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Wamsutter: Turritella Agate Rockhounding in Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

Wamsutter is the practical Wyoming stop for dark fossiliferous lapidary material sold as Turritella agate, more accurately tied to silicified Green River Formation gastropods. The locality stands out because the material is both fossil-rich and polishable, but BLM fossil rules still matter because vertebrate fossils and scientifically significant specimens are not casual-collecting targets. Reported finds include turritella agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Wamsutter photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

6 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sweetwater County
State: Wyoming
Coordinates: 41.56993, -108.00756

Geology at Wamsutter

This spot sits on Green River Formation - Tipton Shale Member or Tongue, mapped as oil shale and marlstone that formed roughly 56 to 34 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Green River Formation - Tipton Shale Member or Tongue
Age: 56–34 Ma (Eocene)
Rock types: oil shale and marlstone
Elevation: 6,750 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 Wamsutter

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WAMSUTTER 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Wyoming
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Fossil Butte National Monument
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Wamsutter

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

Turritella Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Wamsutter.

Across the state line from Wamsutter

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

Wamsutter FAQ

Where is Wamsutter?+

Wamsutter is in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, at 41.56993, -108.00756.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Wamsutter?+

Wamsutter is reported to produce Turritella Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Wamsutter?+

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 Wamsutter?+

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 Wamsutter?+

The most comfortable months at Wamsutter are March to October.

How do I get to Wamsutter?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.56993, -108.00756 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Wyoming

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