Lane’s Mine: Arsenopyrite & Bismuth Rockhounding in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Lane’s Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include arsenopyrite, bismuth, pyrite, sphalerite, wolframite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Garder Road
Postcode: 06468
Coordinates: 41.35306, -73.23938

Geology at Lane’s Mine

This spot sits on Brookfield Gneiss, mapped as orthogneiss that formed roughly 470 to 460 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this commonly hosts vein and replacement mineralization, and old workings typically mark the productive zones.

Mapped unit: Brookfield Gneiss
Age: 470–460 Ma (Middle Ordovician)
Rock types: orthogneiss
Elevation: 460 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 Lane’s Mine

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ANSONIA 1 NW station (8 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 Lane’s 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 Lane’s Mine.

Across the state line from Lane’s Mine

Lane’s Mine is close enough to the Connecticut border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Lane’s Mine FAQ

Where is Lane’s Mine?+

Lane’s Mine is in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.35306, -73.23938. Nearest road: Garder Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lane’s Mine?+

Lane’s Mine is reported to produce Arsenopyrite, Bismuth, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Wolframite.

Is collecting allowed at Lane’s 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 Lane’s Mine?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Lane’s Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Lane’s Mine are March to November.

How do I get to Lane’s Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.35306, -73.23938 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Garder Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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Open Lane’s Mine on the map

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