Hillsville: Arsenopyrite & Azurite Rockhounding in Carroll County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Hillsville is a mapped rockhounding spot in Carroll County, Virginia. Reported finds include arsenopyrite, azurite, barite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Carroll County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Mitchels Crossroads Road
Coordinates: 36.84541, -80.72390

Geology at Hillsville

This spot sits on Ashe Formation - Mica schist or phyllite, mapped as mica schist and phyllite 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: Ashe Formation - Mica schist or phyllite
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: mica schist and phyllite
Elevation: 2,570 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 Hillsville

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 22°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PULASKI 2 E station (15 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 Hillsville

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 Hillsville.

Across the state line from Hillsville

Hillsville 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.

Hillsville FAQ

Where is Hillsville?+

Hillsville is in Carroll County, Virginia, at 36.84541, -80.72390. Nearest road: Mitchels Crossroads Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hillsville?+

Hillsville is reported to produce Arsenopyrite, Azurite, Barite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Chrysocolla, Cuprite, Galena, Pyrite, Pyrrhotite, Siderite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Hillsville?+

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 Hillsville?+

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 Hillsville?+

The most comfortable months at Hillsville are March to November.

How do I get to Hillsville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.84541, -80.72390 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mitchels Crossroads Road.

More rockhounding in Virginia

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Open Hillsville on the map

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