Knobly Mountain: Celestite & Blue Calcite Rockhounding in Mineral County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

Knobly Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Mineral County, West Virginia. Reported finds include celestite, blue calcite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Mineral County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: Cameron Orchard Road
Postcode: 26743
Coordinates: 39.34748, -79.01494

Geology at Knobly Mountain

This spot sits on Tonoloway, Wills Creek, and Williamsport Formations, mapped as limestone, shale, and sandstone that formed roughly 445 to 420 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Tonoloway, Wills Creek, and Williamsport Formations
Age: 445–420 Ma (Silurian)
Rock types: limestone, shale, and sandstone
Elevation: 1,680 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 Knobly Mountain

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KEYSER 2 SSW station (5 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 Knobly Mountain

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 Knobly Mountain.

Across the state line from Knobly Mountain

Knobly Mountain is close enough to the West Virginia border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Knobly Mountain FAQ

Where is Knobly Mountain?+

Knobly Mountain is in Mineral County, West Virginia, at 39.34748, -79.01494. Nearest road: Cameron Orchard Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Knobly Mountain?+

Knobly Mountain is reported to produce Celestite, Blue Calcite.

Is collecting allowed at Knobly Mountain?+

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 Knobly Mountain?+

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 Knobly Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Knobly Mountain are March to November.

How do I get to Knobly Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.34748, -79.01494 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cameron Orchard Road.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

See all 34 West Virginia spots →

Open Knobly Mountain on the map

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