11 Gemstones in Kansas: Where to Find Them and How to Use Them

You won’t just find sunflowers and wheat in this mid-western state; if you know what, where, and how to, you can find some exciting and sought-after stones and fossils.

Read attentively, and you will learn exactly what stones are found in Kansas, where these crystals in Kansas can be found, and how to find gemstones in Kansas. 

Jelinite Amber, Galena, Geodes, Dolomite, Calcite, Opal, Selemite, Anhydrite, Agate, Marcasite, and Sphalerite are among some of the top stones found in Kansas, in a variety of regions throughout this state.

Although Kansas does not have tons of what we usually regard as precious gems, what it lacks in certain aspects it makes up for in intrigue, uniqueness, and beauty.

Basics of Rockhounding in Kansas

Brief History and Terrain of Kansas 

The original rockhounds of this state were, of course, the original Native American people of the region. They used pieces of Sandstone to grind grain, minerals as medicine from the red hills and made flint arrowheads, which were and can still be found in Kansas. 

When Europeans arrived and settled in Kansas, they also began to take an interest in what the land had to offer, firstly noting that the region did not have any gold but continuing to extract many resources, such as limestone for building and coal for heating.

As time went on, the minerals of Kansas came to be valued for economic importance, especially salt, gypsum, lead, and zinc. Today, rockhounds within Kansas, all over the US, and the world have come to appreciate the gems and minerals found here.

Most rocks in Kansa are sedimentary, so naturally, many of the gems found are related to this. There are smaller quantities of igneous rock and metamorphic materials that were moved into the region from events such as glaciers, the rise and fall of ancient inland seas, and meteorite activity.

The terrain in Kansas is generally relatively flat. It is known for its rolling grassy plains and more hills and forests in the northeast. In some regions, such as Red Hills, the landscape features were formed through underground erosion, leaving behind interesting shaped flat-topped hills.

Other interesting landmarks are the Monument and Castle Rocks, created by weathering and erosion. They stand tall in the flat landscape and are rich with fascinating fossils, including giant swimming reptiles, birds, and smaller marine creatures.

Weather and Wildlife in Kansas 

Now that we know a little about the history of the land from a geological standpoint, a practical matter to be aware of in preparation for a rockhounding adventure in this region is the weather and the possible wildlife you may encounter.

The weather in Kansas can vary within a day and accordingly throughout the year. Each season has a distinct but not necessarily extreme weather. Summers are warm to hot and humid. Winters are moderate to cold.

It does get windy, and it can snow. The rainy season is between April and September, so it is best to do your research for the specific time of year and areas you are visiting.

Most of the land in Kansas is dedicated to farming, so you will likely be seeing many sheep and fields of crops. The wildlife in Kansas includes bison, beavers, squirrels, herons, eagles, owls, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, prairie dogs, foxes, and more. 

Best Kansas Rockhounding Locations

The following table summarizes significant areas in Kansas for rockhounding and what rocks, minerals, or gems you will likely find near each area.

There are constant changes to land, so be sure to specifically research each location for more information on exactly which sites to visit and the relevant update of rockhounding laws or landowner information for every site you visit.

Please Note: We have not physically visited these locations, so this information on where to find crystals in Kansas is based on research 

Top 11 Gemstones in Kansas

There are a number of stones that can be found, but these are a selection of significant, interesting, or valuable gems in Kansas

Most of these crystals may be surface collected, but it’s more likely that, in most cases, you will need some or all of your basic mining tools (rock hammer, pick, chisels, and screens) and always remember your safety equipment (sturdy boots, safety glasses, gloves, and a hard hat).

Jelinite Amber

Amber is fossilized tree resin, and the specific type of Amber called Jelinite is the state gemstone of Kansas. It is extremely rare. This beautiful caramel, yellow-orange to brown Kansan Amber can be found in the Smoky Hills.

Amber has a warm energy that encourages patience, healing, and happiness. The metaphysical benefits of Amber include a deeper connection to nature and your inner wisdom 

Galena

A gray or silver crystal that is opaque with a metallic luster, Galena is the state mineral of Kansas. There is an old mining city in Southeast Kansas called Galena, where this mineral was extracted for its high lead content.

Galena is physically toxic, so handle this mineral accordingly. It does offer some powerful energetic benefits, including courage, confidence, psychic, and EMF protection. It is also a stone of transformation and manifestation.

Due to the mineral toxicity, we do not recommend rockhounding for this mineral, but if you choose to do so, please be cautious.

Geodes

Rock cavities that are lined with Dacite, Quartz, or Chalcedony can be found in the limestone deposits around Kansas. If you’re wondering where to find Geodes in Kansas, the Flint Hills is an area that you should have a look at.

You may need basic mining tools to extract Geode specimens from the relatively soft limestone properly, or you may get lucky and find some loose Geodes in Kansas.

On a metaphysical level, Geodes harmonize Yin and Yang, or masculine and feminine energies. Depending on the crystals that line the Geode, it will also have the benefits of these crystals accordingly.

Dolomite

Dolomite is rhombic-shaped crystals that are transparent to translucent and can be white, gray, greenish, brown, or pink. Dolomite can be found in Central and Southern Kansas, notably within the Red Hills.

It can be found formed in combination with Calcite and Chalcopyrite. 

Energetically, this stone has a nurturing and comforting effect, and it is also regarded as a stone of positivity, creativity, and spiritual guidance.

Calcite 

This is a widespread Kansan crystal that you can find in different variations, including within limestone Geodes, in combination with other minerals, or sometimes on its own. Calcite is usually white or colorless, but it can be slightly tinted gray, red, green, or blue.

Fine specimens can be found in Cherokee or Ottawa Counties and many other limestone or sandstone-rich regions within Kansas.

The metaphysical benefits of Calcite include cleansing, balancing, and re-energizing. Different colors of Calcite also have specific healing properties and activate certain chakras.

Opal 

Opals found in Kansas are classified as Precious Opals. These are usually colorless, white, or gray. Kansan Opals are found together with a white Chert rock. They can include darker dendritic-shaped inclusions of manganese oxide, and specimens that display this are called Moss Opals.

Kansan Opals are found in the High Plains, specifically in the Ogallala Formation. 

Opals have a stable and peaceful energy. These common or Dendritic Opals enhance or refine intuition and guide us to experience great abundance and success

Selenite 

Selenite is a delicate and beautiful variety of Gypsum that can be found in Kansas, commonly found in the Red Hills, Cherokee County, and Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. 

This colorless, pearly, or glass and transparent crystal most commonly has a crystal habit that is tabular, prismatic, or columnar. As it is such a soft crystal it should be extracted gently with great care.

The benefits of Selenite are potent, including the extensive use of it as an energetically self-cleansing crystal and for cleansing other crystals. It is also a stone that clears and activates one’s ability to spiritually channel and generally stay connected to a higher vibrational state of consciousness. 

Anhydrite

An evaporite mineral found in sedimentary basins where vast amounts of seawater have evaporated, it is common in Kansas as this state was once covered by ocean water.

It is typically light-gray crystalline masses or individual crystals (in Dolomite) that are translucent. Anhydrite is delicate and water-sensitive, so handle it carefully. As it changes to Gypsum when it makes contact with water, it is found and mined together with this mineral as well as others in the Red Hills of Kansas.

Anhydrite is regarded as a stone of emotional and physical well-being. Its healing benefits include purification, immunity, and peace, while its metaphysical benefits include luck and removing limitations you may hold surrounding experiencing abundance.

Agate 

Agates in Kansas have been transported via past glacial activity, and this explains why you can find Lake Superior Agates all the way in Kansas. These crystals are a form of Chalcedony that are translucent and display different colors in bands, fortification, dendritic, or other typical agate patterning.

These crystals can be found in the Glaciated Region (Northeastern Kansas) and among the gravels of the major rivers in Kansas. You can look with patience and attention to pick up pieces of Agate, or you may want to carry a sieve and a small shovel if you feel like searching more intently.

They are considered to energetically resonate with the frequency of natural harmony or the divine expression of nature. Agates are deeply grounding, and the colors of Lake Superior Agates, in particular, inspire creativity and courage.

Marcasite 

Marcasite forms in light yellow to white on fresh surfaces but tarnishes to darker yellow or brown in rosettes or tabular groupings with a metallic luster. In Kansas, Marcasite can be found embedded in limestone, coal, or shale masses in the Southeast and Cherokee County.

It is valued for its effects of improved focus, clarity, and balance. The energy of Marcasite can be harnessed for refining your manifestations, spiritual development, or psychic abilities.

Sphalerite 

Pyramid-shaped Sphalerite crystals that are dark brown to white are found around Southeastern Kansas. It is strikingly beautiful with a metallic or resinous or brilliant luster.

It is fair in hardness but at 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, you should extract and handle this gem carefully. 

Sphalerite is a powerful crystal of creativity, passion, desire, and confidence. Its strengthening vibration can also speed up healing and fortify immunity.

How to Do Rockhounding in Kansas

Rockhounding in Kansas does require a solid level of research and preparation. As you prepare for your crystal expedition to Kansas, you will likely need to consider packing the following gear, especially if you want to look for various types of stones in different locations. 

Tools and Gear You Need to Dig and Find Crystals in Kansas 

• Hand Lens or Jewellers Loupe: Magnification can help us to identify crystals correctly and to admire them.
• Shovels: a hand shovel and a slightly larger shovel, depending on what crystal and where you are looking, to unearth deeper layers of gravel or soil.
• Safety Gloves: Whether you are looking on the surface or digging deep, gloves are always good to have on hand, especially when using tools. 
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes when chipping away at rocks.
• Safety Hard Hat: Especially necessary for visiting underground mines or caves. 
• Boots: Boots protect you from injury in tough and wild terrains where the best stones are found. Longer waterproof boots are helpful when walking along rivers. 
• Warm Clothing: If you’re visiting in winter, pack warm clothing because you will spend a fair amount of time outdoors, patiently searching for some of these crystals.
• Screen: Use various gauge screens for separating sand and sifting through gravel. Screens help us properly observe the stones in layers.
• Rock Hammers, Chisels, and Picks: For mining in Kansas, carry a good quality rock hammer, chisel set, and a pick. 
• Brushes: Different types of brushes can be used accordingly to clean and better observe your finds.
• Sturdy Boxes or Bags: To keep your crystals when collecting in the field.

How to Pack and Transport Crystals You Find 

• Packing: Paper or fabric pieces work for wrapping up harder stones. Use tissue paper or bubble wrap for individually delicate crystals. 
• Cataloging: Create a labeling system with small, premade information cards or stickers. Fill out and attach these to the packing material of each crystal.
• Transporting: Put the wrapped crystals into a sealable container, a solid bag, or a box surrounding them with more soft paper or packaging material so they do not move around in transit.

Safety Regulations and Mining Laws for Rockhounding in Kansas 

• Private Land: Most of the landed and collection sites in Kansas are under private ownership, so receiving explicit permission from owners is required before rockhounding. This is your responsibility and a must.
• Laws: There are conflicting reports on the legality of rockhounding on public land in Kansas.
• Limits: The limitation of what you can collect will depend on the permission and agreement with landowners.
• Safety: Please carry all relevant safety gear and weather-appropriate clothing. Double-check the status of the locations you want to visit, as land is naturally constantly changing.

Tips for Rockhounding Like a Pro in Kansas

• Research: Preparation through research is essential. Consult multiple sources, including research papers, field guidebooks for Kansas, local news or websites, local geology museums, and local rockhounds. 
• Patience: Rockhounding minerals in Kansas do require a level of commitment, patience, and perseverance.
• Connect: Link up with local Kansan rockhounding groups or other rockhounds from the region you are visiting beforehand. Ask questions, and try to arrange a collection outing together. Local knowledge is invaluable!
• Field Guides: Acquire books specific to the geology and minerals of Kansas to help with locating and positively identifying crystals that you find.
• Timing: You can rockhound year-round with the correct preparation. Note that winter can get quite cold and there is a long rainy season in Kansas. The best time of year to visit this state is said to be between mid-summer and late autumn (July to October).

Find Kansas Crystals and Start Using Them!

Beyond the crystals we discussed, other intriguing crystals and minerals that are also found in Kansas, including Septarian Nodules, Petrified Wood, Barite Roses, Garnet, Satin Spar, Chert, Kimberlite, Quartzite, Chalcopyrite, and Cerussite, as well as fossils and meteorites.

Kansas rockhounding does take good patience, study, and preparation. Still, any finds in this region will not disappoint you, especially if you have an interest and appreciation of gems, stones, and crystals beyond just their status as precious or monetary value.

Please continue researching and planning your adventure to Kansas to explore and discover your own unique specimens!

Here is a summary of the Kansas crystals discussed in the article, the locations where you are most likely to see each stone, the tools that you may need, and the energy healing benefits that each crystal offers.