Yes to all of that, Colin.
The geology of NC is very complicated, because of all the different
"events and episodes" that have taken place during it's formation.
Which, in case you're interested, is the same reason fracking is not a good idea for the state of NC.

That map is a very necessary tool for any rockhound.
While you are out exploring it's nice to have an idea of what you are "supposed" to be finding
in that particular area.
The State Geology Dept. used to have a bigger and more detailed version that you can order online.

Maybe we'll get the chance to talk more tomorrow.
Joe

im still tryin to figure out what the heck all that says on that map...much less use it to know what im looking for in an area lol...geology 101 here i come lol.

Hey Collin,

Joe is right about how complicated the geology of NC is.  If we had been slammed by Africa multiple times, folded, erupted, heated, recrystalized, and eroded over eons we would be a little complicated, too.

I'm not a geologist but I've studied the geological survey maps a bit.  They can be confusing, but I've been able to make some sense of the maps and the terminology.

The various belts (Milton and Raleigh Belts included) are a result of the various slams by Africa and how the various metamorphic and intrusive rocks (igneous for the most part) were formed, moved about, and finally became situated today.  If you look at each belt and figure out the rock types found in each you can get a good idea where potential hotspots may occur. 

The Milton Belt is comprised mostly of metamorphic rocks that consist of biotite gneiss and schist (CZbg) and felsic mica schist (CZfg) which can produce garnets, kyanite, quartz, and feldspar crystals, and other minerals.  Milton also has areas of intrusive rocks like granites (PPg) and diabase (Jd), and can also produce various minerals like those above.

The Raleigh Belt and belts further west can and do produce quality mineral specimens, too.  It's just a matter of finding surface exposures of the rocks and discovering pockets in the weathered saprolite.  East of Raleigh the pickings get slim to none.

This a very simplified explanation.  Good luck in your quest for digging sites.  Keep studying NC's complex geology.  It's facinating.

Dennis

Just thought I'd bump this back up because you can't study those maps enough!