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Balmat: Anthophyllite & Apatite Rockhounding in Saint Lawrence County, New York

Updated July 2026

Balmat anchors the Balmat-Edwards zinc district, a world-class metamorphosed carbonate terrane famous for fine tremolite, talc, anthophyllite, and associated sulfides. The dumps and exposures offer a rare chance at museum-grade metamorphic minerals in St. Lawrence County. Reported finds include anthophyllite, apatite, talc, tremolite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Balmat photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saint Lawrence County
State: New York
Coordinates: 44.26785, -75.38621

Geology at Balmat

This spot sits on Dolomitic and calcitic marbles interlayered with significant amounts of calcsilicate rock, mapped as marble 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: Dolomitic and calcitic marbles interlayered with significant amounts of calcsilicate rock
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: marble
Elevation: 580 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 Balmat

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOUVERNEUR 3 NW station (9 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 Balmat

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 Balmat.

Balmat FAQ

Where is Balmat?+

Balmat is in Saint Lawrence County, New York, at 44.26785, -75.38621.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Balmat?+

Balmat is reported to produce Anthophyllite, Apatite, Talc, Tremolite.

Is collecting allowed at Balmat?+

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 Balmat?+

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 Balmat?+

The most comfortable months at Balmat are April to November.

How do I get to Balmat?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.26785, -75.38621 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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Open Balmat on the map

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