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Yadkin River: Quartz & Smoky Quartz Rockhounding in Alexander County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Yadkin River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Alexander County, North Carolina. Reported finds include quartz, smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Yadkin River in Alexander County, North Carolina

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Revenuer Ridge Lane
Postcode
28636

Geology at Yadkin River

This spot sits on Biotite Gneiss and Schist, mapped as biotite gneiss, mica schist, and calc silicate rock that formed roughly 1000 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
Biotite Gneiss and Schist
Age
1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types
biotite gneiss, mica schist, and calc silicate rock
Elevation
980 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 Yadkin River

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 50°F in winter to 88°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TAYLORSVILLE station (6 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.

State guidance last verified:

Found at Yadkin River

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 Yadkin River.

Across the state line from Yadkin River

Yadkin River 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.

Yadkin River FAQ

Where is Yadkin River?+
Yadkin River is in Alexander County, North Carolina, at 35.93451, -81.06990. Nearest road: Revenuer Ridge Lane.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Yadkin River?+
Yadkin River is reported to produce Quartz, Smoky Quartz.
Is collecting allowed at Yadkin River?+
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 Yadkin River?+
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 Yadkin River?+
Yadkin River is workable year-round.
How do I get to Yadkin River?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 35.93451, -81.06990 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Revenuer Ridge Lane.

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