Statesville: Agate & Amethyst Rockhounding in Iredell County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iredell County
State: North Carolina
Postcode: 28010
Coordinates: 35.72916, -80.88151

Geology at Statesville

This spot sits on Battleground Formation, mapped as mica schist that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Battleground Formation
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 880 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 Statesville

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 49°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, STATESVILLE 2 NNE 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 Statesville

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 Statesville.

Across the state line from Statesville

Statesville 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.

Statesville FAQ

Where is Statesville?+

Statesville is in Iredell County, North Carolina, at 35.72916, -80.88151.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Statesville?+

Statesville is reported to produce Agate, Amethyst, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Statesville?+

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 Statesville?+

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 Statesville?+

Statesville is workable year-round.

How do I get to Statesville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.72916, -80.88151 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 Statesville on the map

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