Oscura Mountains: Chrysocolla & Chalcocite Rockhounding in Socorro County, New Mexico

Updated July 2026

Oscura Mountains is a mapped rockhounding spot in Socorro County, New Mexico. Reported finds include chrysocolla, chalcocite, atacamite, azurite, barite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Socorro County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Wsmr South Route 3501
Coordinates: 33.81175, -106.37505

Geology at Oscura Mountains

This spot sits on ground mapped as shale, limestone, and mixed clastic that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale, limestone, and mixed clastic
Elevation: 6,390 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 Oscura Mountains

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 48°F in winter to 88°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BINGHAM 2 NE station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Oscura Mountains

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 Oscura Mountains.

Oscura Mountains FAQ

Where is Oscura Mountains?+

Oscura Mountains is in Socorro County, New Mexico, at 33.81175, -106.37505. Nearest road: Wsmr South Route 3501.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Oscura Mountains?+

Oscura Mountains is reported to produce Chrysocolla, Chalcocite, Atacamite, Azurite, Barite, Celestite, Cerussite, Dolomite, Galena, Limonite, Malachite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Oscura Mountains?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Oscura Mountains?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Oscura Mountains?+

Oscura Mountains is workable year-round.

How do I get to Oscura Mountains?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.81175, -106.37505 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Wsmr South Route 3501.

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Open Oscura Mountains on the map

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