Field Guides

Pegmatite Prospecting: Where the Big Crystals Hide

How to recognize pegmatite bodies in the field and read their zones for topaz, beryl, tourmaline, and giant micas.

Rock type: Igneous

For: Collectors, Field Trip Leaders

Pegmatites are where the textbook crystals live. This guide covers recognizing pegmatite outcrops and dumps, reading wall-to-core zonation, and which zones host beryl, topaz, and tourmaline. Includes the etiquette of working historic dumps without undermining them.

Pocket reference
Many classic pegmatite districts are claimed or closed; verify status before visiting and respect the Abandoned Mine Stay-Out Standard.