Flambeau Copper Mine: Calcite & Chalcocite Rockhounding in Rusk County, Wisconsin

Updated June 2026

Flambeau Copper Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rusk County, Wisconsin. Reported finds include calcite, chalcocite, malachite, gold, quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rusk County
State: Wisconsin
Nearest road: Kennecott Avenue
Postcode: 54848
Coordinates: 45.44268, -91.12089

Geology at Flambeau Copper Mine

This spot sits on Mafic to felsic metavolcanic rocks, mapped as metavolcanic that formed roughly 2500 to 1600 million years ago. Gold in volcanic terrain like this is usually tied to old vein systems and the gravels that drain them, so nearby washes tend to carry the color.

Mapped unit: Mafic to felsic metavolcanic rocks
Age: 2500–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: metavolcanic
Elevation: 1,110 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 Flambeau Copper Mine

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 25°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 2°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LADYSMITH 3W 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Flambeau Copper Mine

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 Flambeau Copper Mine.

Flambeau Copper Mine FAQ

Where is Flambeau Copper Mine?+

Flambeau Copper Mine is in Rusk County, Wisconsin, at 45.44268, -91.12089. Nearest road: Kennecott Avenue.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Flambeau Copper Mine?+

Flambeau Copper Mine is reported to produce Calcite, Chalcocite, Malachite, Gold, Quartz, Zinc.

Is collecting allowed at Flambeau Copper Mine?+

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 Flambeau Copper Mine?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Flambeau Copper Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Flambeau Copper Mine are April to October.

How do I get to Flambeau Copper Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.44268, -91.12089 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Kennecott Avenue.

More rockhounding in Wisconsin

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Open Flambeau Copper Mine on the map

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