Empire Mine — Rockhounding in Custer County, Idaho
Empire Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Custer County, Idaho. Reported finds include purple fluorite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Map showing Empire Mine in Custer County, Idaho
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- Custer County
- State
- Idaho
- Nearest road
- National Forest Development Road 496
- Coordinates
- 43.89248, -113.67015
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:
- Idaho Panhandle National Forests — Emerald Creek
- Idaho Geological Survey
- Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Empire Mine
Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.
- Purple FluoriteEncyclopedia →
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Empire Mine.
- MackayTop pick in IdahoCuster County, Idaho · 0 mi awayAzurite, Chalcopyrite, Chrysocolla
- Poison CreekCuster County, Idaho · 12 mi awayCommon Opal
- Antelope Creek areaButte County, Idaho · 14 mi awayGeode, Quartz, Amethyst
- Wildhorse CanyonCuster County, Idaho · 23 mi awayQuartz
- Hyndman PeakBlaine County, Idaho · 25 mi awayTourmaline
- KetchumBlaine County, Idaho · 34 mi awayTetrahedrite, Arsenopyrite, Galena
- Little Wood RiverTop pick in IdahoBlaine County, Idaho · 38 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Malm GulchCuster County, Idaho · 41 mi awayAgate, Petrified Wood
Empire Mine FAQ
Where is Empire Mine?+
What rocks and minerals can you find at Empire Mine?+
Is collecting allowed at Empire Mine?+
How do I get to Empire Mine?+
More rockhounding in Idaho
See all 114 Idaho spots →Open Empire Mine on the map
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