Cherokee County: Barite & Hematite Rockhounding in Cherokee County, South Carolina

Updated June 2026

Cherokee County is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cherokee County, South Carolina. Reported finds include barite, hematite, kyanite, sillimanite, corundum, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cherokee County
State: South Carolina
Coordinates: 35.10250, -81.57256

Geology at Cherokee County

This spot sits on Blacksburg Formation, mapped as mica schist 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: Blacksburg Formation
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 590 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 Cherokee County

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NINETY NINE IS 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 Cherokee County

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 Cherokee County.

Across the state line from Cherokee County

Cherokee County is close enough to the South Carolina border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Cherokee County FAQ

Where is Cherokee County?+

Cherokee County is in Cherokee County, South Carolina, at 35.10250, -81.57256.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cherokee County?+

Cherokee County is reported to produce Barite, Hematite, Kyanite, Sillimanite, Corundum, Sapphire.

Is collecting allowed at Cherokee County?+

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 Cherokee County?+

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 Cherokee County?+

Cherokee County is workable year-round.

How do I get to Cherokee County?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.10250, -81.57256 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in South Carolina

See all 49 South Carolina spots →

Open Cherokee County on the map

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