New Prospect Mine: Calamine & Smithsonite Rockhounding in Union County, Tennessee

Updated June 2026

New Prospect Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Union County, Tennessee. Reported finds include calamine, smithsonite, sphalerite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Union County
State: Tennessee
Nearest road: Helms Ferry Road
Postcode: 37866
Coordinates: 36.39815, -83.84139

Geology at New Prospect Mine

This spot sits on Conasauga Group, mapped as dolostone and shale that formed roughly 540 to 485 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Conasauga Group
Age: 540–485 Ma (Cambrian)
Rock types: dolostone and shale
Elevation: 1,050 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 New Prospect Mine

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, TAZEWELL station (16 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 New Prospect Mine

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 New Prospect Mine.

Across the state line from New Prospect Mine

New Prospect Mine 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.

New Prospect Mine FAQ

Where is New Prospect Mine?+

New Prospect Mine is in Union County, Tennessee, at 36.39815, -83.84139. Nearest road: Helms Ferry Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at New Prospect Mine?+

New Prospect Mine is reported to produce Calamine, Smithsonite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at New Prospect Mine?+

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 New Prospect Mine?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit New Prospect Mine?+

New Prospect Mine is workable year-round.

How do I get to New Prospect Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.39815, -83.84139 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Helms Ferry Road.

More rockhounding in Tennessee

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Open New Prospect Mine on the map

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