Sparta: Chondrodite & Corundum Rockhounding in Sussex County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Sparta is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sussex County, New Jersey. Reported finds include chondrodite, corundum, ruby, diopside, microcline, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sussex County
State: New Jersey
Nearest road: Benham Way
Postcode: 07871
Coordinates: 41.05624, -74.67483

Geology at Sparta

This spot sits on Amphibolite, mapped as amphibolite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this is where garnet, staurolite, and kyanite typically grow as the rock recrystallizes under heat and pressure.

Mapped unit: Amphibolite
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: amphibolite
Elevation: 670 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 Sparta

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NEWTON station (4 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 Sparta

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 Sparta.

Across the state line from Sparta

Sparta 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.

Sparta FAQ

Where is Sparta?+

Sparta is in Sussex County, New Jersey, at 41.05624, -74.67483. Nearest road: Benham Way.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sparta?+

Sparta is reported to produce Chondrodite, Corundum, Ruby, Diopside, Microcline, Tremolite.

Is collecting allowed at Sparta?+

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 Sparta?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Sparta?+

The most comfortable months at Sparta are March to November.

How do I get to Sparta?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.05624, -74.67483 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Benham Way.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

See all 72 New Jersey spots →

Open Sparta on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.