Area Near West Point: Chrysotile Asbestos Rockhounding in Orange County, New York

Updated June 2026

Area Near West Point is a mapped rockhounding spot in Orange County, New York. Reported finds include chrysotile asbestos. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Orange County
State: New York
Nearest road: Rivercrest Road
Postcode: 10928
Coordinates: 41.33902, -73.97398

Geology at Area Near West Point

This spot sits on Garnet-bearing gneiss and interlayered quartzite, mapped as gneiss and quartzite 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: Garnet-bearing gneiss and interlayered quartzite
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss and quartzite
Elevation: 20 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 Area Near West Point

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, W PT station (4 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 Area Near West Point

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

Chrysotile Asbestos

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Area Near West Point.

Across the state line from Area Near West Point

Area Near West 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.

Area Near West Point FAQ

Where is Area Near West Point?+

Area Near West Point is in Orange County, New York, at 41.33902, -73.97398. Nearest road: Rivercrest Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Area Near West Point?+

Area Near West Point is reported to produce Chrysotile Asbestos.

Is collecting allowed at Area Near West 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 Area Near West 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 Area Near West Point?+

The most comfortable months at Area Near West Point are March to November.

How do I get to Area Near West Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.33902, -73.97398 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Rivercrest Road.

More rockhounding in New York

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Open Area Near West Point on the map

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