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Where to Find Crystal Rocks in Pinellas County, Florida

Pinellas County, Florida's only crystal rock of note is agatized coral, which is not the same as other coral specimens. Agatized coral is a highly prized gemstone internationally and became Florida's state stone in 1979. It forms when silica, which is abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, hardens into quartz within coral, and it retains the coral's shape. Trace minerals cause the agatized coral to take on a variety of colors. In its many shapes and sizes, agatized coral resembles coral. The best time to look for agatized coral is when the water level is low.

Tampa Bay
- Using a rock hammer is helpful while hunting for agatized coral.
  
  Agatized coral is found most prominently in Pinellas County's waters off Ballast Point in Tampa Bay, in the far northern reaches. The area is accessed best using a small boat. Dredging operations, which may take place in the area, tend to unearth deep sediments that contain fossilized specimens, including agatized coral. Sifting through the dredged material may turn up white rock that contains agatized coral.
Parks
- Other Pinellas County hunting grounds for agatized coral are Fred Howard Park and Honeymoon Island State Park near the town of Dunedin on the Gulf of Mexico. Experts suggest wading into the water about 20 feet from shore along the causeway or beach to collect potential specimens of agatized coral.
Access
- "No trespassing" signs are common in agatized coral hunting sites.
  
  Agatized coral is becoming difficult to find due to the privatization of prime hunting grounds and urban sprawl. "No trespassing" signs appear more frequently in the areas it was found.
Other Locations
- Site beyond Pinellas County hold agatized coral, too. It may be found by sifting material in and along shallow coastal streams and rivers in the Ecofina, Withlacoochee and Suwannee river systems north of Pinellas County.
  
  Searchers, however, may find fossilized shark teeth rather than agatized coral in estuaries and streams throughout Florida.

Rocks & Minerals