The federal mineral record holds 5,176 entries for Wyoming — 1,496 mines that shipped ore, 680 prospects that never became mines, 2,198 recorded occurrences. Below it: 7 places where you can legally collect.
Mineral history, not an invitation. This mineral history comes from a federal record of historic mines, prospects, and occurrences. It is not a list of places to collect. Historic mine sites are usually on private land, under active mining claims, or unsafe to enter — and often all three. The places you can actually collect are in the legal-access directory below.
The commodities that drew miners and prospectors to Wyoming, by number of historic records:
Uranium · 2,438Bentonite · 408Gold · 290Copper · 240Gypsum-Anhydrite · 234Iron · 201Phosphorus-Phosphates · 171Silver · 103
Records from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System, a legacy federal database last revised August 2022 and no longer updated.
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Kemmerer, WY
fossil fishknightiadiplomystus
Fee dig · Fee · Booking is open for the 2026 season, late spring through fall. Reserve online or call 801-836-7269, and confirm shoulder-season dates before you commit.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Lander, WY
nephrite jadeagatechalcedony
Public land, rules apply · Free · June through October is the realistic window. Most backcountry two-tracks are snowed or mudded shut from November into late May.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Blue Forest Petrified Wood Area
Farson, WY
petrified woodblue chalcedonyagatized wood
Public land, rules apply · Free · Late May through October. The clay flats west of Farson are impassable after rain, and there is no shade, water, or services once you leave the highway.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Jeffrey City, WY
nephrite jadeagatechalcedony
Public land, rules apply · Free · June to October. The sagebrush two-tracks south of Jeffrey City are impassable when wet and there is no water for miles in any direction.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Kemmerer, WY
fossil fishfossil plantsfossil invertebrates
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal · Open seven days a week, May 9 through September 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are not required, and arriving early gets you first pick of the fresh rock.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Kemmerer, WY
fossil fishknightiafossil plants
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal · Usually open June through September and dependent on weather - the shortest season of the Kemmerer quarries, not the longest. Book through the form on their site or call 307-413-0820.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
Kemmerer, WY
fossil fishknightiadiplomystus
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal · Mid-May through October, weather permitting. Tours begin at 9:00 a.m. unless arranged otherwise. Weekend reservations are required and weekday reservations are recommended - call (307) 877-6466.
Checked against its source August 16, 2026
GoldSilverCopperAgatesJasperGarnetsFluoriteBerylPetrified WoodGemstones
Yes — at places that allow it. This page lists 7 in Wyoming: fee digs, designated collecting areas, and official localities, each checked against its source. Everywhere else, legality depends on who owns the land and what rules apply. Before any trip: check land ownership and current mining claims, get permission, respect closures, and never enter old mine workings.
Treat Wyoming's historic mines as history, not destinations. Most sit on private land or active mining claims, and old workings are dangerous even to walk. The mineral record on this page tells you what the ground holds — the directory tells you where you are welcome to look for it.