Etna: Barite & Calcite Rockhounding in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Etna is a mapped rockhounding spot in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include barite, calcite, pyrite, sphalerite, wurtzite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Allegheny County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Butler Plank Road
Postcode: 15116
Coordinates: 40.53465, -79.96147

Geology at Etna

This spot sits on Allegheny Formation, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 325 to 300 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: Allegheny Formation
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 820 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 Etna

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, EMSWORTH L/D OHIO RVR station (7 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 Etna

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 Etna.

Across the state line from Etna

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

Etna FAQ

Where is Etna?+

Etna is in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at 40.53465, -79.96147. Nearest road: Butler Plank Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Etna?+

Etna is reported to produce Barite, Calcite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Wurtzite.

Is collecting allowed at Etna?+

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 Etna?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Etna?+

The most comfortable months at Etna are March to November.

How do I get to Etna?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.53465, -79.96147 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Butler Plank Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

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Open Etna on the map

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