Best spot

Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain): Green Tourmaline & Schorl Rockhounding in Oxford County, Maine

Updated June 2026

The historic Harvard Quarry on Noyes Mountain produced the gem green tourmaline that gave the Harvard green color its name, and its dumps still yield schorl, beryl, smoky quartz, rose quartz, and purple apatite. The quarry acre is held open to the public by its private owner at no charge, and the surrounding Noyes Mountain Preserve permits rock hounding under the Western Foothills Land Trust. Reported finds include green tourmaline, schorl, beryl, rose quartz, smoky quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Green elbaite tourmaline crystals on quartz, the gem that made the Harvard Quarry famous

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Oxford County
State: Maine
Coordinates: 44.29170, -70.63870

Geology at Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)

This spot sits on Sangerville Formation, Anasagunticook member, mapped as metasandstone that formed roughly 445 to 435 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Sangerville Formation, Anasagunticook member
Age: 445–435 Ma (Llandovery)
Rock types: metasandstone
Elevation: 1,490 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 Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 25°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 6°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BETHEL 6 SSE station (6 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Maine Geological Survey
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Acadia National Park rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)

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 Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain).

Across the state line from Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)

Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain) is close enough to the Maine border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain) FAQ

Where is Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)?+

Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain) is in Oxford County, Maine, at 44.29170, -70.63870.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)?+

Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain) is reported to produce Green Tourmaline, Schorl, Beryl, Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Purple Apatite.

Is collecting allowed at Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)?+

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 Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)?+

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 Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)?+

The most comfortable months at Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain) are April to October.

How do I get to Harvard Quarry (Noyes Mountain)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.29170, -70.63870 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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