Palmer: Anglesite & Calcite Rockhounding in Washington County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Palmer is a mapped rockhounding spot in Washington County, Missouri. Reported finds include anglesite, calcite, cerussite, dolomite, galena, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Washington County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Palmer Road
Coordinates: 37.84644, -90.94445

Geology at Palmer

This spot sits on Eminence Dolomite, Potosi Dolomite, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 495 to 485 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: Eminence Dolomite, Potosi Dolomite
Age: 495–485 Ma (Furongian)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 1,090 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 Palmer

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, POTOSI 4 SW station (7 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 Palmer

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 Palmer.

Across the state line from Palmer

Palmer 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 · 68 mi awayPyrite, Fossils

Palmer FAQ

Where is Palmer?+

Palmer is in Washington County, Missouri, at 37.84644, -90.94445. Nearest road: Palmer Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Palmer?+

Palmer is reported to produce Anglesite, Calcite, Cerussite, Dolomite, Galena, Goethite, Pyrite, Quartz, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Palmer?+

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 Palmer?+

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 Palmer?+

The most comfortable months at Palmer are February to November.

How do I get to Palmer?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.84644, -90.94445 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Palmer Road.

More rockhounding in Missouri

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Open Palmer on the map

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