Homestake Pass: Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Jefferson County, Montana

Updated August 2026

Homestake Pass is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, Montana. Reported finds include smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jefferson County
State: Montana
Nearest road: I 90
Coordinates: 45.92215, -112.41613

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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Montana, Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Homestake Pass

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

Smoky Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Homestake Pass.

Homestake Pass FAQ

Where is Homestake Pass?+

Homestake Pass is in Jefferson County, Montana, at 45.92215, -112.41613. Nearest road: I 90.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Homestake Pass?+

Homestake Pass is reported to produce Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Homestake Pass?+

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 Homestake Pass?+

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.

How do I get to Homestake Pass?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.92215, -112.41613 in Google Maps. The nearest road is I 90.

More rockhounding in Montana

See all 106 Montana spots →

Open Homestake Pass on the map

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