Murfreesboro: Chert & Agate Rockhounding in Rutherford County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

Murfreesboro is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Reported finds include chert, agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rutherford County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Middle Tennessee Boulevard
Postcode: 37130
Coordinates: 35.85519, -86.37038

Geology at Murfreesboro

This spot sits on Stones River Group; Ridley Limestone, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 485 to 445 million years ago. Chert and agate nodules typically form inside carbonate rock like this and weather out as tough, waxy lumps in soils and creek beds.

Mapped unit: Stones River Group; Ridley Limestone
Age: 485–445 Ma (Ordovician)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 620 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 Murfreesboro

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 48°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MURFREESBORO 5 N station (5 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 Murfreesboro

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 Murfreesboro.

Across the state line from Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro 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.

Murfreesboro FAQ

Where is Murfreesboro?+

Murfreesboro is in Rutherford County, Tennessee, at 35.85519, -86.37038. Nearest road: Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Murfreesboro?+

Murfreesboro is reported to produce Chert, Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Murfreesboro?+

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 Murfreesboro?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Murfreesboro?+

Murfreesboro is workable year-round.

How do I get to Murfreesboro?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.85519, -86.37038 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Murfreesboro on the map

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