Big Four Fault: Anglesite & Cerussite Rockhounding in Crittenden County, Kentucky

Updated June 2026

Big Four Fault is a mapped rockhounding spot in Crittenden County, Kentucky. Reported finds include anglesite, cerussite, fluorite, galena, pyromorphite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crittenden County
State: Kentucky
Nearest road: KY 297
Postcode: 42064
Coordinates: 37.34972, -88.19261

Geology at Big Four Fault

This spot sits on St. Louis and Salem Limestones, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 360 to 325 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: St. Louis and Salem Limestones
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 520 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 Big Four Fault

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELIZABETHTOWN station (9 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 Big Four Fault

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 Big Four Fault.

Across the state line from Big Four Fault

Big Four Fault is close enough to the Kentucky border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Big Four Fault FAQ

Where is Big Four Fault?+

Big Four Fault is in Crittenden County, Kentucky, at 37.34972, -88.19261. Nearest road: KY 297.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Big Four Fault?+

Big Four Fault is reported to produce Anglesite, Cerussite, Fluorite, Galena, Pyromorphite, Smithsonite, Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Big Four Fault?+

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 Big Four Fault?+

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 Big Four Fault?+

The most comfortable months at Big Four Fault are February to December.

How do I get to Big Four Fault?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.34972, -88.19261 in Google Maps. The nearest road is KY 297.

More rockhounding in Kentucky

See all 37 Kentucky spots →

Open Big Four Fault on the map

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