There are exposed limestone deposits containing abundant crinoid stems in the vicinity of Cisco and Moran. The real prize here are trilobites, which are quite rare but can be found from time to time. Ancient clams and snails are imbedded within the limestones that can be carefully removed with a rock hammer. Search the exposed limestones around Lake Bridgeport near Chico to find a variety of different fossils. If you are in the area you must explore the Dinosaur Valley State Park where you can see ancient dinosaur footprint impressions in the mud. The nearby town of Glen Rose is well-known for fossils. Large ammonite fossils have been found here that are as large as a human head! A wide array of fossils are found here, including trilobites, crinoids, and gastropods. Two good sites are at Granbury Lake and Lake Benbrook. The most common occurrences are invertebrates that were once part of an ancient sea floor. In fact, most of the areas where petrified wood have been found also have the potential for fossils. Many people are surprised to learn how abundant fossils are throughout this state. This is another well-known area along Honey Creek where you can find beautiful specimens of Texas Topaz. You can pay a small fee and access known pits where topaz specimens can be dug from pegmatite dikes.ДЄnother pay-to-dig site near Mason is the Sequist Ranch. The Bar M Ranch in Mason is one of the few public collecting areas for topaz in Texas. Inquire with the local ranchers for access. A small area north of the town of Mason in the Katemcy Creek area is particularly productive.

Perhaps the best known area is at the San Saba River. There are several areas where these gorgeous gems occur.

The lovely gem known as topaz is the Texas State Gem. Careful inspection within the known areas is required to find one. As such, they are extremely hard to find nowadays. Tektites are the prize of any Texas rockhound. These distinct specimens found in this region are also called bediasites by geologists. Nails Creek State Park is within a known tektite area and is a good вЂњhome baseвЂќ for your searching.ДЄnother location known for tektites is the small town of Bedias in Grimes County. They are found around the town of Dime Box and Somerville Lake. These are fascinating little specimens that are formed when meteorites slam into the earth, creating a glass-like substance. Texas is actually one of the few places where tektites can be collected. You might also check with some of the local businesses and see if you can get some tips on access. All of the collecting sites are on private land, but you might have luck asking permission at the right places. The town of Livingston has always been well-known for its abundant petrified wood. There are areas around the towns of La Grange and Nechanitz that have long been known for palm wood and even select pieces of opalized wood. In addition to nice palm wood specimens there is also some nice agate and jasper material that is nice for lapidary. Toledo Bend Reservoir has lots of interesting rocks. Carefully scan the exposed gravel and look for isolated pieces. ItвЂ™s easy enough to explore around bridges when water levels are low. You can find pieces of petrified wood scattered throughout the gravels of the Brazos River. You can search the hills north of the reservoir with decent results, or simply explore the gravels along the shoreline. One known collecting site is near Lake Mackenzie in the Panhandle, northwest of the town of Silverton. There are many areas that are not well documented. Not only are these going to be good places for further research, but it may be worthwhile to explore adjacent areas in search of other ancient wood deposits. There are a few places worth highlighting. Petrified wood is surprisingly abundant in Texas if you know where to look. Many ranchers offer access to their lands for a small daily fee. Identifying areas to search is the first step, but gaining land access is the second (and very necessary) step before you start your hunt. Please keep in mind that most of the state of Texas is private land. This article will highlight a few choice areas that are worth exploring for adventurous rock collectors. Nice palm wood pieces can still be found and make excellent lapidary specimens. Many rockhounds hunt almost exclusively for high-grade petrified wood pieces. Agates and jaspers can be located throughout Texas. Every part of the state has something to collect.

Texas has much more opportunities for rockhounding than many people realize.

Topaz impression hanging