Tuscarora: Citrine & Rose Quartz Rockhounding in Elko County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Tuscarora is a mapped rockhounding spot in Elko County, Nevada. Reported finds include citrine, rose quartz, wonderstone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Elko County
State: Nevada
Nearest road: North Tuscarora Road
Coordinates: 41.31918, -116.22051

Geology at Tuscarora

This spot sits on Older silicic ash flow tuffs, mapped as felsic volcanic that formed roughly 48 to 28 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: Older silicic ash flow tuffs
Age: 48–28 Ma (Middle Eocene to Early Oligocene)
Rock types: felsic volcanic
Elevation: 6,200 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 Tuscarora

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TUSCARORA station (0 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Nevada — Recreation
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Royal Peacock Opal Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Tuscarora

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 Tuscarora.

Tuscarora FAQ

Where is Tuscarora?+

Tuscarora is in Elko County, Nevada, at 41.31918, -116.22051. Nearest road: North Tuscarora Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Tuscarora?+

Tuscarora is reported to produce Citrine, Rose Quartz, Wonderstone.

Is collecting allowed at Tuscarora?+

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 Tuscarora?+

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.

When is the best time to visit Tuscarora?+

The most comfortable months at Tuscarora are March to November.

How do I get to Tuscarora?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.31918, -116.22051 in Google Maps. The nearest road is North Tuscarora Road.

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