Blue Jacket Mine: Chabazite & Stilbite Rockhounding in Idaho County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Blue Jacket Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Idaho County, Idaho. Reported finds include chabazite, stilbite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Idaho County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Blue Jacket Mine Road
Coordinates: 45.55636, -116.44191

Geology at Blue Jacket Mine

This spot sits on Hunsaker Creek Formation, mapped as conglomerate;mafic sandstone;argillite that formed roughly 300 to 250 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Hunsaker Creek Formation
Age: 300–250 Ma (Permian)
Rock types: conglomerate;mafic sandstone;argillite
Elevation: 4,860 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 Blue Jacket Mine

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RIGGINS station (14 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 Blue Jacket 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 Blue Jacket Mine.

Across the state line from Blue Jacket Mine

Blue Jacket 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.

Blue Jacket Mine FAQ

Where is Blue Jacket Mine?+

Blue Jacket Mine is in Idaho County, Idaho, at 45.55636, -116.44191. Nearest road: Blue Jacket Mine Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Blue Jacket Mine?+

Blue Jacket Mine is reported to produce Chabazite, Stilbite.

Is collecting allowed at Blue Jacket 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 Blue Jacket Mine?+

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.

When is the best time to visit Blue Jacket Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Blue Jacket Mine are March to October.

How do I get to Blue Jacket Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.55636, -116.44191 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Blue Jacket Mine Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

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Open Blue Jacket Mine on the map

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