Agates near Memphis, TN
7 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.
Map of 7 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Memphis, Tennessee
Closest agates spots to Memphis
- MemphisTipton County, Tennessee26 mi · 32 min driveLake Superior Agate, Agatized Fossils
- Mississippi RiverTunica County, Mississippi33 mi · 42 min driveAgate, Fossils
- DexterNew Madrid County, Missouri101 mi · 2 hr 7 min driveChert, Blue Agate, Gray Agate
- Graves CountyGraves County, Kentucky135 mi · 2 hr 48 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
- FayvilleAlexander County, Illinois145 mi · 3 hr 2 min driveAgate, Jasper, Diamond
- Marble Hill E General AreaBollinger County, Missouri148 mi · 3 hr 4 min driveAgate, Petrified Wood
Types of agates reported near Memphis
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agate5
- Blue Agate1
- Gray Agate1
- Lake Superior Agate1
- Pink Agate1
- White Agate1
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Memphis
Sorted by distance from Memphis. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MemphisTN 59 | Tipton County |
| 35.5114, -89.9334 | Public |
| Mississippi River | Tunica County | 34.7981, -90.4558 | Public | |
| DexterMO D | New Madrid County |
| 36.6143, -89.9624 | Public |
| Graves CountyKY 121 | Graves County | 36.6705, -88.5417 | Public | |
| FayvilleThebes Road | Alexander County | 37.1986, -89.4522 | Public | |
| Marble Hill E General AreaCounty Road 402 | Bollinger County | 37.2821, -89.9233 | Public | |
| ThebesOld Route 3 | Alexander County | 37.2393, -89.4422 | Public |
Agates near Memphis FAQ
Where can I find agates near Memphis?+
7 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Memphis report agate. The closest is Memphis in Tipton County 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?+
7 of the 7 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.
