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Chadron: Chalcedony & Blue Chalcedony Rockhounding in Dawes County, Nebraska

Updated July 2026

Chadron sits in the type area of the Chadron Formation, the Oligocene beds that produce Nebraska's state gemstone: translucent blue chalcedony, often called Nebraska blue agate. Roadside gravels, cutbanks, and adjacent grassland in the Pine Ridge around town are the go-to ground for the pale blue-gray chalcedony plus prairie agate and petrified wood. Reported finds include chalcedony, blue chalcedony. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Chadron photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Ridges of the Pine Ridge escarpment at Chadron State Park, near Chadron, Dawes County, Nebraska

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Dawes County
State: Nebraska
Nearest road: Schommer Road
Coordinates: 42.87125, -103.02110

Geology at Chadron

This spot sits on White River Group, mapped as clay that formed roughly 34 to 23 million years ago. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: White River Group
Age: 34–23 Ma (Early Oligocene to Late Oligocene)
Rock types: clay
Elevation: 3,300 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 Chadron

Best months: March to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CHADRON MUNI AP station (5 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 Chadron

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 Chadron.

Across the state line from Chadron

Chadron is close enough to the Nebraska border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Chadron FAQ

Where is Chadron?+

Chadron is in Dawes County, Nebraska, at 42.87125, -103.02110. Nearest road: Schommer Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Chadron?+

Chadron is reported to produce Chalcedony, Blue Chalcedony.

Is collecting allowed at Chadron?+

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 Chadron?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Chadron?+

The most comfortable months at Chadron are March to June.

How do I get to Chadron?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.87125, -103.02110 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Schommer Road.

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