Tonopah (petrified algae area): Petrified Algae & Jade Rockhounding in Nye County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Tonopah (petrified algae area) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Nye County, Nevada. Reported finds include petrified algae, jade. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Nye County
State: Nevada
Nearest road: Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Coordinates: 38.07996, -117.02336

Geology at Tonopah (petrified algae area)

This spot sits on Alluvium, undifferentiated, mapped as coarse alluvium and fine alluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit: Alluvium, undifferentiated
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: coarse alluvium and fine alluvium
Elevation: 5,420 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 Tonopah (petrified algae area)

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 46°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TONOPAH AP station (4 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 Tonopah (petrified algae area)

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 Tonopah (petrified algae area).

Tonopah (petrified algae area) FAQ

Where is Tonopah (petrified algae area)?+

Tonopah (petrified algae area) is in Nye County, Nevada, at 38.07996, -117.02336. Nearest road: Grand Army of the Republic Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Tonopah (petrified algae area)?+

Tonopah (petrified algae area) is reported to produce Petrified Algae, Jade.

Is collecting allowed at Tonopah (petrified algae area)?+

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 Tonopah (petrified algae area)?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Tonopah (petrified algae area)?+

The most comfortable months at Tonopah (petrified algae area) are August to June.

How do I get to Tonopah (petrified algae area)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.07996, -117.02336 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Grand Army of the Republic Highway.

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