De Soto: Fluorescent Calcite Rockhounding in Jefferson County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

De Soto is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, Missouri. Reported finds include fluorescent calcite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jefferson County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: US 67
Postcode: 63087
Coordinates: 38.08103, -90.48537

Geology at De Soto

This spot sits on Smithville Dolomite, Powell Dolomite, Cotter Dolomite, Jefferson City 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: Smithville Dolomite, Powell Dolomite, Cotter Dolomite, Jefferson City Dolomite
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 700 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 De Soto

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 88°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FESTUS station (11 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 De Soto

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

Fluorescent Calcite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of De Soto.

Across the state line from De Soto

De Soto 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.

De Soto FAQ

Where is De Soto?+

De Soto is in Jefferson County, Missouri, at 38.08103, -90.48537. Nearest road: US 67.

What rocks and minerals can you find at De Soto?+

De Soto is reported to produce Fluorescent Calcite.

Is collecting allowed at De Soto?+

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 De Soto?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit De Soto?+

The most comfortable months at De Soto are February to December.

How do I get to De Soto?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.08103, -90.48537 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 67.

More rockhounding in Missouri

See all 94 Missouri spots →

Open De Soto on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.