Where to Find Graphite in the United States
14 mapped graphite spots across 9 U.S. states. Graphite is reported at multiple rockhounding spots across the United States. The map below shows where collectors most often find it on legal public ground.
Map showing where to find graphite across the United States, with 14 mapped spots
Top states for graphite
States ranked by number of graphite spots in our database. States in bold link to a focused graphite-in-state list.
Every graphite spot we track
Sorted by state and county. Coordinates open in Google Maps.
Graphite rockhounding FAQ
Where is the best place to find graphite in the U.S.?+
Connecticut, New York, Tennessee have the highest concentrations of graphite in this list. Each state's quality and access varies — open the linked state pages for a detailed view.
How many graphite rockhounding spots does RockHoundR track?+
14 mapped spots across 9 states. The app keeps these on a map alongside your private finds.
Can I legally collect graphite on public land?+
Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals like graphite is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always check with the managing agency before a trip.
How do I identify graphite in the field?+
Field identification of graphite comes down to color, hardness, fracture, and luster. The RockHoundR app links to geology details for each spot to help narrow down what you might be picking up.
