Sugarite Mine & coal fields: Amber Rockhounding in Colfax County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Sugarite Mine & coal fields is a mapped rockhounding spot in Colfax County, New Mexico. Reported finds include amber. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Colfax County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: NM 72
Coordinates: 36.90984, -104.34629

Geology at Sugarite Mine & coal fields

This spot sits on rocks of southwestern New Mexico, undivided, mapped as sandstone, conglomerate, and shale that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: rocks of southwestern New Mexico, undivided
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: sandstone, conglomerate, and shale
Elevation: 7,470 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 Sugarite Mine & coal fields

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F. At about 7,470 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RATON FLTR PLT station (5 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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

Rockhound State Park — Collection rules
BLM New Mexico
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Sugarite Mine & coal fields

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

Amber Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sugarite Mine & coal fields.

Across the state line from Sugarite Mine & coal fields

Sugarite Mine & coal fields is close enough to the New Mexico border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Sugarite Mine & coal fields FAQ

Where is Sugarite Mine & coal fields?+

Sugarite Mine & coal fields is in Colfax County, New Mexico, at 36.90984, -104.34629. Nearest road: NM 72.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sugarite Mine & coal fields?+

Sugarite Mine & coal fields is reported to produce Amber.

Is collecting allowed at Sugarite Mine & coal fields?+

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 Sugarite Mine & coal fields?+

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 Sugarite Mine & coal fields?+

The most comfortable months at Sugarite Mine & coal fields are February to November. At about 7,470 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Sugarite Mine & coal fields?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.90984, -104.34629 in Google Maps. The nearest road is NM 72.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

See all 119 New Mexico spots →

Open Sugarite Mine & coal fields on the map

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