RocksdayRockhounding in Maine
Maine's state mineral is tourmaline, and the Maine Geological Survey says collectors still find pink, green, blue or watermelon crystals in the rock piles around pegmatite quarries in the western part of the state. The quarries are private, which is why it points to localities where collecting is usually allowed for a small fee.
This guide is for general education only. It is not legal advice. Collecting rules change and differ by parcel. Before you dig, confirm land ownership and current regulations with the land manager (BLM, US Forest Service, state lands, state parks, or the fee-dig operator). National Park Service units generally prohibit collecting. Respect mining claims, tribal lands, and private property — when in doubt, do not collect. Last verified 2026-10-28.
Where to dig in Maine
Only sites whose land manager or operator publishes them for collecting. For recorded mineral occurrences across Maine, see the rockhounding map; an occurrence is not permission to collect.
Dunton Mine, Mt. Mica and Black Mountain
Private fee dig · Private owners (as listed by the Maine Geological Survey)
Pieces of pink, green, blue or watermelon tourmaline can be found at places such as the Dunton Mine (Newry), Mt. Mica and Black Mountain (Rumford), according to the Maine Geological Survey, which says collecting is usually allowed at these localities for a small fee.
Finds: Tourmaline
Access: Fee; the survey's page gives no hours, prices or contact details. Ask the owner before you go, because these are private sites.
Access and fees can change. Verify on the manager's official page before you go.
Federal land rules that apply in Maine
The same federal regulations apply in every state. The full explanation is on rockhounding rules on public land.
National parks and other NPS units
National Park Service rules prohibit possessing, removing or disturbing minerals, rocks, cave formations and fossils in park areas. Possessing or using a metal detector is prohibited too, unless it is broken down and packed away.
Source: 36 CFR § 2.1, Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources (National Park Service)
Artifacts and historic sites
Removing or disturbing archaeological, historic or cultural resources is prohibited on BLM, National Forest and National Park land. Leave arrowheads, tools and old structures where they are.
Source: 43 CFR § 8365.1-5, Property and resources; 36 CFR § 261.9, Property (National Forest prohibitions); 36 CFR § 2.1, Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources (National Park Service)
Mining claims
BLM says collecting is generally not allowed where there are active mining claims. Claim boundaries are not always marked on the ground, and some designated collecting areas have private claims around or inside them. Search the BLM Mineral & Land Records System, or ask the field office, before you dig.
Source: Public Collection of Rocks, Mineral Specimens, and Semiprecious Gemstones on Public Lands for Noncommercial Purposes: FAQ (Feb. 28, 2024); Sunstone Collection Area; Mineral & Land Records System (MLRS)
Abandoned mines, desert heat, flash floods, and wildlife are real hazards. Share a trip plan, carry water, and never enter unstable workings.
Rockhounding in Maine FAQ
What can you find rockhounding in Maine?
At the sites in this guide, the land managers list tourmaline.
Where can you rockhound in Maine?
This guide lists one site that land managers or operators publish for collecting: Dunton Mine, Mt. Mica and Black Mountain (private fee dig).
Sources
We cite primary sources (federal regulations, state rules, and land-manager sites). Third-party listicles are not used as citations.
- Tourmaline: Maine's State Mineral — Maine Geological Survey (accessed 2026-10-28).
- 36 CFR § 2.1, Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources (National Park Service) — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (accessed 2026-10-28).
- 43 CFR § 8365.1-5, Property and resources — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (accessed 2026-10-28).
- 36 CFR § 261.9, Property (National Forest prohibitions) — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (accessed 2026-10-28).
- Public Collection of Rocks, Mineral Specimens, and Semiprecious Gemstones on Public Lands for Noncommercial Purposes: FAQ (Feb. 28, 2024) — Bureau of Land Management (accessed 2026-10-28).
- Sunstone Collection Area — Bureau of Land Management (accessed 2026-10-28).
- Mineral & Land Records System (MLRS) — Bureau of Land Management (accessed 2026-10-28).
Last verified 2026-10-28. Corrections welcome: if a rule or site has changed, tell us and we'll re-verify.