Mossy Creek: Calamine & Smithsonite Rockhounding in Jefferson County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Mossy Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Jefferson County, Tennessee. Reported finds include calamine, smithsonite, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Jefferson County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Hicks Road
Postcode: 37760
Coordinates: 36.11064, -83.47704

Geology at Mossy Creek

This spot sits on Jonesboro Limestone, Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, and Chepultepec Dolomite, mapped as limestone and dolostone that formed roughly 485 to 445 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Jonesboro Limestone, Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, and Chepultepec Dolomite
Age: 485–445 Ma (Ordovician)
Rock types: limestone and dolostone
Elevation: 1,170 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 Mossy Creek

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 47°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, JEFFERSON CITY station (1 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 Mossy Creek

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 Mossy Creek.

Across the state line from Mossy Creek

Mossy Creek is close enough to the Tennessee border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Mossy Creek FAQ

Where is Mossy Creek?+

Mossy Creek is in Jefferson County, Tennessee, at 36.11064, -83.47704. Nearest road: Hicks Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mossy Creek?+

Mossy Creek is reported to produce Calamine, Smithsonite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Mossy Creek?+

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 Mossy Creek?+

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 Mossy Creek?+

Mossy Creek is workable year-round.

How do I get to Mossy Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.11064, -83.47704 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Hicks Road.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

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Open Mossy Creek on the map

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