Best spot

Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill): Jaspilite & Jasper Rockhounding in Marquette County, Michigan

Updated June 2026

Jasper Knob in Ishpeming is a bald hilltop made entirely of jaspilite, a 1.87-billion-year-old banded iron formation of alternating red jasper and silvery specular hematite. The folded, polished bands are among the best easily reached banded-iron exposures in North America. A short foot trail off Hill Street leads straight to the outcrop. Reported finds include jaspilite, jasper, hematite, specular hematite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

The banded red jasper and silver hematite of the jaspilite outcrop at Jasper Knob, Ishpeming

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Marquette County
State: Michigan
Nearest road: Jasper Knob
Postcode: 48949
Coordinates: 46.48671, -87.65506

Geology at Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)

This spot sits on Menominee Group; Negaunee Iron-formation, mapped as banded iron formation that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Menominee Group; Negaunee Iron-formation
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: banded iron formation
Elevation: 1,570 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 Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 21°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ISHPEMING WWTP station (2 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.

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 Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)

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 Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill).

Across the state line from Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)

Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill) 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.

Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill) FAQ

Where is Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)?+

Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill) is in Marquette County, Michigan, at 46.48671, -87.65506. Nearest road: Jasper Knob.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)?+

Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill) is reported to produce Jaspilite, Jasper, Hematite, Specular Hematite.

Is collecting allowed at Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)?+

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 Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)?+

The most comfortable months at Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill) are April to October.

How do I get to Jasper Knob (Jasper Hill)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.48671, -87.65506 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Jasper Knob.

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