Concord: Agate & Carnelian Rockhounding in Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Concord is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Reported finds include agate, carnelian, chalcedony, common opal. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cabarrus County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Shadowcrest Drive Southwest
Postcode: 28075
Coordinates: 35.36190, -80.62792

Geology at Concord

This spot sits on Gabbro of Concord Plutonic Suite, mapped as gabbro that formed roughly 480 to 395 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Gabbro of Concord Plutonic Suite
Age: 480–395 Ma (Early Ordovician to Early Devonian)
Rock types: gabbro
Elevation: 590 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 Concord

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 29°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CONCORD station (5 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 Concord

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 Concord.

Across the state line from Concord

Concord 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.

Concord FAQ

Where is Concord?+

Concord is in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, at 35.36190, -80.62792. Nearest road: Shadowcrest Drive Southwest.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Concord?+

Concord is reported to produce Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Common Opal.

Is collecting allowed at Concord?+

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 Concord?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Concord?+

The most comfortable months at Concord are August to June.

How do I get to Concord?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.36190, -80.62792 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Shadowcrest Drive Southwest.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Concord on the map

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