The federal mineral record holds 2,647 entries for Georgia — 1,519 mines that shipped ore, 572 prospects that never became mines, 458 recorded occurrences. Below it: 3 places where you can legally collect.
Mineral history, not an invitation. This mineral history comes from a federal record of historic mines, prospects, and occurrences. It is not a list of places to collect. Historic mine sites are usually on private land, under active mining claims, or unsafe to enter — and often all three. The places you can actually collect are in the legal-access directory below.
The commodities that drew miners and prospectors to Georgia, by number of historic records:
Gold · 506Iron · 426Manganese · 291Kaolin · 275Aluminum · 256Mica · 254Clay · 80Granite · 71
Records from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System, a legacy federal database last revised August 2022 and no longer updated.
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Dahlonega, GA
placer goldpyritequartz
Fee dig · Fee · Open daily 10am-5pm year-round. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; Christmas Eve runs 10am-1pm with arrival asked by noon. Weekday mornings draw school groups, so afternoons move faster.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Dahlonega, GA
placer goldgarnetamethyst
Fee dig · Fee · Open seven days a week, 10am-6pm, rain or shine, and open on major holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Heated indoor panning is set up seasonally, so a winter trip still works.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
LaGrange, GA
berylaquamarinegreen beryl
Fee dig · Fee · Open to the public on Saturdays only, 9am-5pm, with arrival between 8am and 9am — the operator asks that you not arrive before 8am because of roadside traffic hazards. All other days are by reservation. Machine dig weekends are announced separately (the operator listed machine digs for August 27, 28 and 30, 2026).
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
GoldSilverCopperQuartz CrystalsGarnetsBerylSapphires & RubiesGemstones
Yes — at places that allow it. This page lists 3 in Georgia: fee digs, designated collecting areas, and official localities, each checked against its source. Everywhere else, legality depends on who owns the land and what rules apply. Before any trip: check land ownership and current mining claims, get permission, respect closures, and never enter old mine workings.
Treat Georgia's historic mines as history, not destinations. Most sit on private land or active mining claims, and old workings are dangerous even to walk. The mineral record on this page tells you what the ground holds — the directory tells you where you are welcome to look for it.