Chariton River: Calcite & Goethite Rockhounding in Adair County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Chariton River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Adair County, Missouri. Reported finds include calcite, goethite, quartz, septarian nodule. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Adair County
State: Missouri
Coordinates: 40.06727, -92.69044

Geology at Chariton River

This spot sits on Cherokee Group - Cabaniss Subgroup, Krebs Subgroup, mapped as shale, sandstone, and siltstone that formed roughly 325 to 300 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: Cherokee Group - Cabaniss Subgroup, Krebs Subgroup
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: shale, sandstone, and siltstone
Elevation: 740 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 Chariton River

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KIRKSVILLE RGNL AP station (8 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 Chariton River

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 Chariton River.

Across the state line from Chariton River

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

Chariton River FAQ

Where is Chariton River?+

Chariton River is in Adair County, Missouri, at 40.06727, -92.69044.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Chariton River?+

Chariton River is reported to produce Calcite, Goethite, Quartz, Septarian Nodule.

Is collecting allowed at Chariton River?+

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 Chariton River?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Chariton River?+

The most comfortable months at Chariton River are March to November.

How do I get to Chariton River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.06727, -92.69044 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Missouri

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Open Chariton River on the map

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