Pine Rock Quarry: Prehnite & Calcite Rockhounding in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

Pine Rock Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include prehnite, calcite, serpentine. 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: High Top Circle West
Postcode: 06514
Coordinates: 41.33810, -72.95122

Geology at Pine Rock Quarry

This spot sits on West Rock Dolerite, mapped as gabbro that formed roughly 200 to 175 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: West Rock Dolerite
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Rock types: gabbro
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 Pine Rock Quarry

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MT CARMEL station (5 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 Pine Rock 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 Pine Rock Quarry.

Across the state line from Pine Rock Quarry

Pine Rock 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.

Pine Rock Quarry FAQ

Where is Pine Rock Quarry?+

Pine Rock Quarry is in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.33810, -72.95122. Nearest road: High Top Circle West.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pine Rock Quarry?+

Pine Rock Quarry is reported to produce Prehnite, Calcite, Serpentine.

Is collecting allowed at Pine Rock 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 Pine Rock Quarry?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Pine Rock Quarry?+

The most comfortable months at Pine Rock Quarry are March to November.

How do I get to Pine Rock Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.33810, -72.95122 in Google Maps. The nearest road is High Top Circle West.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

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Open Pine Rock Quarry on the map

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