RockHoundR

Where to Find Pyrite

308 mapped pyrite spots across 54 regions in 3 countries. Pick a region for its local guide, or browse every spot below. Pyrite (fool's gold) is brassy iron sulfide that often forms perfect cubes. It shows up in coal-region shales and in many Western mining-district dumps, often alongside galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite.

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Every mapped pyrite spot

Top regions for pyrite

Pyrite rockhounding FAQ

Where is the best place to find pyrite?+
Utah, Missouri, North Carolina have the highest concentrations of pyrite in this list. Quality and access vary by area, so open the linked region pages for a detailed view.
How many pyrite rockhounding spots does RockHoundR track?+
308 mapped spots across 54 regions in 3 countries. The app keeps these on a map alongside your private finds.
Can I legally collect pyrite on public land?+
In the U.S., casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals like pyrite is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Rules differ by country and region, so always check with the managing agency before a trip.
How do I identify pyrite in the field?+
Field identification of pyrite comes down to color, hardness, fracture, and luster. The RockHoundR app links to geology details for each spot to help narrow down what you might be picking up.

Hunt pyrite on the map

Open RockHoundR to see these spots on a real map with public land overlays and trip-planning details.

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