Ruepple Iron Mine: Amethyst & Goethite Rockhounding in Franklin County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Ruepple Iron Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Franklin County, Missouri. Reported finds include amethyst, goethite, hematite, marcasite, melanterite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Spring Oak Lane
Postcode: 63079
Coordinates: 38.27084, -91.14083

Geology at Ruepple Iron Mine

This spot sits on Roubidoux Formation, mapped as sandstone and chert that formed roughly 485 to 470 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Roubidoux Formation
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: sandstone and chert
Elevation: 840 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 Ruepple Iron Mine

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, UNION station (14 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 Ruepple Iron 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 Ruepple Iron Mine.

Across the state line from Ruepple Iron Mine

Ruepple Iron 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 · 78 mi awayPyrite, Fossils

Ruepple Iron Mine FAQ

Where is Ruepple Iron Mine?+

Ruepple Iron Mine is in Franklin County, Missouri, at 38.27084, -91.14083. Nearest road: Spring Oak Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ruepple Iron Mine?+

Ruepple Iron Mine is reported to produce Amethyst, Goethite, Hematite, Marcasite, Melanterite, Pyrite, Quartz, Siderite, Azurite, Copper, Cuprite, Gypsum.

Is collecting allowed at Ruepple Iron 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 Ruepple Iron Mine?+

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 Ruepple Iron Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Ruepple Iron Mine are February to December.

How do I get to Ruepple Iron Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.27084, -91.14083 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Spring Oak Lane.

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Open Ruepple Iron Mine on the map

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