Sullivan: Azurite & Chalcocite Rockhounding in Crawford County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Sullivan is a mapped rockhounding spot in Crawford County, Missouri. Reported finds include azurite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, copper, cuprite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Crawford County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Farris Road
Coordinates: 38.15960, -91.16417

Geology at Sullivan

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: 940 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 Sullivan

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 (15 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 Sullivan

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 Sullivan.

Across the state line from Sullivan

Sullivan 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 · 78 mi awayPyrite, Fossils

Sullivan FAQ

Where is Sullivan?+

Sullivan is in Crawford County, Missouri, at 38.15960, -91.16417. Nearest road: Farris Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sullivan?+

Sullivan is reported to produce Azurite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Copper, Cuprite, Hematite, Malachite, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Sullivan?+

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 Sullivan?+

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 Sullivan?+

The most comfortable months at Sullivan are February to December.

How do I get to Sullivan?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.15960, -91.16417 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Farris Road.

More rockhounding in Missouri

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Open Sullivan on the map

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