of the county and is known for its rich purple color.
- Citrine: This gemstone is a yellow to golden colored variety of quartz, sometimes referred to as “citrine topaz” because it resembles the more expensive topaz.
- Smoky Quartz: This is a brown or gray variety of quartz and can appear almost black in color. It is especially abundant in Venango County and is often used as beads, cabochons, and faceted stones.
- Aquamarine: An ocean blue gemstone belonging to the beryl family which typically has good clarity and excellent transparency.
- Garnet: A group of minerals that come in a variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, green and even black. The most common type found in Venango County is a dark red variety known as Pyrope.
- Peridot: This gemstone is an olive green colored variety of the mineral olivine and has been found in some parts of the county.
- Tourmaline: A group of minerals that can come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, green and blue. The most common type found in Venango County is black tourmaline.
Where is the best place to look for gemstones in Venango County, Pennsylvania?
Visiting local gemstone dealers is the best way to find quality gemstones in Venango County, Pennsylvania. The area is home to several highly-regarded shops and stores specializing in gems and jewelry.
Notably, Double R Jewelers offers a large selection of precious and semi-precious stones. Other recommended locations include Rocks & Gems by Tom, Prickett’s Gem Store, and The Rockhound Shop.
All these establishments are known for their exceptional customer service and knowledgeable staff who can help customers make an informed decision when selecting a gemstone. Prospectors may also want to investigate local mines and quarries as another potential source of gemstones in the region.
Most valuable gemstones that have been found in Venango County, Pennsylvania
- Amethyst – Found in Venango County, this variety of quartz is often found in shades of purple and violet. It is known for its vibrant colors and unique crystalline structures.
- Smoky Quartz – This type of quartz has a brown to black hue and can be highly sought after when cut into faceted gems or cabochons.
- Hematite – Also known as “bloodstone” because it contains iron oxide, hematite comes in various shades of gray and red with a metallic sheen that makes it popular among jewelers.
- Emerald – These precious gems are usually bright green with hues ranging from light yellowish-green to deep bluish-green. They are often considered the most valuable gemstones found in Venango County.
- Garnet – The garnet family is quite diverse and includes many varieties such as almandine, pyrope, spessartite, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite. These gems have a wide range of colors from red to yellow to green.
- Topaz – This mineral is typically clear or pale blue but can also come in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and brownish-red. It is known for its durability as well as its brilliance when cut into faceted gems.
Conclusion:
Overall, Venango County in Pennsylvania is a valuable resource for gemstone seekers. Despite being an unlikely choice, there are plenty of areas to explore and unearth gems and minerals. Gem seekers not only find rare stones beneath the earth’s surface but also witness traces of history during their explorations..
Start out small with simple equipment and clothing that you aren’t afraid to get dirty or wet – because you never know what might be hidden beneath! Who knows? You might even find something worthy of turning into a family heirloom piece someday. Follow county rules to preserve natural areas – so that you, and others too, can enjoy them for years to come!