Stice Shoal Lake Dam: Aquamarine & Beryl Rockhounding in Cleveland County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Stice Shoal Lake Dam is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cleveland County, North Carolina. Reported finds include aquamarine, beryl, emerald, mica, smoky quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cleveland County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Powerhouse Road
Postcode: 28090
Coordinates: 35.39865, -81.54598

Geology at Stice Shoal Lake Dam

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: 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 Stice Shoal Lake Dam

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SHELBY 2 NW station (6 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 Stice Shoal Lake Dam

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 Stice Shoal Lake Dam.

Across the state line from Stice Shoal Lake Dam

Stice Shoal Lake Dam 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.

Stice Shoal Lake Dam FAQ

Where is Stice Shoal Lake Dam?+

Stice Shoal Lake Dam is in Cleveland County, North Carolina, at 35.39865, -81.54598. Nearest road: Powerhouse Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Stice Shoal Lake Dam?+

Stice Shoal Lake Dam is reported to produce Aquamarine, Beryl, Emerald, Mica, Smoky Quartz, Tourmaline.

Is collecting allowed at Stice Shoal Lake Dam?+

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 Stice Shoal Lake Dam?+

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 Stice Shoal Lake Dam?+

The most comfortable months at Stice Shoal Lake Dam are August to June.

How do I get to Stice Shoal Lake Dam?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.39865, -81.54598 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Powerhouse Road.

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Open Stice Shoal Lake Dam on the map

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