Bloomington: Fluorite & Aragonite Rockhounding in Monroe County, Indiana

Updated June 2026

Bloomington is a mapped rockhounding spot in Monroe County, Indiana. Reported finds include fluorite, aragonite, calcite, barite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Monroe County
State: Indiana
Nearest road: North Oard Road
Postcode: 47404
Coordinates: 39.16961, -86.62275

Geology at Bloomington

This spot sits on West Baden Group, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 360 to 325 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: West Baden Group
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 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 Bloomington

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BLOOMINGTON MONROE CO AP station (2 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 Bloomington

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 Bloomington.

Across the state line from Bloomington

Bloomington 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.

Bloomington FAQ

Where is Bloomington?+

Bloomington is in Monroe County, Indiana, at 39.16961, -86.62275. Nearest road: North Oard Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bloomington?+

Bloomington is reported to produce Fluorite, Aragonite, Calcite, Barite.

Is collecting allowed at Bloomington?+

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 Bloomington?+

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 Bloomington?+

The most comfortable months at Bloomington are March to November.

How do I get to Bloomington?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.16961, -86.62275 in Google Maps. The nearest road is North Oard Road.

More rockhounding in Indiana

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Open Bloomington on the map

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