Best spot

Cove Creek Bridge: Apatite & Monticellite Rockhounding in Hot Spring County, Arkansas

Updated June 2026

Kimzeyite and perovskite give the Cove Creek Bridge area its weight: Perovskite Hill and the nearby Kimzey carbonatite localities are documented Magnet Cove occurrences rather than generic creek gravel. The appeal is the chance to study loose material tied to Arkansas's alkaline-carbonatite complex, where apatite, magnetite, monticellite, and zirconium-bearing garnet occur in a tight geologic setting. Reported finds include apatite, monticellite, magnetite, perovskite, kimseyite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Cove Creek Bridge photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

4 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hot Spring County
State: Arkansas
Nearest road: AR 51
Postcode: 72104
Coordinates: 34.45683, -92.87516

Geology at Cove Creek Bridge

This spot sits on Igneous rocks, mapped as nepheline syenite, intrusive carbonatite, and alkalic volcanic that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Igneous rocks
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: nepheline syenite, intrusive carbonatite, and alkalic volcanic
Elevation: 360 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Cove Creek Bridge

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 52°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 29°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MALVERN station (5 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Ouachita National Forest — Mineral Collecting
Crater of Diamonds State Park — Rules and finds
Arkansas Geological Survey
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Cove Creek Bridge

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Cove Creek Bridge.

Cove Creek Bridge FAQ

Where is Cove Creek Bridge?+

Cove Creek Bridge is in Hot Spring County, Arkansas, at 34.45683, -92.87516. Nearest road: AR 51.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cove Creek Bridge?+

Cove Creek Bridge is reported to produce Apatite, Monticellite, Magnetite, Perovskite, Kimseyite.

Is collecting allowed at Cove Creek Bridge?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Cove Creek Bridge?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Cove Creek Bridge?+

The most comfortable months at Cove Creek Bridge are September to June.

How do I get to Cove Creek Bridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.45683, -92.87516 in Google Maps. The nearest road is AR 51.

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