Where to Find Calcite in Washington: 17 Mapped Sites
Washington has 17 documented sites where calcite have been reported, and the best-known are Holden Mine, Margaret, and Sunrise Prospect. 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
Calcite Map: Washington
All 17 calcite sites in Washington. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Calcite Are Found in Washington
Calcite fills cavities and veins in limestone country and rides along in ore veins nearly everywhere. Quarries, roadcuts in limestone, and mine dumps all produce it.
The richest reported sites in Washington: Holden Mine, Margaret, Sunrise Prospect, Iowa Claims, Aztec Claim.
All Calcite Sites in Washington
- Holden Mine — Forest Service
- Margaret — Forest Service
- Sunrise Prospect — Forest Service
- Iowa Claims — Forest Service
- Aztec Claim — BLM/Public Lands
- Billygoat — Forest Service
- Black Jack Prospect — Forest Service
- Kelsey — BLM/Public Lands
- Blewett Camp — Forest Service
- 48-55 Prospect — Forest Service
- Silver Horseshoe — Forest Service
- New Hope — Forest Service
- Hoodoo Prospect — Forest Service
- Little Giant — Forest Service
- Little Chief Prospect — Forest Service
- Aeneas — Forest Service
- Blinn — Forest Service
How to Identify Calcite
Calcite is the fizz test mineral: a drop of vinegar bubbles on it. Hardness 3 — a knife or even a copper coin scratches it — and it cleaves into perfect rhombohedra, so broken pieces are little slanted boxes. Crystals range from dogtooth points to flat plates in nearly any color, and many localities fluoresce red or orange under UV light.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find calcite in Washington?
Washington has 17 mapped sites where calcite have been reported. The best-known are Holden Mine, Margaret, and Sunrise Prospect. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many calcite sites are mapped in Washington?
We have 17 documented calcite sites in Washington, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect calcite in Washington?
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 calcite?
Calcite is the fizz test mineral: a drop of vinegar bubbles on it. Hardness 3 — a knife or even a copper coin scratches it — and it cleaves into perfect rhombohedra, so broken pieces are little slanted boxes. Crystals range from dogtooth points to flat plates in nearly any color, and many localities fluoresce red or orange under UV light.
What should I bring to collect calcite?
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.