Types of Rocks Found In Florida: A Guide To the 5 Most Common You'll Spot

Limestone, limestone, limestone, is what you will hear about rocks in Florida.

However, that is not all that there is to find if you are rock hunting in the Sunshine State.

The state stone is agatized coral, and dolomite and other gems are in abundance here.

Florida is also the home of many fossils that are reportedly millions of years old.

Learn about the top five most common types of rocks found in Florida right here.

Types of Rocks Found In Florida: A Guide

Agatized Coral

Agatized coral is a unique rock that is also called fossil coral.

This is a rock that is tan or brown on the outside of the rock, and has cream or white-colored spots inside.

Coral is formed from ocean animal skeletons from animals that lived under the ocean waters, and that is how Florida became home to so many specimens of agatized coral.

When the animals were alive, the carbon dioxide that they created would combine with the salt elements in ocean water to form coral.

This process takes millions of years.

The most common places to find agatized coral are in Tampa Bay, the Suwannee river beds, and the Econfina River.

It is also found in Stephen Foster State Park.

Because there is so much of this stone in Florida, it was recognized as the state stone in 1979.

The stone is used for many things, including home décor and jewelry.

It also has a purported metaphysical function and is said to be used to aid in negotiations and reconciliation for those that practice crystal healing in the New Age community.

Limestone

Although agatized coral is the state’s stone, and very popular in Florida, the most common stone found here is limestone.

There are many different kinds of limestone in Florida.

This is a stone that becomes limestone after being covered by clay and sand.

It is typically a grey or blue color, and is a harder stone.

It can also sometimes be white or lighter in appearance.

The most common uses of limestone today are in road construction and fertilizer.

Limestone is frequently used in outdoor home décor and landscaping, for driveways and roads.

One area of Florida that is rich in limestone is on the Atlantic Coast side of Florida near the St. Johns and Palm Beach County area, where a type of limestone called the Anastasia Formation is found.

Here you will find limestone that includes shells and quartz, and it may even sparkle in color.

The closer you are to the water, the more likely you are going to find limestone that is considered the Anastasia Formation.

There is also a limestone called Key Largo limestone and is gray and white with sparkles of fossils in it.

This is most commonly found along the Key Largo corridor that runs from Soldier Key to New Harbor Keys.

Another common kind of limestone found in Florida is called Miami limestone and is found exactly where it says it is.

This is a softer limestone that contains some elements of quartz sand that give it a softer appearance and texture.

You might see small ooliths in this type that are fossilized eggs from animals of the ocean.

The most common areas you will find this are in Dade and Broward counties but Monroe County and Collier is home to Miami limestone as well.

Ocala limestone is another common limestone in Florida that is softer even that Miami limestone.

This is a porous limestone that is slightly denser with more crystalline elements to it that give it a unique look.

Suwanee limestone differs from other Florida limestones in that it has a higher amount of calcium carbonate.

It contains more sand and clay than other types of Florida limestone as well.

Florida limestone is used in Florida and across the nation for many purposes, from industrial to home landscaping, and for décor as well.

On its own when sold or offered as single rocks or stones, it offers a beautiful accent in any room or rock collection as a stand alone specimen.

Aragonite

Aragonite is carbonate and is very similar to calcite in structure with an interior crystal definition that gives it a beautiful look.

This crystalline structure inside the stone makes the specimen iridescent.

It is typically beige or golden in shape, with irregularities that make it stunning.

Aragonite is often confused with coral reef, and is found close to the shores of ocean waters.

The mass uses for aragonite are in steel productions, however it is also used in artwork and on its own as a single specimen or stone in the metaphysical world.

From a metaphysical perspective, aragonite is thought to offer self-confidence and self-worth and help the individual feel better about themselves.

Chert

Chert is a stone that is also called flint (depending on the color).

It is typically gray, but can also be found in red, blue, orange, and even yellow.

This is a very hard stone that has limestone components to it.

Its history of use in Florida goes back to the Native Americans hundreds of years ago who would use it to make arrowheads and axe heads.

In Europe, chert was once used to mill grain. Today chert in jewelry and home décor brings a stately look to any room or attire.

Today, chert is sometimes considered to be gravel or driveway fieldstone, and this is often what it is used for.

It is frequently used industrially for roadways and construction.

Its compact definition makes it a very durable stone.

Chert is found in many locations in Florida, including Marion County and Alachua County where it is found with fossilized ivory.

Red chert can be found in Jackson County.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a mineral that is sedimentary in nature.

It is found in a wide variety of colors such as white, pink, and light brown, and often has big streaks throughout it, giving it a striking appearance.

It is primarily calcite in structure, which makes it a very hard stone.

When immersed in acid, dolomite has a stunning effervescence that is appealing to many rock hunters.

Dolomite is also used to make glass, brick, and many ceramic materials.

It can be sold on its own as well.

When refined, it is a stunning rock where every specimen is unique and brings a gorgeous shine to any room or piece of jewelry.

Dolomite is very common in Florida, and there is even a company called Dolomite Inc. based in Florida.

Rock hunters can find it on the shores in Broward County and Pompano Beach.

Plan Your Florida Rock Hunt

Many rocks and stone specimens are typically formed from sedimentary layers of material, and the combination of fossilized remains.

Because Florida is surrounded by water, this makes rock hunting in Florida unique, as fossilized remains from sea animals found in stones and specimens makes rock hunting here so distinctive.

It’s another reason why stones have a metaphysical quality to them for millions of people in the world.

This is energy recycling from that perspective.

Still, it might simply be recycled for driveways or interior décor, and still offer a stately elegance to any home, when any of these rock specimens are used in your life.

Florida is a land of abundance for rock hunters.

What you find here will be unlike any other rock in the nation.

Begin planning your Florida rock hunt today.