Fairhaven: Pyrite & Bornite Rockhounding in Washington County, New York

Updated June 2026

Fairhaven is a mapped rockhounding spot in Washington County, New York. Reported finds include pyrite, bornite, chalcopyrite, quartz, calcite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Washington County
State: New York
Nearest road: Prouty Road
Postcode: 12837
Coordinates: 43.48933, -73.26187

Geology at Fairhaven

This spot sits on Hatch Hill Formation, mapped as slate and phyllite that formed roughly 495 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Hatch Hill Formation
Age: 495–485 Ma (Furongian)
Rock types: slate and phyllite
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 Fairhaven

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WHITEHALL station (8 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 Fairhaven

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 Fairhaven.

Across the state line from Fairhaven

Fairhaven 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.

Fairhaven FAQ

Where is Fairhaven?+

Fairhaven is in Washington County, New York, at 43.48933, -73.26187. Nearest road: Prouty Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Fairhaven?+

Fairhaven is reported to produce Pyrite, Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Quartz, Calcite.

Is collecting allowed at Fairhaven?+

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 Fairhaven?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Fairhaven?+

The most comfortable months at Fairhaven are April to November.

How do I get to Fairhaven?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.48933, -73.26187 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Prouty Road.

More rockhounding in New York

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Open Fairhaven on the map

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