Simsbury Mine: Chalcocite & Cuprite Rockhounding in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Simsbury Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include chalcocite, cuprite, malachite, copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Capitol Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Newgate Road
Postcode: 06026
Coordinates: 41.96212, -72.74500

Geology at Simsbury Mine

This spot sits on Shuttle Meadow Formation, mapped as shale that formed roughly 200 to 175 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Shuttle Meadow Formation
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 460 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 Simsbury Mine

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HARTFORD-BRADLEY INTL AP station (4 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Simsbury 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 Simsbury Mine.

Across the state line from Simsbury Mine

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

Simsbury Mine FAQ

Where is Simsbury Mine?+

Simsbury Mine is in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.96212, -72.74500. Nearest road: Newgate Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Simsbury Mine?+

Simsbury Mine is reported to produce Chalcocite, Cuprite, Malachite, Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Simsbury 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 Simsbury Mine?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Simsbury Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Simsbury Mine are March to November.

How do I get to Simsbury Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.96212, -72.74500 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Newgate Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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Open Simsbury Mine on the map

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