Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite): Chromite & Uvarovite Rockhounding in El Dorado County, California

Updated June 2026

Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite) is a mapped rockhounding spot in El Dorado County, California. Reported finds include chromite, uvarovite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: El Dorado County
State: California
Nearest road: Safari Trail
Coordinates: 38.80534, -121.03929

Geology at Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)

This spot sits on volcanic rocks, unit 2 (Western Sierra Foothills and Western Klamath Mountains), mapped as mafic volcanic that formed roughly 200 to 145 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: volcanic rocks, unit 2 (Western Sierra Foothills and Western Klamath Mountains)
Age: 200–145 Ma (Jurassic)
Rock types: mafic volcanic
Elevation: 1,280 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 Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 56°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 38°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, AUBURN station (7 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

BLM California — Recreational mineral collecting
California Geological Survey
CDFW — Suction Dredge Mining Permit Program
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)

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 Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite).

Across the state line from Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)

Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite) is close enough to the California border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite) FAQ

Where is Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)?+

Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite) is in El Dorado County, California, at 38.80534, -121.03929. Nearest road: Safari Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)?+

Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite) is reported to produce Chromite, Uvarovite.

Is collecting allowed at Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)?+

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 Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)?+

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 Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)?+

The most comfortable months at Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite) are September to June.

How do I get to Unnamed Location (Chromite/Uvarovite)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.80534, -121.03929 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Safari Trail.

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