Ivy Creek: Chrysolite & Genthite Rockhounding in Madison County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Ivy Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Madison County, North Carolina. Reported finds include chrysolite, genthite, talc, tremolite, asbestos. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Madison County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Serenity on the Ivy Lane
Postcode: 28787
Coordinates: 35.78283, -82.60728

Geology at Ivy Creek

This spot sits on Amphibolite, mapped as amphibolite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Amphibolite
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: amphibolite
Elevation: 1,830 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 Ivy Creek

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 47°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MARSHALL station (4 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 Ivy Creek

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 Ivy Creek.

Across the state line from Ivy Creek

Ivy Creek 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.

Ivy Creek FAQ

Where is Ivy Creek?+

Ivy Creek is in Madison County, North Carolina, at 35.78283, -82.60728. Nearest road: Serenity on the Ivy Lane.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ivy Creek?+

Ivy Creek is reported to produce Chrysolite, Genthite, Talc, Tremolite, Asbestos.

Is collecting allowed at Ivy Creek?+

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 Ivy Creek?+

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 Ivy Creek?+

Ivy Creek is workable year-round.

How do I get to Ivy Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.78283, -82.60728 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Serenity on the Ivy Lane.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Ivy Creek on the map

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