Agates near Columbia, MO
14 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Columbia report agate. The closest is Warsaw, about 77 miles out (1 hr 37 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 14 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Columbia, Missouri
Closest agates spots to Columbia
- WarsawBenton County, Missouri77 mi · 1 hr 37 min driveAgate, Chert, Mozarkite
- Old MonroeLincoln County, Missouri86 mi · 1 hr 47 min driveLake Superior Agate, Garnet, Staurolite
- Livingston CountyLivingston County, Missouri86 mi · 1 hr 48 min driveLake Superior Agate, Jasper, Fossils
- La GrangeLewis County, Missouri88 mi · 1 hr 50 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Grundy CountyGrundy County, Missouri103 mi · 2 hr 9 min driveLake Superior Agate, Jasper, Fossils
- GallatinDaviess County, Missouri109 mi · 2 hr 16 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
Types of agates reported near Columbia
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Columbia
Sorted by distance from Columbia. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | Benton County | 38.1868, -93.3821 | Public | |
| Old MonroeEast Sycamore Road | Lincoln County | 38.9307, -90.7431 | Public | |
| Livingston County | Livingston County | 39.7545, -93.5739 | Public | |
| La GrangeWharf Street | Lewis County | 40.0469, -91.4958 | Public | |
| Grundy County | Grundy County | 40.1196, -93.5296 | Public | |
| GallatinPepper Avenue | Daviess County | 39.9193, -93.9405 | Public | |
| HamiltonSouth 9th Street | Hancock County | 40.3872, -91.3462 | Public | |
| Daviess County215th Street | Daviess County | 39.9653, -93.9975 | Public | |
| GreenfieldEast Dade 114 | Dade County | 37.4162, -93.8310 | Public | |
| Gentry County | Gentry County | 40.2077, -94.3754 | Public | |
| New LondonJoyce & Ted's Place | Henry County | 40.8799, -91.3906 | Public | |
| Skunk River gravels near Mount PleasantOakland Mills Road | Henry County | 40.9474, -91.5719 | Public | |
| Burlington (Lake Superior agate)Flint River Trail | Des Moines County | 40.8320, -91.0984 | Public | |
| Burlington (geodes)Starrs Cave Road | Des Moines County | 40.8521, -91.1493 | Public |
Agates near Columbia FAQ
Where can I find agates near Columbia?+
14 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Columbia report agate. The closest is Warsaw in Benton County County, roughly 77 miles away (1 hr 37 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Columbia?+
14 of the 14 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 Columbia do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 77 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 146 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
