Bicknell: Marcasite & Pyrite Rockhounding in Knox County, Indiana

Updated June 2026

Bicknell is a mapped rockhounding spot in Knox County, Indiana. Reported finds include marcasite, pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Knox County
State: Indiana
Nearest road: Grundman Road
Postcode: 47591
Coordinates: 38.72927, -87.41360

Geology at Bicknell

This spot sits on Patoka and Shelburn Formations, mapped as shale and sandstone that formed roughly 325 to 300 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: Patoka and Shelburn Formations
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale and sandstone
Elevation: 540 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 Bicknell

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 88°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VINCENNES 5 NE station (4 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 Bicknell

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 Bicknell.

Across the state line from Bicknell

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

Bicknell FAQ

Where is Bicknell?+

Bicknell is in Knox County, Indiana, at 38.72927, -87.41360. Nearest road: Grundman Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bicknell?+

Bicknell is reported to produce Marcasite, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Bicknell?+

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 Bicknell?+

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 Bicknell?+

The most comfortable months at Bicknell are March to November.

How do I get to Bicknell?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.72927, -87.41360 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Grundman Road.

More rockhounding in Indiana

See all 33 Indiana spots →

Open Bicknell on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.