Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop: Tourmaline & Lepidolite Rockhounding in Hampshire County, Massachusetts

Updated June 2026

Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Reported finds include tourmaline, lepidolite, spodumene. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hampshire County
State: Massachusetts
Nearest road: Barrus Road
Postcode: 01032
Coordinates: 42.47272, -72.83840

Geology at Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop

This spot sits on Goshen Formation, mapped as schist that formed roughly 420 to 395 million years ago. Metamorphic belts like this often host pegmatite dikes, the coarse-crystal bodies that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, and sheet mica.

Mapped unit: Goshen Formation
Age: 420–395 Ma (Early Devonian)
Rock types: schist
Elevation: 1,390 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 Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, E HAWLEY 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 Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop

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 Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop.

Across the state line from Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop

Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop 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.

Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop FAQ

Where is Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop?+

Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop is in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, at 42.47272, -72.83840. Nearest road: Barrus Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop?+

Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop is reported to produce Tourmaline, Lepidolite, Spodumene.

Is collecting allowed at Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop?+

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 Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop?+

The most comfortable months at Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop are April to November.

How do I get to Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.47272, -72.83840 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Barrus Road.

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Open Barrus Mine pegmatite outcrop on the map

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