Pompton River: Gemstones Rockhounding in Passaic County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Pompton River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Passaic County, New Jersey. Reported finds include gemstones. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Passaic County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: Vincent Street
Postcode: 07440
Coordinates: 40.92422, -74.28654

Geology at Pompton River

This spot sits on Boonton Formation, mapped as sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone that formed roughly 200 to 175 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: Boonton Formation
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Rock types: sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone
Elevation: 180 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 River

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CALDWELL ESSEX CO AP station (3 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 Pompton River

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

Gemstones

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pompton River.

Across the state line from Pompton River

Pompton River 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 River FAQ

Where is Pompton River?+

Pompton River is in Passaic County, New Jersey, at 40.92422, -74.28654. Nearest road: Vincent Street.

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

Pompton River is reported to produce Gemstones.

Is collecting allowed at Pompton River?+

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 River?+

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 Pompton River?+

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

How do I get to Pompton River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.92422, -74.28654 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Vincent Street.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

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Open Pompton River on the map

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