Casar: Agate & Quartz Rockhounding in Cleveland County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cleveland County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Golden Valley Road
Postcode: 28020
Coordinates: 35.51197, -81.65313

Geology at Casar

This spot sits on Mica Schist, mapped as mica schist 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: Mica Schist
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 1,130 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 Casar

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 50°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VALE AG 2 SW station (12 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 Casar

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 Casar.

Across the state line from Casar

Casar 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.

Casar FAQ

Where is Casar?+

Casar is in Cleveland County, North Carolina, at 35.51197, -81.65313. Nearest road: Golden Valley Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Casar?+

Casar is reported to produce Agate, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Casar?+

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 Casar?+

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 Casar?+

Casar is workable year-round.

How do I get to Casar?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.51197, -81.65313 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Golden Valley Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Casar on the map

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