Shadwell: Green Quartzite & Unakite Rockhounding in Albemarle County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Albemarle County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Milton Road
Postcode: 22902
Coordinates: 38.01098, -78.40794

Geology at Shadwell

This spot sits on Catoctin Formation - Hyaloclastite pillow breccia, mapped as metabasalt that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Catoctin Formation - Hyaloclastite pillow breccia
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: metabasalt
Elevation: 290 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 Shadwell

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 46°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTICELLO station (2 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 Shadwell

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 Shadwell.

Across the state line from Shadwell

Shadwell 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.

Shadwell FAQ

Where is Shadwell?+

Shadwell is in Albemarle County, Virginia, at 38.01098, -78.40794. Nearest road: Milton Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Shadwell?+

Shadwell is reported to produce Green Quartzite, Unakite, Epidote.

Is collecting allowed at Shadwell?+

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 Shadwell?+

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 Shadwell?+

Shadwell is workable year-round.

How do I get to Shadwell?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.01098, -78.40794 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Milton Road.

More rockhounding in Virginia

See all 93 Virginia spots →

Open Shadwell on the map

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