About this location
Golconda is a historic mining community in Humboldt County, Nevada, once known for copper, silver, gold, and lead production.[1] The database's name for this location — "Golconda (petrified area)" — points to a specific petrified wood and chalcedony site distinct from the historic ore district itself, but no independent source confirms exactly where that petrified area is or documents it in detail. The surrounding high desert is BLM Winnemucca District public land, and petrified wood is a common, legal BLM personal-use collectible across this part of Nevada. Treat this as a general regional lead rather than a pinned, verified site.
Always seek permission where required, follow local laws, and practice Leave No Trace. Locations and details are community-submitted and may be inaccurate. Not sure what's legal here? Read our full guide to rockhounding laws by land type.
Found Here
UNVERIFIED for this specific pin: The DB lists chalcedony and petrified wood, both plausible for BLM land in this part of Humboldt County, but no independent source confirms a documented find location near Golconda specifically.
Difficulty
Getting there
Golconda is just off Interstate 80, about 16 miles northeast of Winnemucca, Nevada, in Humboldt County.[1]
Collecting here
General-area inference only: petrified wood and chalcedony of this type typically occur as surface float on BLM desert land, collected by walking washes and exposed hillsides. Unconfirmed for this specific location.
Know before you go
The land around Golconda is administered by the BLM Winnemucca District. Confirm current personal-use collecting rules directly with the BLM office before you go, and note that any patented mining claims from Golconda's historic mining district would remain private property even on otherwise public land.
Location on Map
Coordinates: 40.97870, -117.48338
Nearby rockhounding locations
- July 4 Claim — Azurite, ChalcopyriteNV · 2.6 mi
- NBMG Sample Site 491 — Azurite, BariteNV · 4.1 mi
- Golconda — Gold, CopperNV · 3.7 mi
- Br Claims — Azurite, ChrysocollaNV · 4.8 mi
- Silver Hill Claims — Azurite, ChrysocollaNV · 7.2 mi
- Silver Hill Mine — Anglesite, AzuriteNV · 8.4 mi
Frequently asked questions
Is there petrified wood near Golconda, Nevada?
The database lists petrified wood and chalcedony for a "petrified area" near Golconda, but no independent source confirms a specific documented site — treat it as a general regional lead on BLM Winnemucca District land.
Is Golconda, Nevada a mining town?
Yes. Golconda was historically known for copper, silver, gold, and lead mining, though the DB's petrified wood listing points to a different kind of site than the historic ore district.
Who manages the land near Golconda, Nevada?
The BLM Winnemucca District administers the public land surrounding Golconda.
⚠️ 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.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golconda,_Nevada — town history, historic copper/silver/gold/lead mining, location on I-80 near Winnemucca.
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