Where can you find stunning aquamarine stone in the United States? Here is an overview of the top aquamarine mining locations across the country.
The Mt. Antero region of Colorado
One of the most significant sources of aquamarine in the US is the Mt. Antero region near Poncha Springs, Colorado. Mt. Antero is the highest gem mine in North America at over 14,000 feet elevation. Aquamarine was first discovered on Mt. Antero in the 1870s, and it has been mined there continuously ever since.
The aquamarine found on Mt. Antero occurs mainly in pegmatites, which are formations of interlocking crystals. Miners search for pockets, fissures, and veins within the pegmatites that contain gem-quality aquamarine crystals. The aquamarine from this locale is known for its very pale blue or blue-green hues. Occasionally, a batch of darker blue crystals is uncovered.
Other areas near Mt. Antero, such as Mt. White and Meadow Creek, also produce some aquamarine specimens. But Mt. Antero is considered the most prolific source. The mining season is short due to the challenges of working at such high elevations. But dedicated miners keep returning to Mt. Antero in hopes of unearthing more of its treasured aquamarine.
Maine's Coastal Pegmatites
The state of Maine has a long history of mining aquamarine and other gems from pegmatites. These formations are found mainly along the coast near Acadia National Park and Downeast Maine. Significant finds have come from the towns of Topsham, Brunswick, Georgetown, and Deer Isle.
The coastal pegmatite mines of Maine have produced thousands of carats of pristine aquamarine over the years. The gems exhibit the typical light blue coloring but also occasionally violet-blue and greenish-blue shades. Some of the largest aquamarine crystals ever found in the United States came from Maine, including a massive crystal over 24 inches long and weighing 74 pounds.
While many of Maine's historic mines are closed today, interest in the state's gem deposits is on the rise again. Smaller mining operations continue to selectively work pockets within the pegmatites. They supply the occasional exceptional aquamarine specimen for collectors and cutters.
Aquamarine of the Carolinas
While North Carolina and South Carolina are better known for their emerald and amethyst deposits, scattered aquamarine locales are found across these states too. The Piedmont region northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina has produced occasional aquamarine crystals over 2 inches long from pegmatite mines.
But the most interesting aquamarine sites are the schorl mines of the Appalachian Mountains. Schorl is a black tourmaline that forms in radiating groups within quartz. Beautiful combinations of schorl, quartz, and aquamarine have come from mines in the Buck Creek and Bear Creek areas of North Carolina. The aquamarine occurs as light blue prismatic crystals nestled among the schorl sprays. These unique specimens have become favorites among mineral collectors.
Smaller aquamarine deposits have been found in Upstate South Carolina. But while the yields are minimal, the gem quality and tones of the S.C. aquamarine make it worthwhile for hobby miners. These small operations offer just enough aquamarine to supply the demand from gem cutters and jewelry designers looking for American-sourced stones.
California and Nevada
While the West Coast is not primarily thought of for aquamarine, there are noteworthy deposits scattered across California and Nevada. Small aquamarine crystals have been mined from pegmatites in San Diego County, California. Unusual opaque aquamarine has also been found in Riverside County. The most surprising locality is the Chocolate Mountains in Imperial County, where small but gemmy yellow-green aquamarine crystals have come from volcanic rock.
Several sites across the border in Nevada also produce aquamarine specimens. The Mt. Antone mine east of Fallon has offered crystals over 4 inches long. Other mines in the Reese River area contain tiny aquamarine crystals embedded in white cleavelandite feldspar. These unusual matrix specimens are treasured by mineral collectors. Meanwhile, the Queenstone Mine in Pershing County has produced roll-shaped aquamarine crystals up to 2 inches in length.
While commercial mining for aquamarine has largely ceased in the United States, these localities show the potential for new discoveries. Dedicated hobbyists and individual prospectors continue searching for pockets of this alluring gemstone. The vast mineral wealth across the US means that more world-class aquamarine awaits those willing to look for it.
