Where to Find Hematite in Missouri

Missouri hematite is concentrated in the Precambrian iron districts of southeast Missouri. The Pilot Knob and Iron Mountain mines in Iron County produced massive hematite-magnetite ore that fed the early American steel industry, and specular hematite (the bladed reflective variety) is still common on the old surface dumps. The Pea Ridge mine in Washington County yields hematite as a primary ore alongside magnetite. Smaller showings of botryoidal hematite turn up in the St. Francois Mountains. Specular hematite blades are the prize Missouri specimens; massive ore is more common but less display-grade.

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Every hematite spot we track in Missouri

Cole CountyCole County, MissouriPublic access · Barite, Calcite, Cerussite +9
Ruepple Iron MineFranklin County, MissouriPublic access · Amethyst, Goethite, Hematite +9
SteelvilleCrawford County, MissouriPublic access · Allophane, Amethyst, Azurite +9
GranitevilleIron County, MissouriPublic access · Actinolite, Apatite, Beryl +7
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
Cuthbertson MountainIron County, MissouriPublic access · Hematite, Pyrolusite, Chalcopyrite +4
Hinch Copper MineCrawford County, MissouriPublic access · Copper, Cuprite, Limonite +3
ScotiaCrawford County, MissouriPublic access · Azurite, Goethite, Hematite +3
Shepherd MountainIron County, MissouriPublic access · Fluorite, Hematite, Magnetite +1
Simmons MineDent County, MissouriPublic access · Hematite, Quartz

Best counties for hematite in Missouri

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

Crawford County5 spots
Iron County3 spots
Cole County1 spot
Dent County1 spot
Franklin County1 spot
Phelps County1 spot

Before you go

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

Hematite in Missouri FAQ

Where can you find hematite in Missouri?+

The mapped spots concentrate in Crawford County, Iron County, and Cole County. Known collecting areas include Pilot Knob (Iron County), Iron Mountain district (Iron County), and Pea Ridge mine area (Washington County). Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.

How many hematite spots are mapped in Missouri?+

12 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 hematite 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. 11 of the 12 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.

Where else to find hematite

More minerals to hunt in Missouri

Hunt hematite 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.