Crown Point: Sunstone Rockhounding in Essex County, New York

Public accessBest spot1 mineralEssex County, New YorkUpdated July 2026

Mineral reported: 1
Elevation: 240 ft
Best months: April to November

Crown Point produces the iridescent Adirondack feldspar known as sunstone, along with labradorite, in the anorthosite and gneiss of eastern Essex County. The flash and quality of the feldspar make it a standout Lake Champlain-area collecting spot. Reported finds include sunstone. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

County: Essex County
State: New York
Nearest road: Creek Road
Postcode: 12928
Coordinates: 43.95032, -73.43733

Get directions View on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Access note: Anorthosite and gneiss exposures near Crown Point, Essex County. Check land status before collecting and stay off posted private parcels.

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.

Best time to visit Crown Point

27°J

31°F

40°M

54°A

67°M

76°J

81°J

79°A

72°S

58°O

45°N

33°D

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CORNWALL station (11 mi away).

Geology at Crown Point

This spot sits on Beekmantown Group (in part), mapped as dolostone and limestone that formed roughly 485 to 470 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Beekmantown Group (in part)
Age: 485–470 Ma (Early Ordovician)
Rock types: dolostone and limestone
Elevation: 240 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.

Today's weather

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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.

New York State Museum, Geological Survey
NYS DEC land use rules
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Crown Point

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

Sunstone

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Crown Point.

Lead HillEssex County, New York · 6 mi awayGraphite
Mill PondEssex County, New York · 13 mi awayRose Quartz
Brant LakeWarren County, New York · 22 mi awayApatite, Calcite, Diopside
E of MinervaEssex County, New York · 28 mi awayIdocrase, Microcline, Scapolite
Cascade LakesEssex County, New York · 29 mi awayLabradorite
Opalescent RiverEssex County, New York · 31 mi awayLabradorite
FairhavenWashington County, New York · 33 mi awayPyrite, Bornite, Chalcopyrite
Oven Mt.Warren County, New York · 34 mi awayGarnet

Across the state line from Crown Point

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

ProctorRutland County, Vermont · 29 mi awayMarble
Mad RiverWashington County, Vermont · 30 mi awayGold
White RiverOrange County, Vermont · 36 mi awayGold
Round HillRutland County, Vermont · 37 mi awayGreen Aventurine
Niquette BayChittenden County, Vermont · 46 mi awayAgate, Chert, Jasper
Lamoille RiverChittenden County, Vermont · 46 mi awayDolomite, Chalcopyrite

Crown Point FAQ

Where is Crown Point?+

Crown Point is in Essex County, New York, at 43.95032, -73.43733. Nearest road: Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Crown Point?+

Crown Point is reported to produce Sunstone.

Is collecting allowed at Crown Point?+

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 Crown Point?+

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 Crown Point?+

The most comfortable months at Crown Point are April to November.

How do I get to Crown Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.95032, -73.43733 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Creek Road.

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