Hibernia: Apatite & Pyrite Rockhounding in Morris County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Hibernia is a mapped rockhounding spot in Morris County, New Jersey. Reported finds include apatite, pyrite, pyrrhotite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Morris County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: Four Birds / Hibernia Brook Trail
Postcode: 07842
Coordinates: 40.94494, -74.49279

Geology at Hibernia

This spot sits on Amphibolite, mapped as amphibolite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this commonly hosts vein and replacement mineralization, and old workings typically mark the productive zones.

Mapped unit: Amphibolite
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: amphibolite
Elevation: 570 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 Hibernia

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BOONTON 1 SE station (6 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 Hibernia

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 Hibernia.

Across the state line from Hibernia

Hibernia 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.

Hibernia FAQ

Where is Hibernia?+

Hibernia is in Morris County, New Jersey, at 40.94494, -74.49279. Nearest road: Four Birds / Hibernia Brook Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hibernia?+

Hibernia is reported to produce Apatite, Pyrite, Pyrrhotite.

Is collecting allowed at Hibernia?+

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 Hibernia?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Hibernia?+

The most comfortable months at Hibernia are March to November.

How do I get to Hibernia?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.94494, -74.49279 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Four Birds / Hibernia Brook Trail.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

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Open Hibernia on the map

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