Michigamme Mine: Chalcedony & Hematite Rockhounding in Marquette County, Michigan

Updated June 2026

Michigamme Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Marquette County, Michigan. Reported finds include chalcedony, hematite, jaspilite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Marquette County
State: Michigan
Nearest road: US 41;M 28
Postcode: 49861
Coordinates: 46.53861, -88.09722

Geology at Michigamme Mine

This spot sits on Baraga Group; Michigamme Formation; Gray to black slate, mapped as slate that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Baraga Group; Michigamme Formation; Gray to black slate
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: slate
Elevation: 1,590 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 Michigamme Mine

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 23°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 2°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CHAMPION VAN RIPER PK station (5 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 Michigamme Mine

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 Michigamme Mine.

Across the state line from Michigamme Mine

Michigamme Mine 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.

Michigamme Mine FAQ

Where is Michigamme Mine?+

Michigamme Mine is in Marquette County, Michigan, at 46.53861, -88.09722. Nearest road: US 41;M 28.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Michigamme Mine?+

Michigamme Mine is reported to produce Chalcedony, Hematite, Jaspilite.

Is collecting allowed at Michigamme Mine?+

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 Michigamme Mine?+

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 Michigamme Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Michigamme Mine are April to October.

How do I get to Michigamme Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.53861, -88.09722 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 41;M 28.

More rockhounding in Michigan

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Open Michigamme Mine on the map

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