Oxford Furnace mining dumps: Magnetite Rockhounding in Warren County, New Jersey

Updated June 2026

Oxford Furnace mining dumps is a mapped rockhounding spot in Warren County, New Jersey. Reported finds include magnetite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Warren County
State: New Jersey
Postcode: 07863
Coordinates: 40.79383, -75.01215

Geology at Oxford Furnace mining dumps

This spot sits on Quartz-Oligoclase Gneiss, mapped as gneiss that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Quartz-Oligoclase Gneiss
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: gneiss
Elevation: 610 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 Oxford Furnace mining dumps

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BELVIDERE BRG station (4 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 Oxford Furnace mining dumps

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

Magnetite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Oxford Furnace mining dumps.

Across the state line from Oxford Furnace mining dumps

Oxford Furnace mining dumps is close enough to the New Jersey border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Oxford Furnace mining dumps FAQ

Where is Oxford Furnace mining dumps?+

Oxford Furnace mining dumps is in Warren County, New Jersey, at 40.79383, -75.01215.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Oxford Furnace mining dumps?+

Oxford Furnace mining dumps is reported to produce Magnetite.

Is collecting allowed at Oxford Furnace mining dumps?+

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 Oxford Furnace mining dumps?+

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 Oxford Furnace mining dumps?+

The most comfortable months at Oxford Furnace mining dumps are March to November.

How do I get to Oxford Furnace mining dumps?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.79383, -75.01215 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in New Jersey

See all 72 New Jersey spots →

Open Oxford Furnace mining dumps on the map

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