Shepherd Mountain: Fluorite & Hematite Rockhounding in Iron County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Shepherd Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iron County, Missouri. Reported finds include fluorite, hematite, magnetite, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iron County
State: Missouri
Postcode: 63663
Coordinates: 37.60646, -90.64346

Geology at Shepherd Mountain

This spot sits on St. Francois mountains volcanic supergroup, mapped as rhyolite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: St. Francois mountains volcanic supergroup
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: rhyolite
Elevation: 1,490 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 Shepherd Mountain

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FARMINGTON station (18 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 Shepherd Mountain

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 Shepherd Mountain.

Across the state line from Shepherd Mountain

Shepherd Mountain 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.

Shepherd Mountain FAQ

Where is Shepherd Mountain?+

Shepherd Mountain is in Iron County, Missouri, at 37.60646, -90.64346.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Shepherd Mountain?+

Shepherd Mountain is reported to produce Fluorite, Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Shepherd Mountain?+

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 Shepherd Mountain?+

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 Shepherd Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Shepherd Mountain are February to November.

How do I get to Shepherd Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.60646, -90.64346 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Missouri

See all 94 Missouri spots →

Open Shepherd Mountain on the map

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