Bullock: Pyrite Rockhounding in Granville County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Granville County
State: North Carolina
Coordinates: 36.46997, -78.51569

Geology at Bullock

This spot sits on Metavolcanic Rock, mapped as metavolcanic that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Metavolcanic Rock
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metavolcanic
Elevation: 360 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 Bullock

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 51°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 26°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HENDERSON 2 NNW station (10 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 Bullock

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

Pyrite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bullock.

Across the state line from Bullock

Bullock 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.

Bullock FAQ

Where is Bullock?+

Bullock is in Granville County, North Carolina, at 36.46997, -78.51569.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bullock?+

Bullock is reported to produce Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Bullock?+

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 Bullock?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Bullock?+

The most comfortable months at Bullock are August to June.

How do I get to Bullock?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.46997, -78.51569 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 Bullock on the map

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