Where to Find Calcite in Missouri

Missouri is one of the great calcite states in the world, and most collectors aim at two settings. The Sweetwater and Brushy Creek mines on the Viburnum Trend in Reynolds and Iron counties produce honey-amber, doubly-terminated calcite scalenohedrons up to a foot across, often with fluorite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite associates. The Tri-State chat fields around Joplin (Jasper and Newton counties) add white and translucent dogtooth and nailhead calcite on dolomite matrix. Specimens from the Buick and West Fork mines, when they reach the market, are among the most sought calcites in U.S. mineralogy. The most productive ground is in Sweetwater mine (Reynolds County), Brushy Creek mine (Iron County), Joplin chat piles (Jasper County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like calcite is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Missouri, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

Sweetwater mine (Reynolds County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Brushy Creek mine (Iron County), Joplin chat piles (Jasper County).