Champion Mine Dump: Hematite & Sapphire Rockhounding in Marquette County, Michigan

Updated August 2026

Champion Mine Dump is a mapped rockhounding spot in Marquette County, Michigan. Reported finds include hematite, sapphire, sericite, specularite, specular hematite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Marquette County
State: Michigan
Nearest road: Mine Street
Postcode: 49814
Coordinates: 46.50851, -87.98885

Geology at Champion Mine Dump

This spot sits on Menominee Group, undivided, mapped as quartzite, slate, and banded iron formation that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Menominee Group, undivided
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: quartzite, slate, and banded iron formation
Elevation: 1,730 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 Champion Mine Dump

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 2°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CHAMPION VAN RIPER PK station (1 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Michigan DNR — Rockhounding rules
Michigan Geological Survey
Isle Royale National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Champion Mine Dump

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 Champion Mine Dump.

Across the state line from Champion Mine Dump

Champion Mine Dump is close enough to the Michigan border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Champion Mine Dump FAQ

Where is Champion Mine Dump?+

Champion Mine Dump is in Marquette County, Michigan, at 46.50851, -87.98885. Nearest road: Mine Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Champion Mine Dump?+

Champion Mine Dump is reported to produce Hematite, Sapphire, Sericite, Specularite, Specular Hematite, Quartz, Muscovite, Black Tourmaline, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Goethite, Magnetite.

Is collecting allowed at Champion Mine Dump?+

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 Champion Mine Dump?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Champion Mine Dump?+

The most comfortable months at Champion Mine Dump are April to October.

How do I get to Champion Mine Dump?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.50851, -87.98885 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mine Street.

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