Lattimore: Quartz & Black Tourmaline Rockhounding in Cleveland County, North Carolina

Updated June 2026

Lattimore is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cleveland County, North Carolina. Reported finds include quartz, black tourmaline, beryl, feldspar. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cleveland County
State: North Carolina
Nearest road: Mount Harmony Church Road
Postcode: 28090
Coordinates: 35.46570, -81.68233

Geology at Lattimore

This spot sits on Mica Schist, mapped as mica schist that formed roughly 1000 to 485 million years ago. Metamorphic terrain like this typically carries quartz veins and sweats, and weathered crystals tend to end up in the soils and streams below.

Mapped unit: Mica Schist
Age: 1000–485 Ma (Neoproterozoic to Cambrian)
Rock types: mica schist
Elevation: 1,020 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 Lattimore

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 52°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SHELBY 2 NW station (12 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

North Carolina Geological Survey
Nantahala/Pisgah National Forests
Emerald Hollow Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Lattimore

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 Lattimore.

Across the state line from Lattimore

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

Lattimore FAQ

Where is Lattimore?+

Lattimore is in Cleveland County, North Carolina, at 35.46570, -81.68233. Nearest road: Mount Harmony Church Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Lattimore?+

Lattimore is reported to produce Quartz, Black Tourmaline, Beryl, Feldspar.

Is collecting allowed at Lattimore?+

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 Lattimore?+

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 Lattimore?+

Lattimore is workable year-round.

How do I get to Lattimore?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.46570, -81.68233 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Mount Harmony Church Road.

More rockhounding in North Carolina

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Open Lattimore on the map

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