ARKANSAS

State Rock: Bauxite (1967)
State Gemstone: Diamond (1967)
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.

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!)

WAVELLITE DIG

at a private location owned by Avant Mining in ARKANSAS!!!

 

Wavellite specimens
Wavellite
Wavellite.

CRYSTAL VISTA

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

Crystal Vista Dig
Crystal Vista Dig
Crystal Vista Dig

AVANT MINING / DIAMOND #5 MINE

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)

Crystal found at Diamond #5
Finding crystals at Diamond #5
Diamond #5 Crystal

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 – Seniors 59+
$25 – Adults
$10 – 7 to 15
Free – Under 7

Pocket digs are also available and start at $1000

Avant Fisher Mountain crystal
Crystals from Avant Fisher Mountain
Avant Fisher Mountain Crystals

AVANT MINING / MONA LISA TOURQUOISE MINE

MINE INFORMATON
This is an exclusive dig site that is currently not open to the public. 

Bryan and Matrix at Mona Lisa Mine
Mona Lisa Tourquoise
Mona Lisa Mine Tourquoise
Mona Lisa Mine Tourquoise and Bryan Major

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. Join The Crystal Collector on FaceBook and become a supporter for opportunities to dig with him on exclusive digs and so much more. Only .99 a month https://www.facebook.com/Thecrystalcollector

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
Avant Hamilton Hill
Avant Hamilton Hill
Avant Hamilton Hill

TWIN CREEK CRYSTAL MINE

Collier Springs Rd. / 177, Mount Ida, AR

(870) 867-4945

Website

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

Twin Creek Crystal mine
Twin Creek Crystal mine
Twin Creek Crystal Mine crystal

WEGNER QUARTZ CRYSTAL MINES

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

Wegner Mine Crystals
Wegner Mine Crystals
Wegner Mine Crystals

SWEET SURRENDER CRYSTALS

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

Website

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!

Sweet Surrender Mine
Sweet Surrender Mine
Sweet Surrender Mine

RON COLEMAN MINING

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.
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
Seniors (55 years old and older) $20

Ron Coleman Mine
Ron Coleman Mine
Ron Coleman crystals

HOW TO FIND CRYSTALS at RON COLEMAN MINING

CRATER OF DIAMONDS

209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958

(870) 285-3113

MINE INFORMATON
Be sure to visit this diamond mine 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

Crater of Diamonds
Crater of Diamonds
Crater of Diamonds

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.