Posted in Arkansas
January 01, 2020
Ice Crystals Aren’t The Only Thing You’ll Find At Arkansas’ Twin Creek Crystal Mine This Winter
You don’t need to wait until the blistering summer to dig for crystals in Arkansas. Turn this typical summer break activity into a rockin’ winter one! Let’s take a field trip to the Twin Creek Crystal Mine, the year-round mine with plenty of treasures to uncover.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
One year-round mine we really "dig" is the Twin Creek Crystal Mine. It's in the heartland of Arkansas crystal country - Mt. Ida.
You're in the right spot if you want to find these beautiful rocks. Arkansas is one of the only places in the world with a large enough quartz supply to justify commercial mining (not to mention the dozens of public mines). Mines have been established all along the "quartz belt" that runs through the Ouachita Mountains. It's believed that only 4% of the state's quartz have been removed!
It may be an outdoor activity but that doesn't mean you have to wait until school's out! A quick weekend trip to the Ouachitas will revitalize you and your family from all the holiday hoopla. It's an easy and fun way to burn off some pent up energy and find a new souvenir or two.
You'll be digging in an active mine site, not the tailings from another site. The quartz crystals come in a variety of sizes as well! You may uncover what's called a "phantom." These are crystals have been broken but continues to grow giving them a crystal-within-a-crystal look.
During your dig you're wanting to look for dark red or grey clay because these clumps are more likely to hold quartz. Be sure to turn over rocks and don't be afraid to get a little dirty!
During your dig you're wanting to look for dark red or grey clay because these clumps are more likely to hold quartz. Be sure to turn over rocks and don't be afraid to get a little dirty!
Twin Creek Crystal Mine is open every day but Christmas Day. During the winter their hours are 9 am - 4 pm. Adults are $25 and ages $10 and under are $15 (babies are free). You can bring your own tools or rent some from the mine. To plan your trip head over to their website or follow their Facebook Page.
Have you dug for crystals at Twin Creek before? Share your haul with us in the comments below! You can always share your crystal or diamond digs in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Be sure to refuel at this smokehouse. Besides great meats they have the biggest doggone cinnamon rolls in the state!
Address: Collier Springs Road, 60 Twin Cir #177, Mt Ida, AR 71957, USA
