Monterey: Calcite & Celestite Rockhounding in Putnam County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Monterey is a mapped rockhounding spot in Putnam County, Tennessee. Reported finds include calcite, celestite, dolomite, fluorite, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Putnam County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Livingston Highway
Postcode: 38574
Coordinates: 36.17812, -85.28770

Geology at Monterey

This spot sits on Bangor Limestone and Hartselle Formation, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 360 to 325 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Bangor Limestone and Hartselle Formation
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 1,430 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 Monterey

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 86°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTEREY 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 Monterey

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 Monterey.

Across the state line from Monterey

Monterey 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.

Monterey FAQ

Where is Monterey?+

Monterey is in Putnam County, Tennessee, at 36.17812, -85.28770. Nearest road: Livingston Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Monterey?+

Monterey is reported to produce Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite, Fluorite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Monterey?+

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 Monterey?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Monterey?+

Monterey is workable year-round.

How do I get to Monterey?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.17812, -85.28770 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Livingston Highway.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Monterey on the map

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