Providence: Agate & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Providence County, Rhode Island

Updated June 2026

Providence is a mapped rockhounding spot in Providence County, Rhode Island. Reported finds include agate, chalcedony, jasper, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Providence County
State: Rhode Island
Nearest road: Woonasquatucket River Greenway
Postcode: 02909
Coordinates: 41.82411, -71.46163

Geology at Providence

This spot sits on Blackstone Group - epidote and biotite schist, mapped as mica schist and quartzite that formed roughly 1000 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: Blackstone Group - epidote and biotite schist
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: mica schist and quartzite
Elevation: 60 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 Providence

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PROVIDENCE 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 Providence

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 Providence.

Across the state line from Providence

Providence 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.

Providence FAQ

Where is Providence?+

Providence is in Providence County, Rhode Island, at 41.82411, -71.46163. Nearest road: Woonasquatucket River Greenway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Providence?+

Providence is reported to produce Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Providence?+

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 Providence?+

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 Providence?+

The most comfortable months at Providence are March to November.

How do I get to Providence?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.82411, -71.46163 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Woonasquatucket River Greenway.

More rockhounding in Rhode Island

See all 17 Rhode Island spots →

Open Providence on the map

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