Where to Find Chalcopyrite in Missouri

Chalcopyrite is the principal copper sulfide in Missouri's Mississippi Valley ores, where it occurs as a minor associate of galena and sphalerite. The Viburnum Trend mines (Sweetwater, Buick, Brushy Creek) produce tetrahedral chalcopyrite up to two centimeters on dolomite matrix, often with iridescent tarnish films. The Old Lead Belt around Bonne Terre yields smaller chalcopyrite grains in massive galena ore. Mine La Motte in Madison County adds chalcopyrite alongside its copper-cobalt-nickel ores. Surface specimens tarnish quickly to peacock colors; freshly fractured crystals are bright brassy yellow and a fingernail-scratch test distinguishes from pyrite.

Open the full map

Every chalcopyrite spot we track in Missouri

FredericktownMadison County, MissouriPublic access · Aragonite, Azurite, Calcite +10
JoplinJasper County, MissouriPermission required · Apatite, Aragonite, Azurite +10
Cole CountyCole County, MissouriPublic access · Barite, Calcite, Cerussite +9
Eldon & EttervilleMoniteau County, MissouriPublic access · Barite, Calcite, Cerussite +8
St. Francois CountySaint Francois County, MissouriPublic access · Barite, Goethite, Pyrite +7
BixbyIron County, MissouriPublic access · Bornite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite +6
Copper Hill MineCrawford County, MissouriPermission required · Azurite, Barite, Chalcopyrite +6
Moselle Iron MinesPhelps County, MissouriPublic access · Amethyst, Arsenopyrite, Azurite +6
SullivanCrawford County, MissouriPublic access · Azurite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite +5
TroyLincoln County, MissouriPublic access · Calcite, Marcasite, Pyrite +5
Cuthbertson MountainIron County, MissouriPublic access · Hematite, Pyrolusite, Chalcopyrite +4
EminenceShannon County, MissouriPublic access · Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Cuprite +3
NewarkKnox County, MissouriPublic access · Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Goethite +3
Adrian’s QuarryBoone County, MissouriPublic access · Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Marcasite +2

Best counties for chalcopyrite in Missouri

Ranked by the number of mapped chalcopyrite spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.

Crawford County2 spots
Iron County2 spots
Boone County1 spot
Cole County1 spot
Jasper County1 spot
Knox County1 spot
Lincoln County1 spot
Madison County1 spot
Moniteau County1 spot
Phelps County1 spot
Saint Francois County1 spot
Shannon County1 spot

Before you go

Read the chalcopyrite identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Chalcopyrite in the encyclopedia.

Chalcopyrite in Missouri FAQ

Where can you find chalcopyrite in Missouri?+

The mapped spots concentrate in Crawford County, Iron County, and Boone County. Known collecting areas include Sweetwater mine (Reynolds County), Brushy Creek mine (Iron County), and Mine La Motte (Madison County). Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.

How many chalcopyrite spots are mapped in Missouri?+

14 spots across 12 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.

Is it legal to collect chalcopyrite in Missouri?+

Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 12 of the 14 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.

Where else to find chalcopyrite

More minerals to hunt in Missouri

Hunt chalcopyrite in Missouri with the map in your pocket

RockHoundR puts these spots on an offline map with BLM and Forest Service overlays, geology layers, and a log for your finds.