Calumet Iron Mine: Amphibole & Chalcopyrite Rockhounding in Chaffee County, Colorado

Updated June 2026

Calumet Iron Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Chaffee County, Colorado. Reported finds include amphibole, chalcopyrite, corundum, epidote, pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Chaffee County
State: Colorado
Nearest road: Austin Trail
Coordinates: 38.63334, -106.00026

Geology at Calumet Iron Mine

This spot sits on ground mapped as Aluminous gneiss and schist, calc-silicate gneiss, and quartzite that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Aluminous gneiss and schist, calc-silicate gneiss, and quartzite
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Elevation: 8,890 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 Calumet Iron Mine

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F. At about 8,890 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SALIDA station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Calumet Iron Mine

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 Calumet Iron Mine.

Calumet Iron Mine FAQ

Where is Calumet Iron Mine?+

Calumet Iron Mine is in Chaffee County, Colorado, at 38.63334, -106.00026. Nearest road: Austin Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Calumet Iron Mine?+

Calumet Iron Mine is reported to produce Amphibole, Chalcopyrite, Corundum, Epidote, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Calumet Iron Mine?+

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 Calumet Iron Mine?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Calumet Iron Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Calumet Iron Mine are March to November. At about 8,890 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Calumet Iron Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.63334, -106.00026 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Austin Trail.

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Open Calumet Iron Mine on the map

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