Let me be honest about something here: Indiana isn't exactly famous for its fantastic rockhounding opportunities. Looking for cool rocks, minerals, and gems is a delightful pastime, though, so thankfully we're not completely out of options. There are some places where you can find rocks, minerals, and even geodes in Indiana, and I'm gonna let you in on a little secret: Brown County. In the past, I've let you in on some secrets about finding geodes in Hoosier National Forest, so here's a round two of sorts: this time, it's all about rockhounding in Brown County!
If you've been reading for a while, you'll probably remember that Brown County is often called the most beautiful part of Indiana.
It's astonishingly beautiful - seriously - but there's more to it than just a pretty face: it's also an awesome place to find geodes and certain minerals, given that you know where to look.
The primary minerals you'll find in Brown County are corundum, quartz, topaz and, sometimes, even diamonds - though they are rare.
As for the rest of Indiana, calcite, dolomite, quartz, pyrite, fluorite, and celestite are what it's most well-known for. But, for now, let's focus on Brown County.
Topaz is probably one of my favorite minerals, and there's plenty to be found.
Do keep in find: you cannot collect samples from state parks, so please do not try to do so in places like Brown County State Park. You will be able to find some wonderful specimens in and and around the park, but you can not take it home. Take only pictures!
Just north of the park's entrance, you'll find a road cut. Here, you may find some corundum, or even some geodes!
Geodes are round-ish rocks that, when cut open, reveal a plethora of crystals. You'll find them in Brown County, as well as within the Hoosier National Forest (which, by the way, you are permitted to take small samples for "personal use" home from). These geodes are likely to contain goethite, marcasite, aragonite, and, of course, quartz crystals.
Other excellent locations for rock/mineral and geode hunting, all in Brown County, are spots like Bear Creek, in the Trevlac region.
The Yellowwood Trail is another excellent option, as are various points along Indiana State Road 45. Beanblossom Creek and Blummets Creek are also wonderful!
Turns out, Brown County is more than just a nice place for camping; you can find some pretty amazing rock specimens around here, too.
Do remember to keep in mind the ethics of rockhounding, like not collecting within Indiana state or National Parks. And do check out some of the interesting fossils in Indiana if you find you can't get enough of the intriguing geology of our state - you never know what you'll find out there.
Where are your favorite rockhounding locations in Indiana? Let me know in the comments... or keep your secrets.
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