Horse Mt (Chromite): Chromite Rockhounding in Humboldt County, California

Updated June 2026

Horse Mt (Chromite) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Humboldt County, California. Reported finds include chromite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Humboldt County
State: California
Nearest road: Horse Mountain Road
Coordinates: 40.87530, -123.73003

Geology at Horse Mt (Chromite)

This spot sits on Ultramafic rocks, chiefly Mesozoic, unit 2 (Western Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains), mapped as peridotite and serpentinite that formed roughly 1000 to 175 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Ultramafic rocks, chiefly Mesozoic, unit 2 (Western Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains)
Age: 1000–175 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Early Jurassic)
Rock types: peridotite and serpentinite
Elevation: 4,820 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.

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 Horse Mt (Chromite)

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

Chromite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Horse Mt (Chromite).

Horse Mt (Chromite) FAQ

Where is Horse Mt (Chromite)?+

Horse Mt (Chromite) is in Humboldt County, California, at 40.87530, -123.73003. Nearest road: Horse Mountain Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Horse Mt (Chromite)?+

Horse Mt (Chromite) is reported to produce Chromite.

Is collecting allowed at Horse Mt (Chromite)?+

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 Horse Mt (Chromite)?+

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.

How do I get to Horse Mt (Chromite)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.87530, -123.73003 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Horse Mountain Road.

More rockhounding in California

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Open Horse Mt (Chromite) on the map

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