Farmington: Autunite & Columbite Rockhounding in Davie County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Farmington is a mapped rockhounding spot in Davie County, North Carolina. Reported finds include autunite, columbite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Davie County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Redfield Road
Postcode: 27028
Coordinates: 36.04576, -80.50831

Geology at Farmington

This spot sits on Metamorphosed Mafic Rock, mapped as metagabbro and metadiorite that formed roughly 1000 to 250 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Metamorphosed Mafic Rock
Age: 1000–250 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic)
Rock types: metagabbro and metadiorite
Elevation: 710 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 Farmington

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 48°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, YADKINVILLE 6 E station (6 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 Farmington

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 Farmington.

Across the state line from Farmington

Farmington 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.

Farmington FAQ

Where is Farmington?+

Farmington is in Davie County, North Carolina, at 36.04576, -80.50831. Nearest road: Redfield Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Farmington?+

Farmington is reported to produce Autunite, Columbite.

Is collecting allowed at Farmington?+

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 Farmington?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Farmington?+

Farmington is workable year-round.

How do I get to Farmington?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.04576, -80.50831 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Redfield Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Farmington on the map

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