Bixby: Bornite & Chalcocite Rockhounding in Iron County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Bixby is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iron County, Missouri. Reported finds include bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, galena, malachite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iron County
State: Missouri
Coordinates: 37.60286, -91.11686

Geology at Bixby

This spot sits on Gasconade Dolomite, mapped as dolostone that formed roughly 485 to 470 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: Gasconade Dolomite
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone
Elevation: 1,290 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 Bixby

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SALEM station (23 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 Bixby

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 Bixby.

Bixby FAQ

Where is Bixby?+

Bixby is in Iron County, Missouri, at 37.60286, -91.11686.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bixby?+

Bixby is reported to produce Bornite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Malachite, Marcasite, Millerite, Pyrite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Bixby?+

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 Bixby?+

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 Bixby?+

The most comfortable months at Bixby are February to December.

How do I get to Bixby?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.60286, -91.11686 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Missouri

See all 93 Missouri spots →

Open Bixby on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.