Durangite & Cassiterite Mine —

World-Class Utah Mineral Locality

An extraordinary gem and mineral collecting experience in Utah’s West Desert

Book your adventure on our booking calendar:
👉 TheGemTours.com/booking-calendar

About the Durangite & Cassiterite Mine

The Durangite & Cassiterite Mine is one of the most scientifically significant and visually spectacular mineral localities in the Thomas Range of Juab County, Utah. Discovered in 1985 by renowned mineral collector John Holfert, this site produced durangite specimens comparable to the best in the world, along with remarkable cassiterite, hematite, and topaz associations.

Durangite from this locality occurs in topaziferous rhyolite, with crystals ranging from microscopic to over 1 cm in size and exhibiting a stunning variety of colors, crystal habits, zoning, and associations, making this a premier destination for serious collectors and rockhounds alike. Specimens from this site are held in major museums and prominent private collections worldwide.

Hiking & Physical Requirements

⚠️ Important – Please Read Carefully

Access to the active collecting areas at the Durangite & Cassiterite Mine requires an intermediate hike of approximately ¼ mile (0.25 mile) each way, similar in difficulty to the hike at the Searle Canyon Red Beryl & Topaz Mine.

  • Terrain includes uneven ground, loose rock, and elevation changes

  • Guests must be able to walk unassisted, carry personal gear, and navigate rugged desert terrain

  • This is a remote, undeveloped mining environment

🚫 This experience is NOT recommended for individuals who:

  • Have difficulty hiking or walking moderate distances

  • Have mobility limitations or physical disabilities

  • Require mobility aids or physical assistance

Participants should be confident in their ability to safely hike in and out of the dig area under desert conditions.

If you have concerns about the hike, please contact us before booking to discuss whether another mine location may be a better fit for your abilities.

What You Can Find at the Mine

Every visit is unique, but guests may uncover:

  • Durangite — orange to red crystals of rare arsenate chemistry

  • Cassiterite (Tin Oxide) — bright red microcrystals, wood tin, and acicular habits

  • Hematite — specular, iridescent, prismatic, and massive forms

  • Topaz — abundant micro- and small gemmy crystals

  • Tridymite, Cristobalite, Quartz, Sanidine, Ralstonite

  • Bixbyite, Pseudobrookite, Fluorite, Mimetite, Beudantite, Vanadinite, Hemimorphite, Kaolinite, Opal, Others

All material you collect is yours to keep.

Tour & Dig Information

We offer guided experiences at the Durangite & Cassiterite Mine designed for collectors of all experience levels:

Guided VIP Tours

  • Full-day mining experience with expert guides

  • On-site instruction on tools, collecting strategy, and mineral identification

  • Typical hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🚫 Unguided visits are not available for safety and instruction reasons — all participants must be accompanied by our staff while on site.

Combo Mine Tours

For a full mineral adventure, combine your visit to the Durangite & Cassiterite Mine with one or more of our other premium sites:

  • Solar Wind Bixbyite & Pink Topaz Mine

  • Searle Canyon Red Beryl & Topaz Mine

  • Maynard’s Red Beryl & Topaz Mine

These combo tours provide a broad variety of specimens and collecting experiences in one day.

Booking Notes

  • Advance booking is required

  • Most tours require 72-hour notice
    (If booking within 72 hours, please call us for availability)

  • Check dates and availability on the Booking Calendar at
    👉 TheGemTours.com/booking-calendar

Vehicle Requirements & Access

🚙 High-clearance or 4×4 vehicles recommended

The Durangite locality is remote and rugged. Roads are unpaved and can be rough depending on conditions.

  • 4×4 or AWD vehicles with good clearance are strongly recommended

  • Shuttle options may be available upon request if you do not have an appropriate vehicle

What to Bring

We recommend that guests bring:

  • Rock hammer, chisels, screwdrivers, or hand-tools

  • Buckets or containers for specimens

  • Gloves, sturdy footwear, and sun protection

  • Plenty of water, snacks, and lunch

🛠 Tool rental reservations are available on the booking calendar
🪣 Screens are available free on site, but guests should plan to be self-sufficient

Location & Logistics

  • Nearest Town: Delta, Utah (approximately 1 hour away)

  • Camping: Primitive camping available nearby

  • Facilities: Limited; portable toilets or privacy tents may be provided at parking areas

This is a remote desert location — plan accordingly.

Ready to Book Your Adventure?

Join us for an unforgettable opportunity to collect durangite, cassiterite, topaz, and more at one of Utah’s most remarkable mineral localities.

👉 Visit TheGemTours.com/booking-calendar to view availability and book your tour today.