Burlington: Quartz & Red Quartzite Rockhounding in Alamance County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Burlington is a mapped rockhounding spot in Alamance County, North Carolina. Reported finds include quartz, red quartzite, serpentine. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Alamance County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Burch Bridge Road
Postcode: 27217
Coordinates: 36.12117, -79.45478

Geology at Burlington

This spot sits on Metamorphosed Granitic Rock, mapped as metagranite that formed roughly 720 to 495 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Metamorphosed Granitic Rock
Age: 720–495 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Middle Cambrian)
Rock types: metagranite
Elevation: 640 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 Burlington

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BURLINGTON FIRE STN #5 station (4 mi away).

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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

North Carolina Geological Survey
Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests
Emerald Hollow Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Burlington

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 Burlington.

Across the state line from Burlington

Burlington is close enough to the North Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Burlington FAQ

Where is Burlington?+

Burlington is in Alamance County, North Carolina, at 36.12117, -79.45478. Nearest road: Burch Bridge Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Burlington?+

Burlington is reported to produce Quartz, Red Quartzite, Serpentine.

Is collecting allowed at Burlington?+

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 Burlington?+

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 Burlington?+

Burlington is workable year-round.

How do I get to Burlington?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.12117, -79.45478 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Burch Bridge Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Burlington on the map

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