An insight into where the best rock hunting locations in England might be, as told from Scottish rockhounds.
Rock hunting in any country will share similarities. Since many of our fans have been asking specifically where to go looking for crystals and gemstones in England, we though it was time to address the issue. We know we are in Scotland. While land ownership differs in the south, the rocks are not so different. Admittedly, the first thing we realised is that the rules between rock hunting in Scotland and rock hunting in England are similar but not the same.
Cautions against Rockhounding England
Let’s get the cautionary tales out of the way first. Here is what you ought to do to stay legal before you rush out and steal precious gems from a local farmer!
Get Permission to Hunt Rocks in England
In England you don’t have the same rights to roam or laws regarding common ground and access to land as we do up north. The differences are multiple and likely involve a lawyer, so the best way to keep yourself right is to simply always obtain permission.
The local farmer probably wouldn’t mind if you hopped in his river to look for quartz, as long as you agree not to sue him if you hurt yourself. Similarly, taking a farmer a bottle of something nice as a bribe can go a long way. Estate owners are generally interested in what you can find on their land… especially if you offer them a share.
This is a big caution here, though. There are too many cautionary tales of metal detectorists who have found hoarded Viking wealth in a field only for the landowner to take them to court for the contents. It’s their field, so it’s technically their treasure even though they might never dig it up.
Don’t Pick Rocks from Beaches
Officially speaking you should not pick rocks from beaches. We have this question often and particularly regarding fossils found on the Jurassic coastline. No, you shouldn’t remove them. Yes, it is technically illegal. Erosion of the coastline is a big problem UK wide. The particular law is the coastal Protection Act which dates back to the 1940s. It goes by the rule that if all of us rushed to pick a fossil from the beach there would be no beach left.
Stay off the beaches. Go for rivers and streams instead.
Where are the best places to hunt for crystals in England?
Take to the hills and look at exposed areas of dirt. Get your boots on and go hiking. Examine around tree roots in forests. Look in rivers and waterways. If you see high concentrations of orange iron or white quartz then you are on the right lines.
As for crystal hunting destinations in England where you are legally allowed to hunt for rocks and gemstones? Get permission if you are unsure and check out the following areas.
Where to hunt for fossils in England?
The Isle of Wight has actual dinosaur footprints all over it, as do the white chalk cliffs of the far south. The British Geological Society recommend these holiday destinations for amateur geologists.
Where to hunt for crystals in England?
The Lake District is known for fluorites, quartz, and calcite, as well as galena. The north east plays home to a specific type of mineral known as Blue John, only available from a few mines in Derbyshire. UK waterways have trace amounts of amethyst, topaz, beryl, agate, chalcedony and a whole host of crystals.
Tips we found for places to hunt for rocks in England include:
- There may be geodes in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, nicknamed “potato stones”
· Check the Coniston Water if you are in the Lake district. Remember to get permission!
· Small amounts of Opal have been found in Cornwall but expect to have to go down a mine to get it.
· You may or may not find selenite (gypsum) on the Jurassic Coast
· You will find fluorite in County Durham and Derbyshire
· Sea glass and pottery are actually rubbish which are in our waterways. They are the exception for the “don’t remove anything from the beach” rule.
· Look for areas known for previous volcanic activity. Crystals often grow in the small bubbles in old lava.
Can you Pan for Gold in England?
Yes, you can pan for gold in England. Technically all of the gold and silver in the ground belongs to His Majesty but as long as you are not using motorized equipment to remove it nobody tends to complain. However – as ever – you should always obtain permission from the person who owns the land before you begin panning. You should also be mindful of flora and fauna while you are on the water.
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