Where to Find Obsidian in Nevada

Nevada has 6 mapped collecting spots that report obsidian, spread across 5 counties. The largest share sits in Washoe County with 2 spots. 3 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.

Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.

Open the full map

Every obsidian spot we track in Nevada

Best spotBlack Rock DesertPershing County, NevadaPublic access · Opalized Wood, Petrified Wood, Agate +9
Montezuma PeakEsmeralda County, NevadaCheck locally · Chalcedony, Chert, Jasper +3
Scotty’s JunctionNye County, NevadaPublic access · Arrowhead, Obsidian, Apache Tear +1
SparksWashoe County, NevadaPublic access · Agate, Garnet, Idocrase +1
VyaWashoe County, NevadaCheck locally · Common Opal, Obsidian
Little High Rock CanyonHumboldt County, NevadaPermission required · Obsidian

Standout obsidian spots in Nevada

Hand-picked from the full list above, with the reason each one earns a trip.

Black Rock Desert
Pershing County
Black Rock Desert belongs on the list because the collecting context is an enormous BLM-managed volcanic and basin landscape rather than a single small pit.

Best counties for obsidian in Nevada

Ranked by the number of mapped obsidian spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.

Before you go

Read the obsidian identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Obsidian in the encyclopedia.

Obsidian in Nevada FAQ

Where can you find obsidian in Nevada?+

The mapped spots concentrate in Washoe County, Esmeralda County, and Humboldt County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.

How many obsidian spots are mapped in Nevada?+

6 spots across 5 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.

Is it legal to collect obsidian in Nevada?+

Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 3 of the 6 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.