Rose River: Unakite & Epidote Rockhounding in Madison County, Virginia

Updated June 2026

Rose River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Madison County, Virginia. Reported finds include unakite, epidote, jasper, blue quartz, smoky quartz, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Madison County
State: Virginia
Nearest road: Old Blue Ridge Turnpike
Postcode: 22727
Coordinates: 38.48492, -78.32327

Geology at Rose River

This spot sits on Mylonite, Mylonite Gneiss, and Cataclastic Rocks, mapped as mylonite, gneiss, and cataclasite that formed within roughly the last 2500 million years. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Mylonite, Mylonite Gneiss, and Cataclastic Rocks
Age: 2500 Ma to present (Proterozoic to Phanerozoic)
Rock types: mylonite, gneiss, and cataclasite
Elevation: 670 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 Rose River

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 46°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BIG MEADOWS station (7 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 Rose 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 Rose River.

Across the state line from Rose River

Rose 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.

Rose River FAQ

Where is Rose River?+

Rose River is in Madison County, Virginia, at 38.48492, -78.32327. Nearest road: Old Blue Ridge Turnpike.

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

Rose River is reported to produce Unakite, Epidote, Jasper, Blue Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Quartz, Black Chert.

Is collecting allowed at Rose 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 Rose 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 Rose River?+

Rose River is workable year-round.

How do I get to Rose River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.48492, -78.32327 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Old Blue Ridge Turnpike.

More rockhounding in Virginia

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Open Rose River on the map

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