H.D. House Ranch area: Agatized Fern Buds & Jasper Rockhounding in Live Oak County, Texas

Updated June 2026

H.D. House Ranch area is a mapped rockhounding spot in Live Oak County, Texas. Reported finds include agatized fern buds, jasper, chalcedony. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Live Oak County
State: Texas
Nearest road: TX 72
Postcode: 78071
Coordinates: 28.46648, -98.22584

Geology at H.D. House Ranch area

This spot sits on ground mapped as Alluvium, undivided that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Alluvium, undivided
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Elevation: 210 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 H.D. House Ranch area

Best months: October to May. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 64°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 43°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, CHOKE CANYON DAM station (2 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Bureau of Economic Geology — Texas geology
Big Bend National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at H.D. House Ranch area

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 H.D. House Ranch area.

H.D. House Ranch area FAQ

Where is H.D. House Ranch area?+

H.D. House Ranch area is in Live Oak County, Texas, at 28.46648, -98.22584. Nearest road: TX 72.

What rocks and minerals can you find at H.D. House Ranch area?+

H.D. House Ranch area is reported to produce Agatized Fern Buds, Jasper, Chalcedony.

Is collecting allowed at H.D. House Ranch area?+

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 H.D. House Ranch area?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit H.D. House Ranch area?+

The most comfortable months at H.D. House Ranch area are October 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 H.D. House Ranch area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 28.46648, -98.22584 in Google Maps. The nearest road is TX 72.

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