Alsace Township: Chalcedony & Jasper Rockhounding in Berks County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Alsace Township is a mapped rockhounding spot in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include chalcedony, jasper, agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Berks County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Seidel Road
Postcode: 19606
Coordinates: 40.36697, -75.86556

Geology at Alsace Township

This spot sits on Hornblende gneiss, mapped as hornblende gneiss that formed roughly 4600 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: Hornblende gneiss
Age: 4600–540 Ma (Precambrian)
Rock types: hornblende gneiss
Elevation: 640 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 Alsace Township

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, READING RGNL AP station (5 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Alsace Township

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 Alsace Township.

Across the state line from Alsace Township

Alsace Township is close enough to the Pennsylvania border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Alsace Township FAQ

Where is Alsace Township?+

Alsace Township is in Berks County, Pennsylvania, at 40.36697, -75.86556. Nearest road: Seidel Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Alsace Township?+

Alsace Township is reported to produce Chalcedony, Jasper, Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Alsace Township?+

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 Alsace Township?+

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 Alsace Township?+

The most comfortable months at Alsace Township are March to November.

How do I get to Alsace Township?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.36697, -75.86556 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Seidel Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

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Open Alsace Township on the map

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