West Mineral: Pyrite & Calcite Rockhounding in Cherokee County, Kansas

Updated June 2026

West Mineral is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cherokee County, Kansas. Reported finds include pyrite, calcite, dolomite, marcasite, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cherokee County
State: Kansas
Nearest road: Northwest 70th Street
Coordinates: 37.24331, -94.96624

Geology at West Mineral

This spot sits on Cherokee Group, mapped as sandstone and shale 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: Cherokee Group
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: sandstone and shale
Elevation: 900 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 West Mineral

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 44°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, COLUMBUS station (9 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 West Mineral

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 West Mineral.

Across the state line from West Mineral

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

West Mineral FAQ

Where is West Mineral?+

West Mineral is in Cherokee County, Kansas, at 37.24331, -94.96624. Nearest road: Northwest 70th Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at West Mineral?+

West Mineral is reported to produce Pyrite, Calcite, Dolomite, Marcasite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at West Mineral?+

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 West Mineral?+

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 West Mineral?+

The most comfortable months at West Mineral are February to December.

How do I get to West Mineral?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.24331, -94.96624 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Northwest 70th Street.

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