Versailles: Barite Rockhounding in Morgan County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Versailles is a mapped rockhounding spot in Morgan County, Missouri. Reported finds include barite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Morgan County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Gunn Road
Postcode: 65084
Coordinates: 38.44055, -92.85517

Geology at Versailles

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 is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Smithville Dolomite, Powell Dolomite, Cotter Dolomite, Jefferson City Dolomite
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 980 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 Versailles

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

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VERSAILLES station (1 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 Versailles

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

Barite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Versailles.

Versailles FAQ

Where is Versailles?+

Versailles is in Morgan County, Missouri, at 38.44055, -92.85517. Nearest road: Gunn Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Versailles?+

Versailles is reported to produce Barite.

Is collecting allowed at Versailles?+

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 Versailles?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Versailles?+

The most comfortable months at Versailles are February to November.

How do I get to Versailles?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.44055, -92.85517 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Gunn Road.

More rockhounding in Missouri

See all 94 Missouri spots →

Open Versailles on the map

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