Foster & Hume: Alunogen & Gypsum Rockhounding in Bates County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Foster & Hume is a mapped rockhounding spot in Bates County, Missouri. Reported finds include alunogen, gypsum, melanterite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bates County
State: Missouri
Postcode: 64745
Coordinates: 38.15653, -94.49416

Geology at Foster & Hume

This spot sits on Marmaton Group, mapped as limestone and shale that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Marmaton Group
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: limestone and shale
Elevation: 870 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 Foster & Hume

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BUTLER 4W station (9 mi away).

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 Foster & Hume

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 Foster & Hume.

Across the state line from Foster & Hume

Foster & Hume 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.

Foster & Hume FAQ

Where is Foster & Hume?+

Foster & Hume is in Bates County, Missouri, at 38.15653, -94.49416.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Foster & Hume?+

Foster & Hume is reported to produce Alunogen, Gypsum, Melanterite.

Is collecting allowed at Foster & Hume?+

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 Foster & Hume?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Foster & Hume?+

The most comfortable months at Foster & Hume are February to November.

How do I get to Foster & Hume?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.15653, -94.49416 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Missouri

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Open Foster & Hume on the map

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