Monument Mountain: Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Monument Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Berkshire County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Unmaintained trail
Postcode: 01236
Coordinates: 42.25884, -73.34934

Geology at Monument Mountain

This spot sits on Dalton Formation, mapped as quartzite that formed roughly 1000 to 510 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: Dalton Formation
Age: 1000–510 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian)
Rock types: quartzite
Elevation: 1,710 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 Monument Mountain

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LENOX DALE station (7 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 Monument Mountain

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

Smoky Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Monument Mountain.

Across the state line from Monument Mountain

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

Monument Mountain FAQ

Where is Monument Mountain?+

Monument Mountain is in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, at 42.25884, -73.34934. Nearest road: Unmaintained trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Monument Mountain?+

Monument Mountain is reported to produce Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Monument 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 Monument 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 Monument Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Monument Mountain are April to October.

How do I get to Monument Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.25884, -73.34934 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Unmaintained trail.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

See all 45 Massachusetts spots →

Open Monument Mountain on the map

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