Hinch Copper Mine: Copper & Cuprite Rockhounding in Crawford County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Hinch Copper Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Crawford County, Missouri. Reported finds include copper, cuprite, limonite, hematite, malachite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crawford County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Christy Mine Road
Postcode: 65441
Coordinates: 38.03513, -91.14478

Geology at Hinch Copper Mine

This spot sits on Gasconade Dolomite, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 485 to 470 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Gasconade Dolomite
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 790 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 Hinch Copper Mine

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, STEELVILLE 2 N station (12 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 Hinch Copper 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 Hinch Copper Mine.

Across the state line from Hinch Copper Mine

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

SpartaTop pick in IllinoisRandolph County, Illinois · 77 mi awayPyrite, Fossils

Hinch Copper Mine FAQ

Where is Hinch Copper Mine?+

Hinch Copper Mine is in Crawford County, Missouri, at 38.03513, -91.14478. Nearest road: Christy Mine Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hinch Copper Mine?+

Hinch Copper Mine is reported to produce Copper, Cuprite, Limonite, Hematite, Malachite, Marcasite.

Is collecting allowed at Hinch Copper 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 Hinch Copper Mine?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Hinch Copper Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Hinch Copper Mine are February to December.

How do I get to Hinch Copper Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.03513, -91.14478 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Christy Mine Road.

More rockhounding in Missouri

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Open Hinch Copper Mine on the map

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