Gillette Quarry: Amazonite & Aquamarine Rockhounding in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Gillette Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include amazonite, aquamarine, beryl, chrysoberyl, garnet, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Injun Hollow Road
Postcode: 06424
Coordinates: 41.49258, -72.51123

Geology at Gillette Quarry

This spot sits on Collins Hill Formation, mapped as schist that formed roughly 470 to 445 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Collins Hill Formation
Age: 470–445 Ma (Middle Ordovician to Late Ordovician)
Rock types: schist
Elevation: 80 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Gillette Quarry

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MERIDEN MARKHAM MUNI AP station (16 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Gillette Quarry

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Gillette Quarry.

Across the state line from Gillette Quarry

Gillette Quarry is close enough to the Connecticut border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Gillette Quarry FAQ

Where is Gillette Quarry?+

Gillette Quarry is in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.49258, -72.51123. Nearest road: Injun Hollow Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gillette Quarry?+

Gillette Quarry is reported to produce Amazonite, Aquamarine, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Garnet, Quartz, Tourmaline.

Is collecting allowed at Gillette Quarry?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Gillette Quarry?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Gillette Quarry?+

The most comfortable months at Gillette Quarry are March to November.

How do I get to Gillette Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.49258, -72.51123 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Injun Hollow Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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Open Gillette Quarry on the map

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