Newburyport: Chalcopyrite & Galena Rockhounding in Essex County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Newburyport is a mapped rockhounding spot in Essex County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, sphalerite, siderite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Essex County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Scotland Heights Drive
Postcode: 01922
Coordinates: 42.78511, -70.90643

Geology at Newburyport

This spot sits on Nashoba Formation - Boxford Member, mapped as amphibolite that formed roughly 1000 to 445 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Nashoba Formation - Boxford Member
Age: 1000–445 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Ordovician)
Rock types: amphibolite
Elevation: 90 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 Newburyport

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GROVELAND 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 Newburyport

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 Newburyport.

Across the state line from Newburyport

Newburyport 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.

Newburyport FAQ

Where is Newburyport?+

Newburyport is in Essex County, Massachusetts, at 42.78511, -70.90643. Nearest road: Scotland Heights Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Newburyport?+

Newburyport is reported to produce Chalcopyrite, Galena, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Siderite, Tetrahedrite.

Is collecting allowed at Newburyport?+

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 Newburyport?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Newburyport?+

The most comfortable months at Newburyport are March to November.

How do I get to Newburyport?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.78511, -70.90643 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Scotland Heights Drive.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

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Open Newburyport on the map

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