Bellview: Actinolite Rockhounding in Iron County, Missouri

Quick details

Access

Public area

County

Iron County

State

Missouri

Coordinates

37.64066, -90.81067

Geology at Bellview

This spot sits on Eminence Dolomite, Potosi Dolomite, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 495 to 485 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

Eminence Dolomite, Potosi Dolomite

Age

495–485 Ma (Furongian)

Rock types

dolostone

Elevation

1,310 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 Bellview

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, POTOSI 4 SW station (18 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 Bellview

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

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