Limestone quarries: Calcite & Celestite Rockhounding in Unicoi County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Unicoi County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Unicoi Drive
Postcode: 37692
Coordinates: 36.26052, -82.32053

Geology at Limestone quarries

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: 1,710 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 Limestone quarries

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELIZABETHTON station (8 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 Limestone quarries

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 Limestone quarries.

Across the state line from Limestone quarries

Limestone quarries 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.

Limestone quarries FAQ

Where is Limestone quarries?+

Limestone quarries is in Unicoi County, Tennessee, at 36.26052, -82.32053. Nearest road: Unicoi Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Limestone quarries?+

Limestone quarries is reported to produce Calcite, Celestite, Dolomite.

Is collecting allowed at Limestone quarries?+

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 Limestone quarries?+

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 Limestone quarries?+

Limestone quarries is workable year-round.

How do I get to Limestone quarries?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.26052, -82.32053 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Unicoi Drive.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

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Open Limestone quarries on the map

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