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Edwards: Barite & Galena Rockhounding in Saint Lawrence County, New York

Updated July 2026

Edwards is a core locality of the Balmat-Edwards zinc belt, yielding sphalerite, galena, gypsum, and purple fluorite from the same metamorphosed marble that made the district internationally known. It is a reliable source of well-crystallized sulfides and fluorite. Reported finds include barite, galena, gypsum, sphalerite, fluorite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Edwards photos

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

1 photo

Representative cleiophane, the pale sphalerite variety characteristic of the Balmat-Edwards zinc district

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saint Lawrence County
State: New York
Nearest road: County Road 24
Postcode: 13635
Coordinates: 44.33719, -75.22845

Geology at Edwards

This spot sits on Hornblende syenite gneiss, mapped as hornblende gneiss that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this commonly hosts vein and replacement mineralization, and old workings typically mark the productive zones.

Mapped unit: Hornblende syenite gneiss
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: hornblende gneiss
Elevation: 660 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 Edwards

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 78°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 4°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOUVERNEUR 3 NW station (14 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 Edwards

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 Edwards.

Edwards FAQ

Where is Edwards?+

Edwards is in Saint Lawrence County, New York, at 44.33719, -75.22845. Nearest road: County Road 24.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Edwards?+

Edwards is reported to produce Barite, Galena, Gypsum, Sphalerite, Fluorite.

Is collecting allowed at Edwards?+

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 Edwards?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Edwards?+

The most comfortable months at Edwards are April to October.

How do I get to Edwards?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.33719, -75.22845 in Google Maps. The nearest road is County Road 24.

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