Where to Find Hematite in North Carolina
North Carolina has 8 mapped collecting spots that report hematite, spread across 7 counties. The largest share sits in Gaston County with 2 spots. 7 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.
Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.
Every hematite spot we track in North Carolina
Best spotDanburyStokes County, North CarolinaPublic access · Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony +4
Crowder's MountainGaston County, North CarolinaPermission required · Barite, Chalcopyrite, Corundum +10
Clubb MountainGaston County, North CarolinaPublic access · Corundum, Lazulite, Kyanite +7- Conrad Hill Mine near LexingtonDavidson County, North CarolinaPublic access · Chalcopyrite, Limonite, Malachite +2
- CranberryAvery County, North CarolinaPublic access · Epidote, Garnet, Hematite +2
- Mt. TirzahPerson County, North CarolinaPublic access · Actinolite, Hematite, Limonite +2
- Cane CreekBuncombe County, North CarolinaPublic access · Calcite, Gold, Hematite +1
- Winston-SalemForsyth County, North CarolinaPublic access · Halloysite, Hematite, Magnetite +1
Standout hematite spots in North Carolina
Hand-picked from the full list above, with the reason each one earns a trip.
Best counties for hematite in North Carolina
Ranked by the number of mapped hematite spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
Before you go
Read the hematite identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Hematite in the encyclopedia.
Hematite in North Carolina FAQ
Where can you find hematite in North Carolina?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Gaston County, Avery County, and Buncombe County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many hematite spots are mapped in North Carolina?+
8 spots across 7 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.
Is it legal to collect hematite in North Carolina?+
Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 7 of the 8 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
Where else to find hematite
More minerals to hunt in North Carolina
Hunt hematite in North Carolina with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR puts these spots on an offline map with BLM and Forest Service overlays, geology layers, and a log for your finds.
