Moormans River: Epidote & Jasper Rockhounding in Albemarle County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Moormans River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Albemarle County, Virginia. Reported finds include epidote, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Albemarle County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Sugar Hollow Road
Postcode: 22932
Coordinates: 38.12871, -78.69025

Geology at Moormans River

This spot sits on Swift Run Formation, mapped as phyllite, metasandstone, and metaconglomerate that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Swift Run Formation
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: phyllite, metasandstone, and metaconglomerate
Elevation: 720 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 Moormans River

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, FREE UNION station (6 mi away).

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 Moormans River

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 Moormans River.

Across the state line from Moormans River

Moormans River 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.

Moormans River FAQ

Where is Moormans River?+

Moormans River is in Albemarle County, Virginia, at 38.12871, -78.69025. Nearest road: Sugar Hollow Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Moormans River?+

Moormans River is reported to produce Epidote, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Moormans River?+

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 Moormans River?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Moormans River?+

Moormans River is workable year-round.

How do I get to Moormans River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.12871, -78.69025 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Sugar Hollow Road.

More rockhounding in Virginia

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Open Moormans River on the map

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