Hickory Grove: Andalusite & Kyanite Rockhounding in York County, South Carolina

Updated June 2026

Hickory Grove 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: Walnut Grove Road
Postcode: 29717
Coordinates: 34.94707, -81.47917

Geology at Hickory Grove

This spot sits on Biotite metatonalite and granodiorite, mapped as metatonalite and granodiorite that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Granitic rock like this is where pegmatite pockets tend to occur, the coarse-crystal settings that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, mica, and feldspar.

Mapped unit: Biotite metatonalite and granodiorite
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metatonalite and granodiorite
Elevation: 510 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 Hickory Grove

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 88°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NINETY NINE IS station (6 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 Hickory Grove

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 Hickory Grove.

Across the state line from Hickory Grove

Hickory Grove 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.

Hickory Grove FAQ

Where is Hickory Grove?+

Hickory Grove is in York County, South Carolina, at 34.94707, -81.47917. Nearest road: Walnut Grove Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hickory Grove?+

Hickory Grove is reported to produce Andalusite, Kyanite, Lazulite, Staurolite, Tourmaline.

Is collecting allowed at Hickory Grove?+

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 Hickory Grove?+

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 Hickory Grove?+

Hickory Grove is workable year-round.

How do I get to Hickory Grove?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.94707, -81.47917 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Walnut Grove Road.

More rockhounding in South Carolina

See all 49 South Carolina spots →

Open Hickory Grove on the map

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