Where to Find Pyrolusite in Utah

Pyrolusite is the principal manganese ore mineral in Utah and shows up as black, fibrous, or massive crusts in the oxidized zones of several iron and copper districts. The Three Kids area near Henderson stretches into northwest Utah's Lakeside Mountains, and small bedded manganese deposits at Erickson Pass in Tooele County carry pyrolusite with psilomelane. The San Rafael Swell exposes manganese-stained sandstone with dendritic pyrolusite on bedding planes, particularly in the Summerville and Morrison formations. Surface specimens are sooty and stain hands and clothing, so bag them separately and rinse before storage. The most productive ground is in Erickson Pass manganese beds (Tooele County), San Rafael Swell sandstone dendrites (Emery County), Lakeside Mountains (Box Elder County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like pyrolusite is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Utah, 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.

Erickson Pass manganese beds (Tooele County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes San Rafael Swell sandstone dendrites (Emery County), Lakeside Mountains (Box Elder County).