ARKANSAS
Arkansas State Rock: Bauxite (1967)
Arkansas State Gemstone: Diamond (1967)
Arkansas State Mineral: Quartz (1967)
Arkansas is known as the Natural State, but many people are unaware that parts of the state are known for their natural abundance of quartz crystals and Diamonds. Geologists confirm that there are two places in the world to find the best quality quartz crystals and they are Brazil and Arkansas. Arkansas is also the only state in the U.S. to routinely produce gem-grade diamond specimens.
Wavellite, Dolomite, and Turquoise can also be found in Arkansas.
There are several crystal mines and rock shops located throughout the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and areas northwest of the Hot Springs area. For a small fee, you can dig through the tailing piles or even a mine. These spots are perfect for finding small to moderate-sized crystals without too much work.
Some of the mines have tools available to rent and others don’t. Most allow you to bring your own tools. We will provide as much information about what to expect and/or bring to each dig site below.
Rare Quartz Crystals can also be found in North Carolina.
These are a few of the things you may want to take along with you on your dig:
A small, handheld garden rake
A handheld trowel
Knee pads or an old cushion to kneel/sit on
A bucket, for holding your finds
Newspaper or grocery bags to wrap and protect your crystals
While digging crystals you will probably be outside for a long time. You may want to bring:
Water
Snacks
A wide hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray, and a small first aid kit (Quartz can be sharp!)
MAGNET COVE BROOKITE DIG
at a private location owned by Avant Mining in ARKANSAS!!!
WAVELLITE DIG
at a private location owned by Avant Mining in ARKANSAS!!!
CRYSTAL VISTA
in Arkansas
Directions: From Mt. Ida, travel south on Highway 27 for 3.8 miles and turn left (east) on county road 2237 (Owley Rd.). Continue on 2237 for 4.1 miles to Crystal Vista trailhead.
MINE INFORMATON
This spot is perfect for anyone interested in crystals, from beginner enthusiasts to seasoned collectors. Crystal Vista in Arkansas is a totally free location to dig your own crystals! A short mile hike up the moderate mountain and you will have access to acres and acres of land to find your own treasure! The Crystal Collector & friends had a great time and so will you!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Food/drinks
PRICING:
FREE
AVANT MINING / DIAMOND #5 MINE in Arkansas
Near Mount Ida, Arkansas
MINE INFORMATON
Avant Mining and Avant Diamond #5 is only open to private dig events.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Food/drinks
Click HERE for a video on how to get there.
Remember to use Apple Maps or Google maps, those two seem to get you here just fine with these GPS coordinates (34.6643652, -93.1066636)
AVANT MINING / FISHER MOUNTAIN CRYSTAL MINE
11 Logan Gap Road, Mt Ida, Arkansas 71957
(870) 985-9988
MINE INFORMATON
Avant Mining and Avant Mining Fisher Mountain hold a vast crystal land resource yet only mine 1% of their land.
No running water but there is a restroom
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Food/drinks
HOURS:
Rock Shop: Tues – Sun 8-5 pm
Public Crystal Mining: Thurs – Sun 8-5 pm
PUBLIC DIG PERMIT PRICING:
$20 – Age 59+
$25 – Adults
$10 – 7 to 15
Free – Under 7
Pocket digs are also available and start at $1000
AVANT MINING / MONA LISA TOURQUOISE MINE
MINE INFORMATON
This is an exclusive dig site that is currently not open to the public.
HAMILTON HILL MINE
Located about 3 miles NE of Jessieville, Arkansas
The Crystal Collector hooked up with Avant Mining (Avant Mining is based in Blue Springs, Arkansas) on this exclusive, wild crystal digging adventure! This video shows one of the largest finds of the entire month of digging!
MINE INFORMATON
This is an exclusive dig site that is currently not open to the public.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
- Food/drinks
TWIN CREEK CRYSTAL MINE
Located in Arkansas
Collier Springs Rd. / 177, Mount Ida, AR
(870) 867-4945
MINE INFORMATON
Twin Creek Crystal Mine is an actual mine, so you will not be digging in tailings. We have something for the newbee as well as the experienced rockhounder so be sure to come and visit us soon!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Food/drinks
HOURS
Open Daily 8 – 4
Closed on Christmas Day
PRICING:
Adults $25
10 and under $12
WEGNER QUARTZ CRYSTAL MINES
Located in Arkansas
82 Wegner Ranch Road Mount Ida Ar, 71957
870-867-2309
MINE INFORMATON
Crystal mining opportunities include: Crystal Forest Mine, Phantom Quartz Mine, Tailings Area. Visitors have the opportunity to dig Clear and Phantom Quartz Crystal Points and Specimen Grade Clusters.
The Phantoms, have Manganese Inclusions trapped within a larger clear crystal. They are both rare and highly prized by collectors.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Depends on the Dig package you choose.
HOURS
Tuesday – Saturday 8 – 4:30
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and News Years Day
PRICING
Super Saver Pkg. CLICK HERE
Tailings Dig: CLICK HERE
Phantoms Mine: CLICK HERE
SWEET SURRENDER CRYSTALS
Located in Arkansas
Hwy 88 and Hwy 27, Washita, AR (Call for a GPS location)
870-867-0104
Randy 870-867-7014
Becky 870-867-7075
email: randyskates@windstream.net
Please call before going to let them know you are wanting to dig.
MINE INFORMATON
Sweet Surrender Crystal mine is located in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas just north of Mt. Ida. There are no facilities or services other than a port a potty. Dress accordingly and please bring your own food and drinks.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- An old screwdriver
- Hand Garden Tools
- Rock Hammer (sometimes needed)
- Digging Bar
- Bucket(s)
HOURS
Depending on the weather..
Normal hours are 9:30 to 4 pm or until it gets too late and/or hot to dig.
Earlier and later hours by appointment
PRICING
Digging fee is
$25.00 for adults
Children ages 10-14 is $10.00
Children ages 9 and under are free with paying adults.
YOU keep all that you find!
RON COLEMAN MINING
Located in Arkansas
155 Crystal Ridge Lane
Jessieville, Arkansas
501-984-5396
Reservations needed for groups of 10 or more adults
MINE INFORMATON
A family owned quartz crystal mining experience which gives you a unique opportunity to dig for your own crystals in tailings. Fresh hauls are brought up from the mine regularly. Zip-line over the active quartz mine, Mine Tours, and RV Park Camping.
Keep everything you find.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Screwdriver
- Garden Trowel
- 3 prong hand cultivator
- 1 or 2 buckets
- Medium size pry bar
- Food/drinks
HOURS
Summer Hours: 8 am to 6:00 pm
PRICING:
Adults (16 years old and older) $25
Children (7 – 15 years old) $5
Kids 6 and Under FREE
(55 years old and older) $20
HOW TO FIND CRYSTALS at RON COLEMAN MINING
in Arkansas!
CRATER OF DIAMONDS in Arkansas
209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958
(870) 285-3113
MINE INFORMATON
Be sure to visit this diamond mine in Arkansas and you too can dig for these natural diamonds, in which on average about 1 per day is found by someone out digging! The average diamond found on the surface weighs nearly 2/3rds of a carat! Overall, the average diamond is 1/4 carat.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Tools/Buckets
- Pack a Picnic
- Prepare to Get Wet and Dirty
- Attend an Interpretive Program
- Bring Backup Clothes
HOURS
Call for hours of operation (870) 285-3113
Disclaimer
Please note that rock collecting locations are always changing so be sure to check with the site owner for the most current information before going.
We’ve listed several locations here but there may be many more that are not listed.
Dig safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect rocks.