About this location
Faber is a small unincorporated community on the Nelson–Albemarle county line in central Virginia, and this database entry's specimen list matches the historic Faber Mine (also called the Faber Lead Mine) almost exactly — a strong sign this listing correctly identifies a real, well-documented locality, even though current access can't be confirmed. The mine was discovered in 1849 and produced lead for the Confederacy during the Civil War — over 7,000 pounds — before it was abandoned when Sherman's forces crossed the Blue Ridge at Rockfish Gap [1][2]. It reopened briefly for lead and zinc from 1905 to about 1919 and has been closed since [1][2].
Always seek permission where required, follow local laws, and practice Leave No Trace. Locations and details are community-submitted and may be inaccurate. Not sure what's legal here? Read our full guide to rockhounding laws by land type.
Found Here
- Azurite, cerussite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, galena, pyromorphite, smithsonite, sphalerite, quartz — all directly documented at the Faber Mine, matching this database entry's specimen list [1][2]
- Calcite, hydrozincite, pyrrhotite, native antimony, native arsenic, native silver — also reported at the mine in mineralogical references [1]
Difficulty
Getting there
UNVERIFIED specific directions. General position: the community of Faber, on the Nelson–Albemarle county line, central Virginia. Sources differ on which county the mine itself sits in — mindat.org places the mine in Albemarle County, while the community of Faber is generally described as being in Nelson County [1][3].
Collecting here
UNVERIFIED — this is a closed, century-old underground/surface mine; general inference only. Old workings of this age can be genuinely hazardous.
Know before you go
The mine has been closed since about 1919 with no known reopening, and is presumed private property today, though no source confirms current ownership. Confirm permission before attempting to visit, and stay out of any remaining old workings — collapse and air-quality risks are real in century-old mine openings.
Location on Map
Coordinates: 37.83163, -78.66688
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- Cove Creek — AmethystVA · 4.3 mi
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- Moormans River — Epidote, JasperVA · 20.6 mi
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Frequently asked questions
What minerals are found at the Faber Mine in Virginia?
Azurite, cerussite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, galena, pyromorphite, smithsonite, sphalerite, and quartz, among others, from this historic lead-zinc mine.
Is the Faber Mine open to the public?
UNVERIFIED — the mine closed around 1919 and is presumed private property; no source confirms current access.
Where is the Faber Mine located?
Near the community of Faber, on the Nelson–Albemarle county line in central Virginia.
When was the Faber Mine active?
Discovered in 1849, worked intermittently through the Civil War, then reopened for lead and zinc from 1905 to about 1919.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Sources
- [Search-derived summary] mindat.org loc-11069 "Faber Mine, Faber, Albemarle County, Virginia" — mineral list, mine history, location.
- [Search-derived summary] mrdata.usgs.gov MRDS #10106189 and thediggings.com "Faber Lead Mine Near Schuyler, Virginia" — discovery date, Civil War production figures, reopening dates (1905–1919).
- [Referenced, not directly fetched] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faber,_Virginia — community location, generally described as Nelson County.
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