Walden Gem Quarry: Albite & Aquamarine Rockhounding in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Walden Gem Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include albite, aquamarine, beryl, pollucite, 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: West Cotton Hill Road
Postcode: 06480
Coordinates: 41.61889, -72.59611

Geology at Walden Gem Quarry

This spot sits on Metavolcanic member [of Collins Hill Formation], mapped as amphibolite, schist, and gneiss that formed roughly 470 to 445 million years ago. Metamorphic belts like this often host pegmatite dikes, the coarse-crystal bodies that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, and sheet mica.

Mapped unit: Metavolcanic member [of Collins Hill Formation]
Age: 470–445 Ma (Middle Ordovician to Late Ordovician)
Rock types: amphibolite, schist, and gneiss
Elevation: 250 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 Walden Gem Quarry

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HARTFORD BRAINARD FLD station (9 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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 Walden Gem 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 Walden Gem Quarry.

Across the state line from Walden Gem Quarry

Walden Gem 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.

Walden Gem Quarry FAQ

Where is Walden Gem Quarry?+

Walden Gem Quarry is in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.61889, -72.59611. Nearest road: West Cotton Hill Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Walden Gem Quarry?+

Walden Gem Quarry is reported to produce Albite, Aquamarine, Beryl, Pollucite, Garnet, Lepidolite, Spodumene.

Is collecting allowed at Walden Gem 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 Walden Gem Quarry?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Walden Gem Quarry?+

The most comfortable months at Walden Gem Quarry are March to November.

How do I get to Walden Gem Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.61889, -72.59611 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Cotton Hill Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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