Monteagle: Calcite Onyx Rockhounding in Marion County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Monteagle is a mapped rockhounding spot in Marion County, Tennessee. Reported finds include calcite onyx. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Marion County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: I 24;US 64
Postcode: 37380
Coordinates: 35.20884, -85.81916

Geology at Monteagle

This spot sits on Gizzard Group, including Signal Point Shale, Warren Point Sandstone, and Raccoon Mountain Formation, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Gizzard Group, including Signal Point Shale, Warren Point Sandstone, and Raccoon Mountain Formation
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 1,690 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 Monteagle

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 84°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTEAGLE station (2 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 Monteagle

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Calcite Onyx Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Monteagle.

Across the state line from Monteagle

Monteagle 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.

Monteagle FAQ

Where is Monteagle?+

Monteagle is in Marion County, Tennessee, at 35.20884, -85.81916. Nearest road: I 24;US 64.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Monteagle?+

Monteagle is reported to produce Calcite Onyx.

Is collecting allowed at Monteagle?+

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 Monteagle?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Monteagle?+

Monteagle is workable year-round.

How do I get to Monteagle?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.20884, -85.81916 in Google Maps. The nearest road is I 24;US 64.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Monteagle on the map

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