Bristol: Onyx Rockhounding in Sullivan County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sullivan County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: US 421;SR 44
Postcode: 37620
Coordinates: 36.54158, -82.12425

Geology at Bristol

This spot sits on Knox Group, including Jonesboro Limestone, Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, Chepultepec Dolomite, Copper Ridge Dolomite, Conococheague Limestone, mapped as limestone and dolostone that formed roughly 540 to 445 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: Knox Group, including Jonesboro Limestone, Newala Formation, Mascot Dolomite, Kingsport Formation, Longview Dolomite, Chepultepec Dolomite, Copper Ridge Dolomite, Conococheague Limestone
Age: 540–445 Ma (Cambrian to Ordovician)
Rock types: limestone and dolostone
Elevation: 1,650 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 Bristol

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 46°F in winter to 86°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ABINGDON 3S station (12 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 Bristol

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

Onyx

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bristol.

Across the state line from Bristol

Bristol 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.

Bristol FAQ

Where is Bristol?+

Bristol is in Sullivan County, Tennessee, at 36.54158, -82.12425. Nearest road: US 421;SR 44.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bristol?+

Bristol is reported to produce Onyx.

Is collecting allowed at Bristol?+

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 Bristol?+

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 Bristol?+

Bristol is workable year-round.

How do I get to Bristol?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.54158, -82.12425 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 421;SR 44.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

See all 59 Tennessee spots →

Open Bristol on the map

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