Old Iron Mine: Chalcopyrite & Galena Rockhounding in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Old Iron Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, quartz, siderite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Northwest Hills Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Mine Hill Road
Postcode: 06783
Coordinates: 41.55751, -73.33869

Geology at Old Iron Mine

This spot sits on Ordovician? granitic gneiss, mapped as gneiss that formed roughly 420 to 390 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Ordovician? granitic gneiss
Age: 420–390 Ma (Early Devonian to Middle Devonian)
Rock types: gneiss
Elevation: 520 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 Old Iron Mine

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DANBURY station (12 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.

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

Found at Old 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 Old Iron Mine.

Across the state line from Old Iron Mine

Old Iron 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.

Old Iron Mine FAQ

Where is Old Iron Mine?+

Old Iron Mine is in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.55751, -73.33869. Nearest road: Mine Hill Road.

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

Old Iron Mine is reported to produce Chalcopyrite, Galena, Pyrite, Quartz, Siderite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Old 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 Old Iron Mine?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

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

The most comfortable months at Old Iron Mine are March to November.

How do I get to Old Iron Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.55751, -73.33869 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mine Hill Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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Open Old Iron Mine on the map

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