Moosup River: Epidote & Hornblende Rockhounding in Providence County, Rhode Island

Updated June 2026

Moosup River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Providence County, Rhode Island. Reported finds include epidote, hornblende, orthoclase, pyrite, apatite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Providence County
State: Rhode Island
Nearest road: Gold Mine Road
Postcode: 02825
Coordinates: 41.76564, -71.76837

Geology at Moosup River

This spot sits on Esmond Igneous Suite - augen granite gneiss, mapped as gneiss and amphibolite that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this commonly hosts vein and replacement mineralization, and old workings typically mark the productive zones.

Mapped unit: Esmond Igneous Suite - augen granite gneiss
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss and amphibolite
Elevation: 550 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 Moosup River

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, N FOSTER 1 E 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.

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

Found at Moosup River

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 Moosup River.

Across the state line from Moosup River

Moosup River is close enough to the Rhode Island border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Moosup River FAQ

Where is Moosup River?+

Moosup River is in Providence County, Rhode Island, at 41.76564, -71.76837. Nearest road: Gold Mine Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Moosup River?+

Moosup River is reported to produce Epidote, Hornblende, Orthoclase, Pyrite, Apatite, Biotite, Garnet, Chlorite, Labradorite, Serpentine.

Is collecting allowed at Moosup River?+

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 Moosup River?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Moosup River?+

The most comfortable months at Moosup River are March to November.

How do I get to Moosup River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.76564, -71.76837 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Gold Mine Road.

More rockhounding in Rhode Island

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Open Moosup River on the map

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