Red Hill Quarry: Epidote & Microcline Rockhounding in Albemarle County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Red Hill Quarry is a mapped rockhounding spot in Albemarle County, Virginia. Reported finds include epidote, microcline, unakite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Albemarle County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Red Hill Road
Postcode: 22959
Coordinates: 37.96172, -78.59890

Geology at Red Hill Quarry

This spot sits on Porphyoblastic Biotite-Plagioclase Augen Gneiss, mapped as biotite gneiss that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Porphyoblastic Biotite-Plagioclase Augen Gneiss
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: biotite gneiss
Elevation: 760 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 Red Hill Quarry

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 45°F in winter to 88°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CHARLOTTESVILLE 2W 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 Red Hill Quarry

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 Red Hill Quarry.

Across the state line from Red Hill Quarry

Red Hill Quarry 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.

Red Hill Quarry FAQ

Where is Red Hill Quarry?+

Red Hill Quarry is in Albemarle County, Virginia, at 37.96172, -78.59890. Nearest road: Red Hill Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Red Hill Quarry?+

Red Hill Quarry is reported to produce Epidote, Microcline, Unakite.

Is collecting allowed at Red Hill Quarry?+

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 Red Hill Quarry?+

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 Red Hill Quarry?+

Red Hill Quarry is workable year-round.

How do I get to Red Hill Quarry?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.96172, -78.59890 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Red Hill Road.

More rockhounding in Virginia

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Open Red Hill Quarry on the map

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