Montague: Chalcopyrite & Hematite Rockhounding in Franklin County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Long Plain Road
Postcode: 01054
Coordinates: 42.50718, -72.52474

Geology at Montague

This spot sits on Partridge Formation (includes Brimfield Schist of Emerson, 1917), mapped as mica schist that formed roughly 455 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: Partridge Formation (includes Brimfield Schist of Emerson, 1917)
Age: 455–445 Ma (Late Ordovician)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 420 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 Montague

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 30°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LEVERETT #2 station (4 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 Montague

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 Montague.

Across the state line from Montague

Montague 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.

Montague FAQ

Where is Montague?+

Montague is in Franklin County, Massachusetts, at 42.50718, -72.52474. Nearest road: Long Plain Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Montague?+

Montague is reported to produce Chalcopyrite, Hematite.

Is collecting allowed at Montague?+

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 Montague?+

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 Montague?+

The most comfortable months at Montague are April to November.

How do I get to Montague?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.50718, -72.52474 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Long Plain Road.

More rockhounding in Massachusetts

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Open Montague on the map

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