Centerville (gypsum): Gypsum Rockhounding in Appanoose County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Centerville (gypsum) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Appanoose County, Iowa. Reported finds include gypsum. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Appanoose County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: 497th Street
Postcode: 52574
Coordinates: 40.76584, -92.91525

Geology at Centerville (gypsum)

This spot sits on ground mapped as Marmaton Group that formed roughly 315 to 305 million years ago. Fresh exposures, cuts, and drainages are typically the most productive places to look on ground like this.

Mapped unit: Marmaton Group
Age: 315–305 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Elevation: 980 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 Centerville (gypsum)

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CENTERVILLE station (3 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 Centerville (gypsum)

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Gypsum Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Centerville (gypsum).

Across the state line from Centerville (gypsum)

Centerville (gypsum) is close enough to the Iowa border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Centerville (gypsum) FAQ

Where is Centerville (gypsum)?+

Centerville (gypsum) is in Appanoose County, Iowa, at 40.76584, -92.91525. Nearest road: 497th Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Centerville (gypsum)?+

Centerville (gypsum) is reported to produce Gypsum.

Is collecting allowed at Centerville (gypsum)?+

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 Centerville (gypsum)?+

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 Centerville (gypsum)?+

The most comfortable months at Centerville (gypsum) are March to November.

How do I get to Centerville (gypsum)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.76584, -92.91525 in Google Maps. The nearest road is 497th Street.

More rockhounding in Iowa

See all 49 Iowa spots →

Open Centerville (gypsum) on the map

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