RockHoundR
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Burch: Jasper & Quartz Rockhounding in Surry County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Burch is a mapped rockhounding spot in Surry County, North Carolina. Reported finds include jasper, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Burch in Surry County, North Carolina

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
Cockerham Road

Geology at Burch

This spot sits on Metagraywacke, Amphibolite, and Kyanite Schist, mapped as metagraywacke that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit
Metagraywacke, Amphibolite, and Kyanite Schist
Age
1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types
metagraywacke
Elevation
860 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 Burch

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, ELKIN station (7 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:

Found at Burch

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 Burch.

Across the state line from Burch

Burch 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.

Burch FAQ

Where is Burch?+
Burch is in Surry County, North Carolina, at 36.27848, -80.74179. Nearest road: Cockerham Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Burch?+
Burch is reported to produce Jasper, Quartz.
Is collecting allowed at Burch?+
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 Burch?+
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 Burch?+
Burch is workable year-round.
How do I get to Burch?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 36.27848, -80.74179 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cockerham Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

See all 198 North Carolina spots →

Open Burch on the map

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play