Sinking Spring: Hematite Rockhounding in Highland County, Ohio

Updated June 2026

Sinking Spring is a mapped rockhounding spot in Highland County, Ohio. Reported finds include hematite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Highland County
State: Ohio
Nearest road: Water Street
Postcode: 45172
Coordinates: 39.07274, -83.38680

Geology at Sinking Spring

This spot sits on Peebles Dolomite, Lilley and Bisher Formations, Undivided, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 435 to 425 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.

Mapped unit: Peebles Dolomite, Lilley and Bisher Formations, Undivided
Age: 435–425 Ma (Wenlock to Ludlow)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 870 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 Sinking Spring

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HILLSBORO station (16 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 Sinking Spring

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

Hematite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sinking Spring.

Across the state line from Sinking Spring

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

Sinking Spring FAQ

Where is Sinking Spring?+

Sinking Spring is in Highland County, Ohio, at 39.07274, -83.38680. Nearest road: Water Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sinking Spring?+

Sinking Spring is reported to produce Hematite.

Is collecting allowed at Sinking Spring?+

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 Sinking Spring?+

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 Sinking Spring?+

The most comfortable months at Sinking Spring are March to November.

How do I get to Sinking Spring?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.07274, -83.38680 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Water Street.

More rockhounding in Ohio

See all 38 Ohio spots →

Open Sinking Spring on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.