Moonlight Mine: Bornite & Chalcocite Rockhounding in Bannock County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Moonlight Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Bannock County, Idaho. Reported finds include bornite, chalcocite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bannock County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: West Buckskin Road
Coordinates: 42.88381, -112.27887

Geology at Moonlight Mine

This spot sits on ground mapped as Windermere Supergroup that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Windermere Supergroup
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Elevation: 5,820 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.

Best time to visit Moonlight Mine

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, POCATELLO 2 NE 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Idaho Panhandle National Forests — Emerald Creek
Idaho Geological Survey
Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Moonlight 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 Moonlight Mine.

Across the state line from Moonlight Mine

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

Moonlight Mine FAQ

Where is Moonlight Mine?+

Moonlight Mine is in Bannock County, Idaho, at 42.88381, -112.27887. Nearest road: West Buckskin Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Moonlight Mine?+

Moonlight Mine is reported to produce Bornite, Chalcocite.

Is collecting allowed at Moonlight 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 Moonlight 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 Moonlight Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Moonlight Mine are March to October.

How do I get to Moonlight Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.88381, -112.27887 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Buckskin Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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Open Moonlight Mine on the map

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