Ima Mine: Tungsten & Tetrahedrite Rockhounding in Lemhi County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Ima Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lemhi County, Idaho. Reported finds include tungsten, tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, galena, scheelite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lemhi County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Patterson Creek Road
Postcode: 83253
Coordinates: 44.53364, -113.69225

Geology at Ima Mine

This spot sits on Lawson Creek Formation, Swauger Formation, Gunsight Formation, Apple Creek Formation, Big Creek Formation, West Fork Formation, Inyo Creek Formation, Hoodoo Quartzite, and Yellowjacket Formation, undivided, mapped as phyllitic quartzite, slate, siltstone, arkose, and sandstone that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Lawson Creek Formation, Swauger Formation, Gunsight Formation, Apple Creek Formation, Big Creek Formation, West Fork Formation, Inyo Creek Formation, Hoodoo Quartzite, and Yellowjacket Formation, undivided
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: phyllitic quartzite, slate, siltstone, arkose, and sandstone
Elevation: 6,670 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 Ima Mine

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 0°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MAY 2SSE station (10 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 Ima 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 Ima Mine.

Across the state line from Ima Mine

Ima 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.

Ima Mine FAQ

Where is Ima Mine?+

Ima Mine is in Lemhi County, Idaho, at 44.53364, -113.69225. Nearest road: Patterson Creek Road.

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

Ima Mine is reported to produce Tungsten, Tetrahedrite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Scheelite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Ima 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 Ima 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 Ima Mine?+

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

How do I get to Ima Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.53364, -113.69225 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Patterson Creek Road.

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