Where to Find Pyrite in Oregon: 79 Mapped Sites
Oregon has 79 documented sites where pyrite have been reported, and the best-known are Quartz Mountain Gold Deposit, Farnham, and Silver Peak. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Pyrite Map: Oregon
All 79 pyrite sites in Oregon. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Pyrite Are Found in Oregon
Pyrite grows in nearly every rock type: cubes in slate and shale, balls in concretions, massive seams in ore veins. Mine dumps, black-shale roadcuts, and creek concretions all produce it.
The richest reported sites in Oregon: Quartz Mountain Gold Deposit, Farnham, Silver Peak, Banfield Mine, Last Chance Group.
All Pyrite Sites in Oregon
- Quartz Mountain Gold Deposit — Forest Service
- Farnham — BLM/Public Lands
- Silver Peak — BLM/Public Lands
- Banfield Mine — Forest Service
- Last Chance Group — Forest Service
- Red Cub — Forest Service
- Ochoco — Forest Service
- Wagonwheel — Forest Service
- Mineral Harbor Group — Forest Service
- Almeda — BLM/Public Lands
- Clover Creek Copper Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Columbine Claim — BLM/Public Lands
- Lillie Jane — BLM/Public Lands
- Millionaire — BLM/Public Lands
- North Santiam Copper — Forest Service
- Pony Shoe Mine — Forest Service
- Schnack Bros. 1 & 2 — Forest Service
- Tall Timber Veins — Forest Service
- White Swan — BLM/Public Lands
- Blossom — BLM/Public Lands
- Chloride Mine — Forest Service
- Continental Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Cross Vein — Forest Service
- Hansen Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Katmai — Forest Service
- Kelly — Forest Service
- Morris Mine — Forest Service
- Mother Lode Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Oregon-Colorado — Forest Service
- Red Jacket Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Riverside — Forest Service
- Sheridan — Forest Service
- Snow Creek Mine — Forest Service
- Sulfide Occurrence — Forest Service
- Western Vein — Forest Service
- Accident — Forest Service
- Baisley-Elkhorn — BLM/Public Lands
- Copper King — Forest Service
- Frog Pond — Forest Service
- Mc Intyre Group — BLM/Public Lands
- Mineral King Prospect — Forest Service
- Silver Bell Claims — Forest Service
- Star Group — Forest Service
- Turner-Albright Deposit — BLM/Public Lands
- Winter Claim — Forest Service
- Don Juan — Forest Service
- Gem — Forest Service
- Ida Mine — BLM/Public Lands
- Old Mines
- Ora Marmo — BLM/Public Lands
Showing 50 of 79 sites — every site appears on the map above.
How to Identify Pyrite
Pyrite is brassy metallic yellow with crystals as sharp cubes or 12-sided balls, faces often striated. The fool’s-gold test is simple: pyrite is hard (6–6.5) and brittle — a knife point makes it crumble to greenish-black powder — while real gold is soft, dents, and leaves a yellow streak. Pyrite is also noticeably lighter than gold.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find pyrite in Oregon?
Oregon has 79 mapped sites where pyrite have been reported. The best-known are Quartz Mountain Gold Deposit, Farnham, and Silver Peak. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many pyrite sites are mapped in Oregon?
We have 79 documented pyrite sites in Oregon, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect pyrite in Oregon?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify pyrite?
Pyrite is brassy metallic yellow with crystals as sharp cubes or 12-sided balls, faces often striated. The fool’s-gold test is simple: pyrite is hard (6–6.5) and brittle — a knife point makes it crumble to greenish-black powder — while real gold is soft, dents, and leaves a yellow streak. Pyrite is also noticeably lighter than gold.
What should I bring to collect pyrite?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Pyrite in Nearby States
Data: USGS Mineral Resources Data System, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.