Collettsville: Epidote & Pyrite Cubes Rockhounding in Caldwell County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Collettsville is a mapped rockhounding spot in Caldwell County, North Carolina. Reported finds include epidote, pyrite cubes. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Caldwell County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: NC 90
Postcode: 28611
Coordinates: 35.95331, -81.67744

Geology at Collettsville

This spot sits on Biotite Granitic Gneiss, mapped as gneiss that formed roughly 1400 to 720 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this commonly hosts vein and replacement mineralization, and old workings typically mark the productive zones.

Mapped unit: Biotite Granitic Gneiss
Age: 1400–720 Ma (Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss
Elevation: 1,230 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 Collettsville

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 49°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LENOIR station (8 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 Collettsville

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 Collettsville.

Across the state line from Collettsville

Collettsville 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.

Collettsville FAQ

Where is Collettsville?+

Collettsville is in Caldwell County, North Carolina, at 35.95331, -81.67744. Nearest road: NC 90.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Collettsville?+

Collettsville is reported to produce Epidote, Pyrite Cubes.

Is collecting allowed at Collettsville?+

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 Collettsville?+

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 Collettsville?+

Collettsville is workable year-round.

How do I get to Collettsville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.95331, -81.67744 in Google Maps. The nearest road is NC 90.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Collettsville on the map

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