Richford: Actinolite & Talc Rockhounding in Franklin County, Vermont

Updated June 2026

Richford is a mapped rockhounding spot in Franklin County, Vermont. Reported finds include actinolite, talc, fuschite, magnetite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Franklin County
State: Vermont
Nearest road: Jay Road
Coordinates: 44.99609, -72.56523

Geology at Richford

This spot sits on Hazens Notch Formation - undivided, mapped as muscovite schist, gneiss, and quartzite that formed roughly 1000 to 510 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Hazens Notch Formation - undivided
Age: 1000–510 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian)
Rock types: muscovite schist, gneiss, and quartzite
Elevation: 890 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 Richford

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, JAY PEAK station (5 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 Richford

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 Richford.

Across the state line from Richford

Richford is close enough to the Vermont border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Richford FAQ

Where is Richford?+

Richford is in Franklin County, Vermont, at 44.99609, -72.56523. Nearest road: Jay Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Richford?+

Richford is reported to produce Actinolite, Talc, Fuschite, Magnetite.

Is collecting allowed at Richford?+

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 Richford?+

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 Richford?+

The most comfortable months at Richford are April to October.

How do I get to Richford?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.99609, -72.56523 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Jay Road.

More rockhounding in Vermont

See all 29 Vermont spots →

Open Richford on the map

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