Eldon & Etterville: Barite & Calcite Rockhounding in Moniteau County, Missouri

Updated June 2026

Eldon & Etterville is a mapped rockhounding spot in Moniteau County, Missouri. Reported finds include barite, calcite, cerussite, dolomite, galena, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Moniteau County
State: Missouri
Nearest road: Hobby Horse Road
Postcode: 65042
Coordinates: 38.43999, -92.58021

Geology at Eldon & Etterville

This spot sits on Roubidoux Formation, mapped as sandstone and chert that formed roughly 485 to 470 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: Roubidoux Formation
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: sandstone and chert
Elevation: 790 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 Eldon & Etterville

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELDON station (6 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 Eldon & Etterville

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 Eldon & Etterville.

Eldon & Etterville FAQ

Where is Eldon & Etterville?+

Eldon & Etterville is in Moniteau County, Missouri, at 38.43999, -92.58021. Nearest road: Hobby Horse Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Eldon & Etterville?+

Eldon & Etterville is reported to produce Barite, Calcite, Cerussite, Dolomite, Galena, Malachite, Marcasite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Smithsonite, Chalcopyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Eldon & Etterville?+

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 Eldon & Etterville?+

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 Eldon & Etterville?+

The most comfortable months at Eldon & Etterville are February to December.

How do I get to Eldon & Etterville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.43999, -92.58021 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Hobby Horse Road.

More rockhounding in Missouri

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Open Eldon & Etterville on the map

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