Where to Find Agate in Texas

Texas agate concentrates in the Big Bend country and the Trans-Pecos volcanic belt of Brewster, Presidio, and Jeff Davis counties. Pompom agate, plume agate, and red moss agate erode from the Tascotal and Mitchell Mesa volcanics south of Alpine, with the Walker, Woodward, and Stillwell ranches running paid digs. Marfa-area agate (Mexican Lace, often called Laguna or Marfa Plume) carries dramatic fortification banding. Smaller showings of Balmorhea blue agate occur in Reeves County. Surface collecting on public land is essentially nil, since most agate ground sits inside private ranches that charge daily access fees; trespass on Texas ranch land is treated seriously. The most productive ground is in Woodward Ranch plume agate (Brewster County), Walker Ranch (Brewster County), Marfa area (Presidio County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like agate is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Texas, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

Woodward Ranch plume agate (Brewster County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Walker Ranch (Brewster County), Marfa area (Presidio County).

Big Bend agate ranches typically run dig days from October through April, when temperatures stay below 100°F. Mid-summer is uncomfortable and most ranches close.