Mt. Tirzah: Actinolite & Hematite Rockhounding in Person County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Mt. Tirzah is a mapped rockhounding spot in Person County, North Carolina. Reported finds include actinolite, hematite, limonite, manganese, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Person County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Surl-Mount Tirzah Road
Postcode: 27572
Coordinates: 36.28190, -78.90703

Geology at Mt. Tirzah

This spot sits on Felsic Metavolcanic Rock, mapped as metadacite, metarhyolite, and metavolcanic that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: Felsic Metavolcanic Rock
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metadacite, metarhyolite, and metavolcanic
Elevation: 720 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 Mt. Tirzah

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ROXBORO 7 ESE station (5 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 Mt. Tirzah

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 Mt. Tirzah.

Across the state line from Mt. Tirzah

Mt. Tirzah 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.

Mt. Tirzah FAQ

Where is Mt. Tirzah?+

Mt. Tirzah is in Person County, North Carolina, at 36.28190, -78.90703. Nearest road: Surl-Mount Tirzah Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mt. Tirzah?+

Mt. Tirzah is reported to produce Actinolite, Hematite, Limonite, Manganese, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Mt. Tirzah?+

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 Mt. Tirzah?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Tirzah?+

Mt. Tirzah is workable year-round.

How do I get to Mt. Tirzah?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.28190, -78.90703 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Surl-Mount Tirzah Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Mt. Tirzah on the map

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