Where to Find Pyrite in Virginia
Virginia has 10 mapped collecting spots that report pyrite, spread across 8 counties. The largest share sits in Carroll County with 3 spots. 9 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.
Every pyrite spot we track in Virginia
HillsvilleCarroll County, VirginiaPublic access · Arsenopyrite, Azurite, Barite +9- Willis MountainBuckingham County, VirginiaPublic access · Kyanite, Manganese, Apatite +9
Wythe CountyWythe County, VirginiaPermission required · Aragonite, Calcite, Fluorite +7- GalaxCarroll County, VirginiaPublic access · Green Apatite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite +5
- LynchburgCampbell County, VirginiaPublic access · Virginia Greenstone, Calcite, Kyanite +5
- MonetaBedford County, VirginiaPublic access · Garnet, Pyrite, Quartz +4
- MarionSmyth County, VirginiaPublic access · Barite, Calcite, Iron +3
- Hanks KnobCarroll County, VirginiaPublic access · Garnet, Pyrite, Pyrrhotite +2
- MineralLouisa County, VirginiaPublic access · Actinolite, Garnet, Pyrite +2
- LexingtonRockbridge County, VirginiaPublic access · Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Dolomite +1
Best counties for pyrite in Virginia
Ranked by the number of mapped pyrite spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
- Carroll County3 spots
- Bedford County1 spot
- Buckingham County1 spot
- Campbell County1 spot
- Louisa County1 spot
- Rockbridge County1 spot
- Smyth County1 spot
- Wythe County1 spot
Before you go
Read the pyrite identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Pyrite in the encyclopedia.
Pyrite in Virginia FAQ
Where can you find pyrite in Virginia?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Carroll County, Bedford County, and Buckingham County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many pyrite spots are mapped in Virginia?+
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 pyrite in Virginia?+
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. 9 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 pyrite
More minerals to hunt in Virginia
Hunt pyrite in Virginia 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.
