Where to find calcite crystals in florida The operating hours vary seasonally, and fees are determined either per bucket or by the day. Imagine strolling along Florida's sun-kissed beaches, only to stumble upon stunning crystals hidden in the sand. Small calcite crystals within shells are very common. Looking to dig for fossils, calcite, and agatized coral in Florida? Best locations for rock and mineral collectors and easy-to-follow directions and "how-to". The Fort Drum Mine, also known as the Rucks Pit or Fort Drum Crystal Mine, was first recognized as a geologically and scientifically important locality as far back as the early 1990's. This unique find showcases the beauty of nature and the geological history of the region. Oct 4, 2025 · Here, you can find different types, like dogtooth calcite, which has sharp, tooth-like crystals, and golden calcite, known for its warm, honey-like color. Honey colored calcite crystals up to 1" in length can be found within large fossilized clamshells. Feb 23, 2024 · You can dig for actual crystals at Ruck's Pit, part of Fort Drum Crystal Mine in Florida. Sep 28, 2016 · This is a fluorescent, Pleistocene age (approx. Rucks Pit: Located in Fort Drum, Florida, this site is famous for its calcified clams embedded with honey-colored calcite crystals. , Florida, USA 2 13 Dec 8, 2022 · Item Description This fascinating specimen formed when gemmy calcite crystals grew within the two open chambers of a fossil clam that lived approximately two million years ago. , Florida, USA Calcite Rucks pit, Fort Drum, Okeechobee Co. A special one! Dec 13, 2024 · In 1979 the Florida Legislature designated agatized coral as the Florida State Stone. The resulting calcite is Calcite from Florida, USA Calcite Rucks pit, Fort Drum, Okeechobee Co. Florida is practically made of limestone, so it’s no surprise we’ve got plenty of calcite around. Nov 29, 2022 · The best U. At this site clam shells fossilized creating voids underground, this voids or "Vugs" filled in with crystals making Biological Geodes. 5cm x 9cm x 3cm The fascinating transformation of aragonite-based clam shells into Calcite-filled fossils unfolds Jun 2, 2007 · Calcite Clams of Florida contains 149 images ( 17 full page! ) of the incredible fossils that can be found in a Florida rock quarry north of lake okeechobee known as Ruck's Pit - or the Fort Drum Crystal Mine. Located near Fort Drum in Okeechobee County, Florida, Rucks Pit, also known as the Fort Drum Crystal Mine, has become synonymous FLORIDA is an amazing state for rockhounding. Experience the beauty and history of Florida's minerals with a visit to the Gillespie Museum's Calcite Collection. Mar 18, 2017 · OPEN TO PUBLIC LOCATION!!! Crystal Hunting in Florida for some awesome Golden Honey Calcite crystals! Other things found are many type of shell fossils and sharks teeth even!! Very rare to find Aug 15, 2023 · Located in Venice, Florida, it operates from dawn to dusk and offers free public beach access. A variety of petrified wood, agatized coral, chert, calcite, kaolin, staurolite, can be found The Fort Drum Crystal Mine (formerly known as Ruck’s Pit) is about a one and a half hour drive from the gem and mineral society shop. The Florida Drum Crystal Mine (also known as the Ruck’s Pit) is known to have rich deposits of Calcite concentrated fossils of marine and land animals. Measurements: 524g, 13. Well, away we dug. This specimen formed when gemmy calcite crystals grew in the natural pocket formed by a buried fossil clamshell. An example of this strange and pretty Florida phenomenon, as this is a complete shell standing up on the natural "base" of a horizontal shell. Twenty rare and beautiful fossilized clam specimens with flawless Calcite crystals are featured along with many other beautiful examples of these amazing natural fossil/mineral creations Jan 17, 2024 · History of Gem Mining in Florida Gem mining has a long and fascinating history in Florida, dating back to the time of Native Americans. To view information about Florida's geologic What a CRAZY trip! I flew into Florida to visit @ThatCampingCouple at their new mine site. Golden Honey Calcite, a captivating member of the Calcite crystal family, can be found in numerous stunning locations in Florida. The abundant natural resources in the state, including minerals, fossils, and calcite, have made it a prime location for gem enthusiasts. Looking to dig for Yellow Calcite crystals in Florida? Here is our best location for crystal collectors with easy-to-follow driving directions and "how-to". Fossilized bone and teeth, although rare, can also be found at this location. 1-2 mya) Mercenaria permagna clam fossil from the famous Rucks' Pit site in Fort Drum, Florida. During that time, Dr. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience! Most recently, large Mercenaria permagna clams containing gemmy honey-amber calcite crystals were collected from the well-known find at Rucks’ Pit near Fort Drum. Thomas M. Calcite crystals represent the most commonly-collected mineral from Florida. The Famous Fort Drum Crystal mine. It is described in the statute as “a chalcedony pseudomorph after coral, appearing as limestone geodes lined with botryoidal agate or quartz crystals and drusy quartz fingers, indigenous to Florida. They are often a treasure in and of themselves. You’ll also stumble upon massive calcite, which forms in big, solid chunks. Native American Influence Florida’s Native American tribes were the first to discover the state’s rich gem deposits Oct 28, 2025 · Florida may not be famous for crystals, but this video proves it should be! Watch as we crack open fossilized clams to reveal stunning calcite crystal formations hidden inside, turning ancient Derek was kind enough to bring us to one of his spots that has been producing some absolutely beautiful fossilized clams with calcite crystals inside of them! These are so unique and fun to find During the fossilization process of these clams, the calcium carbonate from the original shell material dissolved and recrystalized as beautiful, honey-colored, scalenohedral, calcite crystals on the interior of the shell. , Okeechobee, FL 34972 and the phone number is: 863-634-4579. Scott, Assistant State Geologist for Florida, visited the pit and noted for the first time the occurrence of calcite crystals associated with Mercenaria clam fossils; however, due to the extant mining practice of using explosives to blast the working face, virtually no complete specimens were recoverable. ” See below to discover the rocks and minerals of Florida. 3 – 0. Jan 2, 2025 · Check out the many different rocks, minerals, and gems you can find in Florida! With the help of our guide, you can discover what makes each of them valuable. Dec 26, 2024 · Calcite Calcite is a mineral made of calcium carbonate, and it’s often found in sedimentary rocks like limestone. Florida is home to a variety of fossil echinoids, which can be found in the state's sedimentary rock layers. 6m thick throughout the pit. Oct 24, 2025 · The product is a natural rock specimen from the East Coast of Florida, specifically featuring a yellow honey calcite crystal. Originating from the United States, this collectible item would be a standout piece for any crystal and mineral specimen collector looking for a one-of-a-kind addition to their Jul 13, 2016 · This blog post is all about my experience mining honey calcite and fossilized shells at the Fort Drum Crystal Mine in Florida. First discovered by Dr. Scott, Assistant Florida State Geologist, discovered the presence of calcite spar geodes within a gray sandy limestone in the old Rucks pit (now the large recreational lake Fossil Clam Shell (Mercenaria permagna) with beautiful honey calcite crystals from Ruck's Pit in Fort Drum, Okeechobee County, Florida Nashua Formation Early Pleistocene (2 myo) In 1988, Dr. . We are digging to find these amazing and rare mineral specimens. Thomas Scott of the Florida Geological Survey, the clams were found in living position, and were largely confined to a stratigraphic zone 0. Jan 2, 2025 · I’m going to help you find success while mining and digging for crystals by showing you some of the best spots around the state to look as well as some tips on how to be successful once you get there. From the shimmering shores to lush landscapes, Florida's diverse geology offers a treasure trove of beautiful crystals just waiting to be discovered. Whatever ecological disaster caused the entrapment of these clams must have been sudden and overwhelming. Because these Mercenaria were Jan 2, 2025 · Experience rockhounding in Florida by exploring the best sites! We made a thorough guide to help you find rocks and minerals in your rockhound adventure. states to find calcite minerals and crystals are Utah, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, Vermont, and Ohio, among others. Florida is a treasure trove for fossil hunters, particularly those seeking calcite fossilized clams. Aug 4, 2020 · The beauty of fossils is that they can contain hidden treasures, such as calcite crystals often found encased within fossilized clams or mammals. You’ll also stumble Fort Drum Crystal Mine New & Improved: Owned + Operated by That Camping Couple (since November 2024) Visit us near Okeechobee, FL to dig your own Calcite-Filled Fossil Clams! Keep everything you find. Whether you're a seasoned crystal collector or just curious about their beauty, you'll find plenty of gems that resonate with your vibe. May 28, 2015 · In south Florida, there is a gravel shell pit that this strange phenomena can be found - crystals in fossils! The occurrence of calcite-lined shells is this site's hallmark but the calcite ranges from a light coffee color to a drab burnt honey hue. Discover gem mining in Florida! Explore top locations for fossil hunting and gem mining, and get tips for a successful adventure in our guide. S. The interior of the clam is filled with large, gemmy, golden-yellow Calcite crystals to 2 cm, almost like a fossil geode. Any cavities within these fossils may contain calcite crystals. These unique specimens, formed when calcite crystals replace the original clam shells millions of years ago, are prized for their beauty and scientific significance. Mark was the first to find a spectacular specimen, but by day s end we all had beautiful pieces. Due to Florida’s regional geology, there are few locations where high-quality crystal specimens can be found. During the fossilization process of these clams, the calcium carbonate from the original shell material dissolved and recrystalized as beautiful, honey-colored, scalenohedral, calcite crystals on the interior of the shell. Ruck's Pit was a small cement quarry that produced some amazing crystal lined fossils in the Did you know you can find fossils, calcite crystals, and agatized coral in Florida? 🌊💎 Head to Peace River for ancient shark teeth, Ruck’s Pit for fossiliz Note the orientation of the Mercenaria clams – most are in “life position”, with the bivalve hinge at the top. Suppose you’re in North Florida near the Suwannee River, South Florida, West Florida close to Tampa Bay, or exploring Eastern Florida around Cape Canaveral and coastal areas, like Amelia Island. Calcite crystals can be found in Florida's limestone caves and other sedimentary rock formations. As most of Florida is underlain by Tertiary to recent marine limestones, the potential for crystal finds exists just about anywhere these limestones are exposed – most prominently in active limerock quarries. Fossil Clam with Calcite | Fort Drum, Florida | Fossil Clam Shell filled with Calcite from Fort Drum, Florida, USA, with solidly packed Calcite, intriguing triangular formations, and a base of layered shells giving a nice picture of the original location. Here, you can find different types, like dogtooth calcite, which has sharp, tooth-like crystals, and golden calcite, known for its warm, honey-like color. It is located in Okeechobee and is one of the better places to find calcite specimens in the state. Jan 24, 2024 · Discover the best rockhounding spots in Florida, what treasures you'll unearth like basalt and agatized coral, and beginner tips for a successful and legal treasure hunt. However, some calcite and quartz crystals can be found near Crystal River and Brooksville in local quarries. Later dissolution of portions of the clam shells and surrounding limestone by fresh ground water caused supersaturation with respect to calcite, and crystals grew where Jan 12, 2015 · Means further explained that the calcite crystals actually form just below the water table in water that is supersaturated with calcite (calcium carbonate). Jun 12, 2023 · Diggers are most likely to find pieces of clams, whelks, and other shell material along with small and large calcite crystals, but it’s worth a try! This story about fossil hunting in Florida for Mercenaria clams appeared in Rock & Gem magazine. The address is 28330 NE 55th Ave. These golden crystals now ring the opening of the shell. dtg bexm m7wk a5ld tym5 xx7dx aettwch jcruz zeys wbvo