Richford: Actinolite & Talc Rockhounding in Franklin County, Vermont

Public access4 mineralsFranklin County, VermontUpdated June 2026

Minerals reported: 4
Elevation: 890 ft
Best months: April to October

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.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

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

Get directions View on Google Maps

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Best time to visit Richford

27°J

29°F

37°M

49°A

64°M

73°J

77°J

76°A

69°S

56°O

43°N

33°D

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

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.

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.

Today's weather

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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.

Vermont Geological Survey
Green Mountain National Forest
Vermont State Parks, Camp Plymouth
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Richford

Each name 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.

Jay PeakOrleans County, Vermont · 6 mi awayMalachite, Chlorite, Feldspar
Missisquoi RiverOrleans County, Vermont · 12 mi awayGold
EdenLamoille County, Vermont · 16 mi awayAsbestos, Vesuvianite, Serpentine
Gihon RiverLamoille County, Vermont · 20 mi awayGold
East FletcherFranklin County, Vermont · 23 mi awayPyrite
Lamoille RiverLamoille County, Vermont · 26 mi awayGold
SwantonFranklin County, Vermont · 27 mi awayRed Marble, Dunham Dolomite
Lake WilloughbyOrleans County, Vermont · 32 mi awayMuscovite, Beryl, Garnet

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.

Port KentEssex County, New York · 52 mi awayLabradorite
Buttermilk FallsEssex County, New York · 56 mi awaySerpentine
KeesevilleClinton County, New York · 57 mi awayLabradorite
StratfordCoös County, New Hampshire · 58 mi awayAmethyst
Victor HeadCoös County, New Hampshire · 62 mi awayAlbite, Amethyst, Beryl
LisbonGrafton County, New Hampshire · 63 mi awayStaurolite

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

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