Where to Find Pyrite in New Mexico
New Mexico has 6 mapped collecting spots that report pyrite, spread across 5 counties. The largest share sits in Colfax County with 2 spots. 5 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible, and 1 is a fee-dig site.
Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.
Every pyrite spot we track in New Mexico
Burro PeakGrant County, New MexicoPublic access · Azurite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite +7- Lucky MineOtero County, New MexicoPublic access · Andradite, Chrysocolla, Malachite +7
- PecosSan Miguel County, New MexicoPublic access · Actinolite, Garnet, Lepidolite +4
- Moreno CreekColfax County, New MexicoPublic access · Chalcopyrite, Gold, Pyrite +1
- Ute CreekColfax County, New MexicoPublic access · Chalcopyrite, Gold, Pyrite +1
Nit MineSocorro County, New MexicoFee dig · Pyrite
Best counties for pyrite in New Mexico
Ranked by the number of mapped pyrite spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
- Colfax County2 spots
- Grant County1 spot
- Otero County1 spot
- San Miguel County1 spot
- Socorro County1 spot
Before you go
Read the pyrite identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Pyrite in the encyclopedia.
Pyrite in New Mexico FAQ
Where can you find pyrite in New Mexico?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Colfax County, Grant County, and Otero County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many pyrite spots are mapped in New Mexico?+
6 spots across 5 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 pyrite 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. 5 of the 6 mapped spots here sit on land marked public, and 1 is a fee-dig operation where you pay for access and keep what you find. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
Where else to find pyrite
More minerals to hunt in New Mexico
Hunt pyrite 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.
