Rockhounding has a long a proud history in Nevada. As the driest state
in the nation, we’ve got a lot of rocks that are all on clear display
with little vegetation covering them up. Known for its mining history,
there are many interesting minerals and fossils that go along with our
unique geology.
Helpful Tips:
Common rock specimens can be collected with hand tools only, for private use.
A permit or contract is needed for commercial mining of common minerals
such as sand, gravel, topsoil, landscaping rocks, and similar materials.
In Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, the only collecting allowed is
hobby collecting. This activity must not involve surface disturbance.
Prohibited items include prehistoric tools and chips or flaking debris made of precious or semiprecious stones.
The daily maximum is 25 pounds plus one piece of petrified wood collected per day.
The yearly maximum is 250 pounds collected per person per year.
Permits or contracts are required for pieces over 250 pounds.
You may not trade, barter, or sell the petrified wood you collect without a contract from the BLM.
Read more details on collecting on our Can I Keep Thiswebpage.
