Alexis: Kyanite & Lazulite Rockhounding in Lincoln County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Alexis is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Reported finds include kyanite, lazulite, rutile. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lincoln County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Mount Zion Church Road
Postcode: 28006
Coordinates: 35.41072, -81.08860

Geology at Alexis

This spot sits on Battleground Formation, mapped as mica schist that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this is where garnet, staurolite, and kyanite typically grow as the rock recrystallizes under heat and pressure.

Mapped unit: Battleground Formation
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 750 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 Alexis

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 31°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GASTONIA 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 Alexis

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 Alexis.

Across the state line from Alexis

Alexis 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.

Alexis FAQ

Where is Alexis?+

Alexis is in Lincoln County, North Carolina, at 35.41072, -81.08860. Nearest road: Mount Zion Church Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Alexis?+

Alexis is reported to produce Kyanite, Lazulite, Rutile.

Is collecting allowed at Alexis?+

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 Alexis?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Alexis?+

The most comfortable months at Alexis are August to June.

How do I get to Alexis?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.41072, -81.08860 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mount Zion Church Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Alexis on the map

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