Clayton County: Galena & Limonite Rockhounding in Clayton County, Iowa

Updated June 2026

Clayton County is a mapped rockhounding spot in Clayton County, Iowa. Reported finds include galena, limonite, pyrite, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Clayton County
State: Iowa
Nearest road: Great River Road
Postcode: 52049
Coordinates: 42.86729, -91.12890

Geology at Clayton County

This spot sits on ground mapped as Galena Group and Platteville Formation that formed roughly 460 to 445 million years ago. Ore minerals here are typically tied to veins and replacement zones, with old workings marking the productive ground.

Mapped unit: Galena Group and Platteville Formation
Age: 460–445 Ma (Late Ordovician)
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 Clayton County

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 9°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GUTTENBERG L&D 10 station (6 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Clayton County

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 Clayton County.

Across the state line from Clayton County

Clayton County 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.

Clayton County FAQ

Where is Clayton County?+

Clayton County is in Clayton County, Iowa, at 42.86729, -91.12890. Nearest road: Great River Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Clayton County?+

Clayton County is reported to produce Galena, Limonite, Pyrite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Clayton County?+

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 Clayton County?+

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 Clayton County?+

The most comfortable months at Clayton County are April to November.

How do I get to Clayton County?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.86729, -91.12890 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Great River Road.

More rockhounding in Iowa

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Open Clayton County on the map

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