Where to Find Magnetite in North Carolina
North Carolina has 10 mapped collecting spots that report magnetite, spread across 8 counties. 8 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.
Spot list checked against source data on April 1, 2026.
Every magnetite spot we track in North Carolina
Crowder's MountainGaston County, North CarolinaPermission required · Barite, Chalcopyrite, Corundum +10
Higdon MountainMacon County, North CarolinaPublic access · Actinolite, Chalcedony, Chromite +10- Bryson CitySwain County, North CarolinaPublic access · Allanite, Garnet, Magnetite +7
- Clubb MountainGaston County, North CarolinaPublic access · Corundum, Lazulite, Kyanite +7
- Gold HillRowan County, North CarolinaPermission required · Magnetite, Manganese, Garnet +3
- CatawbaIredell County, North CarolinaPublic access · Gold, Calcite, Magnetite +1
- Winston-SalemForsyth County, North CarolinaPublic access · Halloysite, Hematite, Magnetite +1
- Bullhead MountainAlleghany County, North CarolinaPublic access · Garnet, Kyanite, Magnetite
- Horse CreekAshe County, North CarolinaPublic access · Epidote, Garnet, Magnetite
- Helton CreekAshe County, North CarolinaPublic access · Magnetite
Best counties for magnetite in North Carolina
Ranked by the number of mapped magnetite spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
- Ashe County2 spots
- Gaston County2 spots
- Alleghany County1 spot
- Forsyth County1 spot
- Iredell County1 spot
- Macon County1 spot
- Rowan County1 spot
- Swain County1 spot
Before you go
Read the magnetite identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Magnetite in the encyclopedia.
Magnetite in North Carolina FAQ
Where can you find magnetite in North Carolina?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Ashe County, Gaston County, and Alleghany County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many magnetite spots are mapped in North Carolina?+
10 spots across 8 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 magnetite 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. 8 of the 10 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
Where else to find magnetite
More minerals to hunt in North Carolina
Hunt magnetite 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.
