Pompton Lakes: Banded Agate & Amethyst Rockhounding in Passaic County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Pompton Lakes is a mapped rockhounding spot in Passaic County, New Jersey. Reported finds include banded agate, amethyst, barite, calcite, chalcedony, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Passaic County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: I 287
Postcode: 07457
Coordinates: 41.00540, -74.30711

Geology at Pompton Lakes

This spot sits on Microcline Gneiss, mapped as gneiss that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Microcline Gneiss
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss
Elevation: 510 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 Pompton Lakes

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WANAQUE RAYMOND DAM station (3 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 Pompton Lakes

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 Pompton Lakes.

Across the state line from Pompton Lakes

Pompton Lakes 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.

Pompton Lakes FAQ

Where is Pompton Lakes?+

Pompton Lakes is in Passaic County, New Jersey, at 41.00540, -74.30711. Nearest road: I 287.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pompton Lakes?+

Pompton Lakes is reported to produce Banded Agate, Amethyst, Barite, Calcite, Chalcedony, Cuprite, Datolite, Dolomite, Galena, Goethite, Hematite, Opal, Prehnite, Quartz, Silver.

Is collecting allowed at Pompton Lakes?+

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 Pompton Lakes?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Pompton Lakes?+

The most comfortable months at Pompton Lakes are March to November.

How do I get to Pompton Lakes?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.00540, -74.30711 in Google Maps. The nearest road is I 287.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

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Open Pompton Lakes on the map

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