Quartz Deposits in Connecticut: A Guide To the 4 Most Likely Places To Find Them

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the world.

Quarts consist of two forms, which include, the normal α-quartz and the high-temperature β-quartz.

It is a hard, crystalline mineral that is composed of silica.

Rock hounds looking to find quartz in Connecticut are in for a surprise.

Quartz Deposits in Connecticut (A Visitor’s Guide)

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Laws are updated. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material.

Bantam Lake, CT

This is the largest natural lake in Connecticut.

The lake covers roughly 947 acres in two towns called Morris and Litchfield.

This is a very good area to find quartz.

Rock hounds can try their luck on the south and southwest sides of the lake.

The best time of year to visit this site is during spring and summer.

Planning should be done during the winter.

Rock hounds can easily access the site via a main road, CT-209.

The terrain can be described as developed roads that are easily accessed by car or bike.

If your accommodation is located nearby, you can simply walk to the site.

The site is located within a minute (0.8 miles) drive from Camp Columbia State Park.

To get to the site, rock hounds should head west on CT-109 W and then turn right onto CT-209 N.

GPS: 41.688216276343155, -73.23269056583715

Rock hounds should come prepared.

There is no special vehicle required to access the site.

But, pack sufficient water and food (snacks) for the expedition.

Additionally, a sun hat, gloves, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are required for this trip.

Rock hounds have a variety of accommodation to choose from in either Morris or Litchfield.

From bed and breakfasts to motels there is an accommodation option to suit any budget.

Tolland, CT

Tolland is a small town in Tolland, Connecticut.

The town was originally formed in 1785.

The road cuts and outcrops are excellent sources of quartz crystals.

These stones are exposed in this area.

Quartz crystals can be found in the talus and debris.

There are beautiful pieces of quartz sticking out of the ground in this area.

The location is a large cliff of schist.

It is located on the side of Gerber drive.

It is situated opposite the turnout of a factory.

Just up the road there should be a driveway to a church.

Rock hounds should come prepared with a hammer.

GPS: 41.8606673795099, -72.37756783310155

There are several hotels and motels in the area that offer accommodation for tourists and rock hounds.

Mclay Avenue, East Haven, CT

Rock hounds have reported several finds in the area.

Most notably, these include Quartz, Quartz var. Amethyst, Quartz var. Jasper, and Quartz var. Smoky Quartz.

There are various paid parking lots in the area where rock hounds can park their car.

There are no special car requirements for the area as it can be accessed by any type of vehicle.

The area offers a variety of hotels and motels that are situated a short drive from the location.

Most of the reported findings of quartz in this area have been reported on the road cut in Mclay Avenue, off Grannis Street and Laurel Street.

It is situated just past the Cinque Quarry.

GPS: 41.30700875955783, -72.86477448068075.

Due to weather conditions, the best time of year would be during spring and fall.

The quartz is colorless and can be described as micro-crystals in small pockets.

The quartz is generally penetrated by acicular goethite.

The quartz Amethyst is purple and described as micro-crystals in small pockets.

The quartz var. Jasper is red in color and the quartz var. smokey quartz is light brown to black and can be described as micro-crystals that are located in small pockets.

These are generally penetrated by acicular goethite as well.

Cinque Quarry, East Haven, CT

The area is a small quarry located in a Jurassic diabase intrusion.

The location was worked between the early 1970s and 1990s.

The site is known for rare quartz-on-calcite and other minerals.

The terrain is described as a quarry.

The best times of the year to visit the site is during spring and fall.

Summer may be too humid and hot.

The quartz is colorless to white and crystals are sized up to 1 cm.

Chlorite or hematite inclusions are responsible for coloring the quartz green or red.

In addition, the quartz found in this area is often penetrated by goethite fibers.

Quartz var. Amethyst, Quartz var. Agate, and Quartz var. Smoky Quartz is also commonly found in this area.

The quartz var. agate is pale blue-gray to gray.

The quartz var. amethyst is pale purple and the quartz var. smokey quartz is dark brown to black.

GPS: 41.307627217689586,-72.86531925201417

The area is easily accessible by vehicle and there are generally no special vehicle requirements to access the site.

There are various hotels and motels situated a short drive from the location where rock hounds can rest if they choose to stay overnight.

Rock hounds should bring along a hammer, and other essentials including sun screen, food and drink supplies, comfortable walking shoes, as well as brushes and safety goggles.

Also, a gps phone with map features is great for all of the sites mentioned.

There are also various other notable sites that did not make it onto the list but are worth checking out, including:

Route 11 road cuts, Salem, New London Co., Connecticut, USA | GPS 41.46222,-72.27167
Getty Granite Quarry, Salem, New London Co., Connecticut, USA | GPS 41.47083,-72.27222
Joshua Rock Quarry, Lyme, New London Co., Connecticut, USA | GPS 41.38083,-72.37667

These locations have all reported quartz findings by rock hounds and some are known for their quartz deposits.

Rock hounds can expect to spend the entire day at these locations, as most have an abundance of quartz.

Conclusion

Connecticut has several areas where rock hounds will be pleasantly surprised by the supply of quartz.

Planning should be done during the winter months and excursions done during the spring and fall months. These months offer the best climate for digging.