Where to Find Chert in New Mexico
New Mexico has 9 mapped collecting spots that report chert, spread across 6 counties. The largest share sits in Sierra County with 3 spots. 6 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.
Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.
Every chert spot we track in New Mexico
Mimbres MountainsSierra County, New MexicoPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +3
NW San Juan CountySan Juan County, New MexicoPermission required · Chert, Garnet, Jasper +2- Elephant ButteSierra County, New MexicoPermission required · Agate, Chert, Chalcedony +1
- General Area (Luna County)Luna County, New MexicoPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +1
- Pedernal ParkRio Arriba County, New MexicoPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +1
- Turquoise Hill and surrounding areaSanta Fe County, New MexicoPublic access · Agate, Chalcedony, Chert +1
- La Madera (dumortierite area)Rio Arriba County, New MexicoPublic access · Dumortierite, Specularite, Chert
- DerrySierra County, New MexicoPublic access · Chert
- Meerschaum area surfacesGrant County, New MexicoPermission required · Chert
Best counties for chert in New Mexico
Ranked by the number of mapped chert spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
Before you go
Read the chert identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Chert in the encyclopedia.
Chert in New Mexico FAQ
Where can you find chert in New Mexico?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Sierra County, Rio Arriba County, and Grant County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many chert spots are mapped in New Mexico?+
9 spots across 6 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 chert in New Mexico?+
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. 6 of the 9 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
Where else to find chert
More minerals to hunt in New Mexico
Hunt chert in New Mexico 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.
