Where to Find Pyrite in Utah: 53 Mapped Sites
Utah has 53 documented sites where pyrite have been reported, and the best-known are Alta, Dugway mining district, and Frisco. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 53 of the 53 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Pyrite Map: Utah
All 53 pyrite sites in Utah. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Pyrite Are Found in Utah
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 Utah: Alta, Dugway mining district, Frisco, Lincoln Gulch, Park City mining district.
Of the 53 sites, 53 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Pyrite Sites in Utah
- Alta — Public Access
- Dugway mining district — Public Access
- Frisco — Public Access
- Lincoln Gulch — Public Access
- Park City mining district — Public Access
- San Francisco Mountains — Public Access
- Vipont Mine — Public Access
- Big Indian Wash — Public Access
- Bullion Canyon — Public Access
- Cactus Mine — Public Access
- Clifton mining district — Public Access
- Desert Mountain — Public Access
- Drum Mountains — Public Access
- Gold Hill — Public Access
- Pilot Range — Public Access
- Star Range — Public Access
- Big Cottonwood mining district — Public Access
- Granite Mountain — Public Access
- Little Cottonwood — Public Access
- Tintic Mountains — Public Access
- Amasa Valley — Public Access
- Monticello mining district — Public Access
- Bradshaw Mountains — Public Access
- Copper Globe and other mines in San Rafael district — Public Access
- East Erickson mining district — Public Access
- Fish Springs — Public Access
- Wah Wah Mountains — Public Access
- Duchesne County — Public Access
- Rocky Range — Public Access
- Little Drum Mountains — Public Access
- Promontory Mountains — Public Access
- Spor Mountain — Public Access
- Carbonate Gem Mines — Public Access
- Modena — Public Access
- Fairfield — Public Access
- Lucky Strick and other mines in San Rafael district — Public Access
- Painter Spring — Public Access
- Silver Island Mountains — Public Access
- Temple Mountain — Public Access
- La Sal mining district — Public Access
- Ophir — Public Access
- Raft River Mountains — Public Access
- Sevenmile Canyon — Public Access
- Beaver Lake Mountains — Public Access
- Farmington mining district — Public Access
- Rock Candy Mountain — Public Access
- Uteland Knoll mining district — Public Access
- Axtell — Public Access
- Stansbury Mountains — Public Access
- Newton District — Public Access
Showing 50 of 53 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 Utah?
Utah has 53 mapped sites where pyrite have been reported. The best-known are Alta, Dugway mining district, and Frisco. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many pyrite sites are mapped in Utah?
We have 53 documented pyrite sites in Utah, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect pyrite in Utah?
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: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.