Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals in Arkansas, USA
A Guide to the Best Crystal Collecting Arkansas Has to Offer
Feb 6, 2009
Considering a vacation to Hot Springs, Arkansas? Then plan to spend a half day or full day for a side trip to some of the local crystal mines and try digging for quartz, the Arkansas State Mineral. Nearby Mt. Ida, located in the Ouachita Mountains, is one such hot spot for crystal digging, along with other numerous mine sites located in close proximity to Hot Springs.
Arkansas quartz is some of the clearest and purest in the world, and is used in many electronic devices, lasers and optical lenses, glass making, foundry sand, polishing compounds and more. Jewelry is also a common product made from Arkansas quartz.
Many people collect the quartz as show pieces for their home or office, and it's not unusual to come back from a day of crystal digging with some magnificent specimens. Quartz crystals are much sought after in the metaphysical community, such as crystals for use in divining, such as with pendulums and crystal balls, crystal skulls for meditation, and healing points.
A wide variety of crystals can be found at the mines. There is, of course, the standard clear quartz, and other popular examples include smoky quartz, bubble quartz, phantom quartz, quartz with inclusions, and rainbow quartz. Rock hounds can expect to find single points, clusters, and double terminated quartz specimens in all sizes.
Important Things to Know About Digging For Crystals
Many of the mines charge a small fee that allows you to dig either in the tailings, dirt that is brought up from the mine, or in the mine itself. Patrons are allowed to keep everything they find. A small hand shovel, crowbar, and bucket is another must have for digging. The crowbar, in combination with a small mallet, is invaluable when working a quartz vein and not just tailings.
Crystals are sharp, so bring gloves. There have been instances of people slicing their hand on a crystal and requiring stitches, so be careful. A small first aid kit is a wise decision. Additionally, iron oxide in the clay can permanently stain clothing, so try to wear a pair of pants and a shirt that can be discarded later.
Make sure to bring a small stool or towel to sit on, and it's also a good idea, to have some pieces of scrap cloth to wrap crystals in to better protect them during transport. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of drinking water. Most of the mines are open clay pit areas and don't have any shade. As many locals can attest, it can get quite hot in the blazing Arkansas sun.
Crystals can be cleaned with a diluted mixture of oxalic acid, available at most rock shops,. The crystals are soaked in a mixture of 1 lb acid to 3 gallons of water. This acid bath neutralizes the iron staining found on most crystals and leaves them sparkling clean.
In addition to pay-to-dig mine sites, there are also two free use quartz crystal collecting areas in the Womble Ranger District located near Mt. Ida, and Jessieville Ranger district located between Jessieville and Perryville.
Interested in finding more places to dig for gems and minerals? Learn where the best places to dig for gems are.
Additional Resources:
U.S. Geological Survey
USDA Forest Service; Ouachita National Forest
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