New London: Apatite & Spodumene Rockhounding in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Updated June 2026

New London is a mapped rockhounding spot in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut. Reported finds include apatite, spodumene. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
State: Connecticut
Nearest road: Gold Star Highway
Postcode: 06340
Coordinates: 41.38134, -72.01909

Geology at New London

This spot sits on Hope Valley Alaskite Gneiss, mapped as gneiss that formed roughly 1000 to 540 million years ago. Metamorphic belts like this often host pegmatite dikes, the coarse-crystal bodies that typically carry beryl, tourmaline, and sheet mica.

Mapped unit: Hope Valley Alaskite Gneiss
Age: 1000–540 Ma (Neoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss
Elevation: 240 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 New London

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GROTON 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 New London

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 New London.

Across the state line from New London

New London is close enough to the Connecticut border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

New London FAQ

Where is New London?+

New London is in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut, at 41.38134, -72.01909. Nearest road: Gold Star Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at New London?+

New London is reported to produce Apatite, Spodumene.

Is collecting allowed at New London?+

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 New London?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit New London?+

The most comfortable months at New London are March to November.

How do I get to New London?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.38134, -72.01909 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Gold Star Highway.

More rockhounding in Connecticut

See all 55 Connecticut spots →

Open New London on the map

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