New Haven Traprock Quarry: Amethyst Rockhounding in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

New Haven Traprock Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include amethyst. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: South Central Connecticut Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Forest Road
Postcode: 06471
Coordinates: 41.34060, -72.79215

Geology at New Haven Traprock Quarry

This spot sits on Holyoke Basalt, mapped as basalt and gabbro that formed roughly 200 to 175 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: Holyoke Basalt
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Rock types: basalt and gabbro
Elevation: 210 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 New Haven Traprock Quarry

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MT CARMEL station (7 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 New Haven Traprock Quarry

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

Amethyst Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of New Haven Traprock Quarry.

Across the state line from New Haven Traprock Quarry

New Haven Traprock 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.

New Haven Traprock Quarry FAQ

Where is New Haven Traprock Quarry?+

New Haven Traprock Quarry is in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.34060, -72.79215. Nearest road: Forest Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at New Haven Traprock Quarry?+

New Haven Traprock Quarry is reported to produce Amethyst.

Is collecting allowed at New Haven Traprock 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 New Haven Traprock 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 New Haven Traprock Quarry?+

The most comfortable months at New Haven Traprock Quarry are March to November.

How do I get to New Haven Traprock Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.34060, -72.79215 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Forest Road.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

See all 55 Connecticut spots →

Open New Haven Traprock Quarry on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.