New Hampshire Smoky Quartz and Crystal Sites
The Granite State’s Conway granite and pegmatites produce smoky quartz, microcline (including amazonite), topaz, amethyst, beryl and fluorite. The White Mountain National Forest runs designated mineral sites with simple, free permits.
| Best place | Moat Mountain Mineral Site near Conway (White Mountain NF) |
|---|---|
| Permit | Free one-day permit at the trailhead |
| Limit | About 50 lb, one 5-gallon bucket |
| Access | About 0.9-mile hike; hand tools only, fill your holes |
| What you will find | Smoky quartz and microcline; occasional amethyst and topaz |
| Fee option | Ruggles Mine, Grafton, in season |
Moat Mountain Mineral Site
The Moat Mountain Mineral Site near Conway sits on the contact between Conway granite and Moat volcanics.
- A free mineral collection permit is required, available at the trailhead.
- Permits are good for one day at one site, with a limit of about 50 lb (one 5-gallon bucket).
- Hand tools only. Don’t dig under trees or cut roots, and fill your holes before you leave.
- The dig area is about a 0.9-mile hike from the parking area. Bring water.
Look on the surface and in loose soil for dark, glassy, six-sided crystals, often with blocky white microcline.
Other White Mountain sites
Deer Hill and Lord Hill (on the Maine side) are also designated sites. Outside them, the White Mountain National Forest limits collecting. Gold panning needs a free permit from a district office.
Ruggles Mine and fee sites
Ruggles Mine in Grafton is a historic mica and feldspar mine with paid public collecting in season. Families can also try sluices such as Jellystone Glen Ellis.
Questions
Do I need a permit to collect at Moat Mountain?
Yes. A free one-day mineral collection permit is available at the trailhead.
How much can I collect at Moat Mountain?
About 50 lb, or one 5-gallon bucket, per permit.
What can I find at Moat Mountain?
Mostly smoky quartz and microcline, with occasional amethyst and topaz.
Can I pan for gold in the White Mountains?
Yes, with a free gold panning permit from a White Mountain National Forest district office.
Back to the New Hampshire rockhounding guide · Rules by land type