Where to Find Malachite in South Dakota: 8 Mapped Sites
South Dakota has 8 documented sites where malachite have been reported, and the best-known are Dexter Claim, Ashley and Nyswanger, and Gopher Lode. 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
Malachite Map: South Dakota
All 8 malachite sites in South Dakota. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Malachite Are Found in South Dakota
Malachite forms wherever copper ore oxidizes near the surface, so old copper-mine dumps and green-stained outcrops are the reliable places. It often coats fracture faces in the host rock.
The richest reported sites in South Dakota: Dexter Claim, Ashley and Nyswanger, Gopher Lode, Gopher Lode, Jenny Gulch Mine.
All Malachite Sites in South Dakota
- Dexter Claim — Forest Service
- Ashley and Nyswanger — Forest Service
- Gopher Lode — Forest Service
- Gopher Lode — Forest Service
- Jenny Gulch Mine — Forest Service
- Copper Cliff Company Mine — Forest Service
- Mastiff Group — Forest Service
- Mastiff Group MS 2032 — Forest Service
How to Identify Malachite
Malachite is unmistakably green — from bright emerald crusts to dark banded masses — with a silky-to-dull luster and a pale green streak. It is soft (3.5–4, scratches with a knife easily) and fizzes gently in vinegar. Banded, rounded (botryoidal) surfaces are classic. Blue azurite alongside it is a bonus find from the same chemistry.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find malachite in South Dakota?
South Dakota has 8 mapped sites where malachite have been reported. The best-known are Dexter Claim, Ashley and Nyswanger, and Gopher Lode. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many malachite sites are mapped in South Dakota?
We have 8 documented malachite sites in South Dakota, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect malachite in South Dakota?
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 malachite?
Malachite is unmistakably green — from bright emerald crusts to dark banded masses — with a silky-to-dull luster and a pale green streak. It is soft (3.5–4, scratches with a knife easily) and fizzes gently in vinegar. Banded, rounded (botryoidal) surfaces are classic. Blue azurite alongside it is a bonus find from the same chemistry.
What should I bring to collect malachite?
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.
Data: USGS Mineral Resources Data System — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.