About this location
This site corresponds to the Gossan Howard Mine, part of the historic Gossan Lead Mining District near Galax, Carroll County, Virginia — a district with 94 recorded mines, 42 prospects, and 6 mineral occurrences documented in mining-history sources. It's a real, named locality with a specimen list that lines up closely with independent sources: apatite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, rutile, selenite, siderite, and vivianite are all documented from this exact mine. This is old mining ground with a long industrial history in copper, iron, and manganese, plus quartz crystal deposits scattered through the wider county. Like most historic Virginia mine sites, the workings sit on private land — this is a real locality worth knowing about, not a walk-up public site.
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
- Apatite — including green gem-quality material, a documented specialty of this mine.
- Chalcopyrite, pyrite, rutile, selenite, siderite, vivianite — all independently confirmed from the Gossan Howard Mine specifically.
- Calcite — plausible as a gangue mineral in this deposit type (general inference, not independently confirmed at this exact mine).
Difficulty
Getting there
Near Galax, in Carroll County, Virginia, within the Gossan Lead Mining District. No specific public access road or parking area was confirmed in our research.
Collecting here
UNVERIFIED for current physical access and method. Historic mine dumps in this district would be the expected collecting method if access is arranged, but we found nothing confirming the site is currently open, safe, or maintained.
Know before you go
Land status is UNVERIFIED, and permission is required before visiting — regional guidance for this district is explicit that visitors should never attempt to access any site without first securing permission from the land and/or mineral rights holder and taking necessary safety precautions. Old underground and surface workings in this district can be hazardous.
Location on Map
Coordinates: 36.71171, -80.94083
Nearby rockhounding locations
- Hanks Knob — Garnet, PyriteVA · 7.4 mi
- Pipers Gap — Hornblende, SerpentineVA · 7.2 mi
- Austinville — FossilVA · 9.8 mi
- Galax — Spessartine GarnetVA · 9.6 mi
- Cove Branch Prospect — Galena, SphaleriteVA · 9.8 mi
- Wythe County — Aragonite, CalciteVA · 11.9 mi
Frequently asked questions
What minerals are found at the Gossan Howard Mine near Galax, Virginia?
The Gossan Howard Mine near Galax, Virginia has documented apatite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, rutile, selenite, siderite, and vivianite.
Is the Gossan Lead Mining District open to the public?
No confirmed public access exists — the Gossan Lead Mining District near Galax, Virginia sits on land requiring permission from the property or mineral rights holder before any visit.
What is the Gossan Lead Mining District?
The Gossan Lead Mining District is a historic Carroll County, Virginia mining area with roughly 94 recorded mines, 42 prospects, and 6 mineral occurrences, including the Gossan Howard Mine near Galax.
⚠️ 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
- WebSearch synthesis (Galax Virginia apatite/pegmatite/vivianite/chalcopyrite queries, citing mindat.org locality titles for "Gossan Howard Mine, Galax, Gossan Lead Mining District, Carroll County, Virginia") — confirms the mine name and general district structure (94 mines, 42 prospects, 6 occurrences).
- https://varockshop.com/rockhounding/rockhound-info/field-collecting/collecting-on-your-own-in-virginia/rockhounding-in-carrol-county-virginia-2/ — independently confirms the Gossan Howard Mine's mineral list (apatite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, rutile, selenite, siderite, vivianite) and general permission-required guidance for the district.
Recommended Gear for Virginia
Estwing E3-22P Rock Pick
The industry-standard 22oz geological hammer. One-piece forged steel with shock-reduction grip.
Clear Anti-Fog Safety Glasses (4 Pack)
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Watertight Medical Kit
Compact, waterproof first aid kit with bandages, moleskin, and field essentials.
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Whether you're digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or "prospector," with a simple rock hammer and...
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