Union: Quartz Rockhounding in Monroe County, West Virginia

Updated June 2026

Union is a mapped rockhounding spot in Monroe County, West Virginia. Reported finds include quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Monroe County
State: West Virginia
Nearest road: Buster Brown Road
Postcode: 24983
Coordinates: 37.53612, -80.51652

Geology at Union

This spot sits on Greenbrier Group, mapped as limestone and shale that formed roughly 360 to 325 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: Greenbrier Group
Age: 360–325 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone and shale
Elevation: 2,020 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 Union

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, UNION 3 SSE station (1 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 Union

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Quartz Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Union.

Across the state line from Union

Union 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.

Union FAQ

Where is Union?+

Union is in Monroe County, West Virginia, at 37.53612, -80.51652. Nearest road: Buster Brown Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Union?+

Union is reported to produce Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Union?+

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 Union?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Union?+

The most comfortable months at Union are February to December.

How do I get to Union?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.53612, -80.51652 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Buster Brown Road.

More rockhounding in West Virginia

See all 34 West Virginia spots →

Open Union on the map

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