Faber: Azurite & Cerussite Rockhounding in Albemarle County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Faber is a mapped rockhounding spot in Albemarle County, Virginia. Reported finds include azurite, cerussite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, galena, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Albemarle County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Green Creek Road
Postcode: 22969
Coordinates: 37.83163, -78.66688

Geology at Faber

This spot sits on Mafic Igneous Complex Undivided, mapped as metagabbro that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Mafic Igneous Complex Undivided
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metagabbro
Elevation: 540 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 Faber

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, SCOTTSVILLE 6SE 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 Faber

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 Faber.

Across the state line from Faber

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

Faber FAQ

Where is Faber?+

Faber is in Albemarle County, Virginia, at 37.83163, -78.66688. Nearest road: Green Creek Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Faber?+

Faber is reported to produce Azurite, Cerussite, Chalcopyrite, Fluorite, Galena, Pyromorphite, Smithsonite, Sphalerite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Faber?+

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 Faber?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Faber?+

Faber is workable year-round.

How do I get to Faber?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.83163, -78.66688 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Green Creek Road.

More rockhounding in Virginia

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Open Faber on the map

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