Best spot

Suwannee River: Agatized Coral Rockhounding in Hamilton County, Florida

Updated July 2026

The Suwannee River bed and banks downstream of White Springs are one of the three classic sources of Florida's state stone, agatized coral, where silica has replaced fossil coral to form chalcedony that keeps the original coral structure. Agatized coral is an invertebrate fossil, so no state fossil permit is required to collect it. Colors run from white and pink through gray, brown, and red, and collecting is most productive during the low water of the dry season. Reported finds include agatized coral. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Suwannee River photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

The Suwannee River and its cypress-lined banks in Hamilton County, Florida

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hamilton County
State: Florida
Nearest road: CR 25A
Coordinates: 30.34314, -82.79824

Geology at Suwannee River

This spot sits on Suwannee Limestone, mapped as limestone and dolostone that formed roughly 34 to 23 million years ago. Limestone like this typically forms in ancient seas, so marine fossils such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids tend to weather out of fresh exposures.

Mapped unit: Suwannee Limestone
Age: 34–23 Ma (Oligocene)
Rock types: limestone and dolostone
Elevation: 60 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Suwannee River

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 66°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 42°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WHITE SPRINGS 7N station (7 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Suwannee River

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Agatized Coral Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Suwannee River.

Across the state line from Suwannee River

Suwannee River is close enough to the Florida border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Withlacoochee RiverTop pick in GeorgiaLowndes County, Georgia · 37 mi awayAgatized Coral

Suwannee River FAQ

Where is Suwannee River?+

Suwannee River is in Hamilton County, Florida, at 30.34314, -82.79824. Nearest road: CR 25A.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Suwannee River?+

Suwannee River is reported to produce Agatized Coral.

Is collecting allowed at Suwannee River?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Suwannee River?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Suwannee River?+

The most comfortable months at Suwannee River are September to May.

How do I get to Suwannee River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 30.34314, -82.79824 in Google Maps. The nearest road is CR 25A.

More rockhounding in Florida

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Open Suwannee River on the map

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