Where to Find Agates near Memphis, TN
8 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Memphis report agate. The closest is Memphis, about 26 miles out (32 min drive).
Agates are banded chalcedony nodules that survive long after their volcanic host rock rots away, which is why they concentrate in gravel bars, beaches, and glacial deposits far from where they formed.
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Memphis
MemphisTipton County, Tennessee · 26 mi awayPublic access · Lake Superior Agate, Agatized Fossil
Best spotMississippi RiverTunica County, Mississippi · 33 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Fossil- DexterNew Madrid County, Missouri · 101 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Blue Agate, Gray Agate +2
Best spotGraves CountyGraves County, Kentucky · 135 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +3
Best spotTennessee River (Muscle Shoals)Colbert County, Alabama · 138 mi awayPublic access · Chert, Fossil, Chalcedony +1
Best spotFayvilleAlexander County, Illinois · 145 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Jasper, Diamond- Marble Hill E General AreaBollinger County, Missouri · 148 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Petrified Wood
- ThebesAlexander County, Illinois · 148 mi awayPublic access · Agate, Jasper
Types of agates reported near Memphis
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agate6
- Blue Agate1
- Gray Agate1
- Lake Superior Agate1
- Pink Agate1
- White Agate1
Agates near Memphis FAQ
Where can I find agates near Memphis?+
8 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Memphis report agate. The closest is Memphis in Tipton County, roughly 26 miles away (32 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Memphis?+
8 of the 8 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What is the fastest way to spot an agate in a gravel bed?+
Look for waxy luster and translucence rather than color. Wet the stone or look right after rain: agate glows softly at thin edges when backlit, while jasper and chert stay opaque. Banding clinches it but is often hidden until the stone is cracked or tumbled.
How far from Memphis do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 26 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 148 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Memphis
Where to Find Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Memphis with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
