Davis Mine: Chalcopyrite & Pyrite Rockhounding in Franklin County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Davis Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Franklin County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include chalcopyrite, pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Davis Mine Road
Postcode: 01367
Coordinates: 42.68343, -72.86496

Geology at Davis Mine

This spot sits on Hawley Formation, mapped as amphibolite, greenstone, and schist that formed roughly 440 to 425 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Hawley Formation
Age: 440–425 Ma (Llandovery to Wenlock)
Rock types: amphibolite, greenstone, and schist
Elevation: 1,380 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 Davis Mine

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ROWE 3NE station (4 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 Davis Mine

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 Davis Mine.

Across the state line from Davis Mine

Davis Mine 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.

Davis Mine FAQ

Where is Davis Mine?+

Davis Mine is in Franklin County, Massachusetts, at 42.68343, -72.86496. Nearest road: Davis Mine Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Davis Mine?+

Davis Mine is reported to produce Chalcopyrite, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Davis Mine?+

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 Davis Mine?+

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 Davis Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Davis Mine are April to November.

How do I get to Davis Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.68343, -72.86496 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Davis Mine Road.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

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Open Davis Mine on the map

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