East Tintic Mountains: Albite & Alunite Rockhounding in Utah County, Utah

Updated June 2026

East Tintic Mountains is a mapped rockhounding spot in Utah County, Utah. Reported finds include albite, alunite, bornite, calcite, chalcocite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Utah County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 39.90300, -112.04299

Geology at East Tintic Mountains

This spot sits on ground mapped as Tintic Mountain Volcanic Group that formed roughly 34 to 23 million years ago. Copper minerals such as malachite and chrysocolla typically show up where mineralized rock like this has weathered and oxidized near old workings.

Mapped unit: Tintic Mountain Volcanic Group
Age: 34–23 Ma (Oligocene)
Elevation: 5,890 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 East Tintic Mountains

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SANTAQUIN CHLORINATOR station (14 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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

BLM Utah — Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey — collecting guidelines
SITLA — surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at East Tintic 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 East Tintic Mountains.

East Tintic Mountains FAQ

Where is East Tintic Mountains?+

East Tintic Mountains is in Utah County, Utah, at 39.90300, -112.04299.

What rocks and minerals can you find at East Tintic Mountains?+

East Tintic Mountains is reported to produce Albite, Alunite, Bornite, Calcite, Chalcocite, Copper, Cuprite, Rutile, Sylvanite, Tenorite.

Is collecting allowed at East Tintic Mountains?+

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 East Tintic 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 East Tintic Mountains?+

The most comfortable months at East Tintic Mountains are March to November.

How do I get to East Tintic Mountains?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.90300, -112.04299 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open East Tintic Mountains on the map

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