Altus: Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Jackson County, Oklahoma

Updated June 2026

Altus is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jackson County, Oklahoma. Reported finds include smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Check locally
County: Jackson County
State: Oklahoma
Postcode: 73521
Coordinates: 34.64057, -99.29338

Geology at Altus

This spot sits on Hennessey Group, mapped as shale that formed roughly 300 to 250 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: Hennessey Group
Age: 300–250 Ma (Permian)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 1,350 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 Altus

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 97°F in midsummer and 54°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 25°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ALTUS IRIG RSCH STN station (4 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Confirm rules before collecting

Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ.

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 Altus

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

Smoky Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Altus.

Across the state line from Altus

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

General AreaChildress County, Texas · 46 mi awayAlabaster

Altus FAQ

Where is Altus?+

Altus is in Jackson County, Oklahoma, at 34.64057, -99.29338.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Altus?+

Altus is reported to produce Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Altus?+

Confirm rules before collecting. Land status here is not confirmed. Verify with the managing agency before collecting — federal, state, and tribal rules differ. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Altus?+

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 Altus?+

The most comfortable months at Altus are September to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Altus?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.64057, -99.29338 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Oklahoma

See all 36 Oklahoma spots →

Open Altus on the map

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