Clinton: Braunite Rockhounding in Hunterdon County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Clinton is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Reported finds include braunite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hunterdon County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: Frontage Road
Postcode: 08809
Coordinates: 40.63310, -74.95149

Geology at Clinton

This spot sits on Jutland Klippe Sequence Unit B, mapped as shale that formed roughly 470 to 460 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Jutland Klippe Sequence Unit B
Age: 470–460 Ma (Middle Ordovician)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 430 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 Clinton

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FLEMINGTON 5 NNW station (5 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 Clinton

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

Braunite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Clinton.

Across the state line from Clinton

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

Clinton FAQ

Where is Clinton?+

Clinton is in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, at 40.63310, -74.95149. Nearest road: Frontage Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Clinton?+

Clinton is reported to produce Braunite.

Is collecting allowed at Clinton?+

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 Clinton?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Clinton?+

The most comfortable months at Clinton are March to November.

How do I get to Clinton?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.63310, -74.95149 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Frontage Road.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

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Open Clinton on the map

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