Buddha: Barite & Calcite Rockhounding in Lawrence County, Indiana

Updated June 2026

Buddha is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lawrence County, Indiana. Reported finds include barite, calcite, celestite, gypsum, strontianite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lawrence County
State: Indiana
Postcode: 47467
Coordinates: 38.77170, -86.37773

Geology at Buddha

This spot sits on ground mapped as Harrodsburg Limestone of Sanders Group that formed roughly 355 to 330 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Harrodsburg Limestone of Sanders Group
Age: 355–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Elevation: 640 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 Buddha

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, OOLITIC PURDUE EX FM 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 Buddha

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 Buddha.

Across the state line from Buddha

Buddha 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.

Buddha FAQ

Where is Buddha?+

Buddha is in Lawrence County, Indiana, at 38.77170, -86.37773.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Buddha?+

Buddha is reported to produce Barite, Calcite, Celestite, Gypsum, Strontianite.

Is collecting allowed at Buddha?+

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 Buddha?+

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 Buddha?+

The most comfortable months at Buddha are March to November.

How do I get to Buddha?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.77170, -86.37773 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Indiana

See all 33 Indiana spots →

Open Buddha on the map

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