Find Crystals in Arkansas: Mines for Crystal Digging

The most common crystals found in Arkansas include quartz, amethyst, calcite, and fluorite. Arkansas is also home to a variety of other minerals, including garnets, opals, and diamonds. There are many mines where you can go digging for crystals in Arkansas.

Arkansas Crystal Mines Open to Public

Crystal Vista, Mount Ida

Crystal Vista is a crystal collecting area located in the the Ouachita National Forest, near Mount Ida, which is renowned for its quartz crystal deposits.

Crystal Vista is one of the few places where you can dig for quartz crystals for free. The area was once mined for quartz, and now, visitors can surface dig for remnants of these crystals. This activity is particularly appealing for rockhounds and families looking for a unique outdoor experience without the cost typically associated with crystal mining operations.

The crystals found at Crystal Vista are typically clear quartz, but other varieties can also be found, such as amethyst, smoky quartz, and rose quartz. The crystals range in size from small to large, and some of them have been cut and polished.

Beyond the crystal hunting, Crystal Vista offers breathtaking views of Lake Ouachita and the surrounding mountain ranges. The site's elevation provides a panoramic view, making it not just a spot for crystal enthusiasts but also for nature lovers seeking scenic beauty.

Details about Crystal Vista

Location: Mount Ida, AR 71957.

Directions: From Mount Ida, head south on Highway 27 for 3.8 miles, then turn left onto Owley Rd (County Road 2237) and continue for another 4.1 miles. This leads you to the trailhead for Crystal Vista. From there, you're in for a moderate 20-minute hike up to the site.

Fees: There are no fees to collect crystals at Crystal Vista.

What to bring: Bring tools for digging, water, snacks, and wear appropriate footwear for hiking. Remember, the hike up might be more challenging than expected, especially if you're carrying digging equipment. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring a first-aid kit.

Where to Find Crystals in Arkansas: The Top Spots for Crystal Digging in AR

Ron Coleman Mining

Ron Coleman Mining is a quartz crystal mine located near Hot Springs, in Jessieville, Arkansas. It is the oldest continuously operating crystal mine in the state, and it has been in operation since 1947. Not only can you dig for crystals, but you can also experience a unique zipline over the mine. The mine guarantees you'll find crystals worth your digging fee, or you get credit at their gift shop. They're open year-round, and you can dig for an entire day with a single fee. Their location is just outside Hot Springs National Park, making it accessible for tourists.

The mine offers a variety of activities for visitors, including:

• Public crystal digging: Visitors can dig for their own crystals in the mine's public digging area. The cost is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (55 and older), $5 for children (7-15), and free for children 6 and under.
• Mine tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history of crystal mining in Arkansas. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children (7-15), and free for children 6 and under.
• Group rates: Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. The cost is $22 per person for public crystal digging and $13 per person for mine tours.

Details about Ron Coleman Mining

• Location: Ron Coleman Mining is located at 211 Crystal Ridge Lane, Jessieville, AR 71949.
• Hours: The mine is open year-round, but the hours vary depending on the season. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
• Accessibility: The mine is wheelchair accessible, but the zipline is not.
• What to bring: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring a first-aid kit and a camera.

Crater of Diamonds State Park 

Crater of Diamonds State Park is a 37.5-acre park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, United States. It is the only diamond-bearing state park in the world that allows visitors to search for diamonds in their natural state. The park is home to over 75,000 diamonds that have been found since it was opened to the public in 1972.  

Visitors to Crater of Diamonds can search for diamonds in the park's search area, which is a plowed field about the size of two football fields. The search area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild.

Details about Crater of Diamonds State Park

• Fees:
  • Admission to the search area: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62 and older), $6 for children (6-12), and free for children 5 and under.
  • Diamond Discovery Center: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors (62 and older), and $1 for children (6-12).
• Hours: The search area is open year-round, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST. The Diamond Discovery Center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Accessibility: The search area is wheelchair accessible, but there are some restrictions. Visitors must be able to walk up and down a slight incline.
• What to bring: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring a first-aid kit and a camera.
• Address: 209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, AR 71958
  

8,000-Pound Quartz crystals from Arkansas on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Before you go crystal mining, it's a good idea to do some research on the different mines and what types of crystals they are known for. You'll also want to make sure to wear sturdy shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Happy hunting!