Henry's Knob: Andalusite & Kyanite Rockhounding in York County, South Carolina

Updated June 2026

Henry's Knob is a mapped rockhounding spot in York County, South Carolina. Reported finds include andalusite, kyanite, lazulite, staurolite, tourmaline. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: York County
State: South Carolina
Nearest road: Laurelwood Drive
Coordinates: 35.13096, -81.27507

Geology at Henry's Knob

This spot sits on Battleground Formation, Metasedimentary rocks, undivided, mapped as schist that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic belts like this often host pegmatite dikes, the coarse-crystal bodies that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, and sheet mica.

Mapped unit: Battleground Formation, Metasedimentary rocks, undivided
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: schist
Elevation: 1,040 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 Henry's Knob

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 52°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GASTONIA MUNI AP station (8 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 Henry's Knob

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 Henry's Knob.

Across the state line from Henry's Knob

Henry's Knob 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.

Henry's Knob FAQ

Where is Henry's Knob?+

Henry's Knob is in York County, South Carolina, at 35.13096, -81.27507. Nearest road: Laurelwood Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Henry's Knob?+

Henry's Knob is reported to produce Andalusite, Kyanite, Lazulite, Staurolite, Tourmaline.

Is collecting allowed at Henry's Knob?+

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 Henry's Knob?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Henry's Knob?+

Henry's Knob is workable year-round.

How do I get to Henry's Knob?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.13096, -81.27507 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Laurelwood Drive.

More rockhounding in South Carolina

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Open Henry's Knob on the map

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