Tyro: Amethyst Rockhounding in Davidson County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Davidson County
State: North Carolina
Postcode: 27299
Coordinates: 35.79207, -80.37244

Geology at Tyro

This spot sits on Granitic Rock, mapped as granite that formed roughly 330 to 260 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Granitic Rock
Age: 330–260 Ma (Mississippian to Guadalupian)
Rock types: granite
Elevation: 780 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 Tyro

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, LEXINGTON station (7 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 Tyro

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Amethyst Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Tyro.

Across the state line from Tyro

Tyro 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.

Tyro FAQ

Where is Tyro?+

Tyro is in Davidson County, North Carolina, at 35.79207, -80.37244.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Tyro?+

Tyro is reported to produce Amethyst.

Is collecting allowed at Tyro?+

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 Tyro?+

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 Tyro?+

Tyro is workable year-round.

How do I get to Tyro?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.79207, -80.37244 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Tyro on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.