Mooresville: Agate & Amethyst Rockhounding in Catawba County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Mooresville is a mapped rockhounding spot in Catawba County, North Carolina. Reported finds include agate, amethyst, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Catawba County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Island Point Road
Postcode: 28673
Coordinates: 35.62098, -80.95300

Geology at Mooresville

This spot sits on Fine-grained Biotite Gneiss, mapped as biotite gneiss that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Fine-grained Biotite Gneiss
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: biotite gneiss
Elevation: 830 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 Mooresville

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CATAWBA 5 SW station (10 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: 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 Mooresville

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 Mooresville.

Across the state line from Mooresville

Mooresville 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.

Mooresville FAQ

Where is Mooresville?+

Mooresville is in Catawba County, North Carolina, at 35.62098, -80.95300. Nearest road: Island Point Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mooresville?+

Mooresville is reported to produce Agate, Amethyst, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Mooresville?+

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 Mooresville?+

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 Mooresville?+

Mooresville is workable year-round.

How do I get to Mooresville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.62098, -80.95300 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Island Point Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Mooresville on the map

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