Spring Mine

(Updated 4/24/22 – The last time I visited this area there were new claim markers dated 4/5/22 that encompassed this location. As of today, the area is still not an active claim with the BLM, however the claimant has 90 days to file with the BLM. Until we can confirm or deny that this area is an active claim, we recommend rockhounding elsewhere.)

Located just outside the boundaries of the famous “Bull Moose” rose quartz claim, the Spring Mine is a great place to find nice rose quartz and black tourmaline.

When to visit: Spring, Fall, Winter (if dry), Summer (if cool)

What you can find: Rose quartz, black tourmaline, beryl

What to bring: Rock hammer, pick axe, chisels, bucket, backpack, water, snacks.

Where to stay: The town of Custer is 14 minutes away and offers hotels, camping, and food. Dispersed camping is allowed in the Black Hills National Forest North of Glen Erin Road, camping is not permitted on the south side of the road.

Getting there:

From Custer, South Dakota head east 1.1 miles and turn right on Sidney Park Road. Drive 1.3 miles and turn left onto Hazelrodt Cutoff. Drive 2.7 miles, then turn right onto Glen Erin Rd. Drive approximately 1 mile. Here is a good place to park. You can also travel FS Rd. 337.1k to the top side of the mine where there are a few places to park. Glen Erin Rd. is in good condition and can be traveled by most vehicles if it is dry. 4wd and high clearance are recommended if traveling secondary forest service roads.

(Site A: 43°44’06.2″N 103°32’29.3″W)
(Site B: 43°44’07.9″N 103°32’29.1″W)
(Site C: 43°44’07.7″N 103°32’27.0″W)

Rockhounding

This old feldspar mine near Custer South Dakota has a nice variety of pegmatite minerals that are fairly easy to collect. Site A has produced a large amount of nice Black Tourmaline crystals, including many in a Rose Quartz matrix. Site B has once a large vein of Rose Quartz. A large portion of the quartz has previously been extracted however deep pink quartz can still be seen in the undercut. Pale colored beryl crystals have also been found in this area. An abundance of rose quartz can still be found on the surface in this area. Site C contains several large boulders often containing Black Tourmaline. Many nice specimens have been collected and many more remain.

Gallery

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