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. Because who doesn’t love digging for crystals in Arkansas?

There's certainly nothing wrong with a summer trip to the mines of Arkansas but it's not the only time to visit!
Facebook/Twin Creek Crystal Mine
One year-round mine we really "dig" is the Twin Creek Crystal Mine. It's in the heartland of Arkansas crystal country - Mt. Ida. There’s so much fun to be had when you go digging for crystals in Arkansas.
Twin Creek Crystal Mine has been open to the public since 2012. Diggers have found all sorts of unique quartz crystals of varying sizes.
Facebook/Twin Creek Crystal Mine
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 has been removed! If you’re a fan of Arkansas rockhounding, you need to go to Twin Creek Crystal Mine.

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You may need to wear extra layers but a wintertime dig trip is such an exciting field day.
Facebook/Twin Creek Crystal Mine
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. Digging for rock crystals in Arkansas is fun all year long.
The mine has held crystal treasures of all sizes and kinds.
Google/Jon Korevec
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 crystals have been broken but continue 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!
Digging for crystals is a one-of-a-kind adventure to add to your outdoor activities this season!
Facebook/Twin Creek Crystal Mine
Twin Creek Crystal Mine is open every day but Christmas Day. During the winter their hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. You may be wondering, "how much it does it cost to dig for crystals in Arkansas?" Adults are $25.00 and ages 10 and under are $15.00 (babies are free). You can bring your own tools, or rent some from the mine. To plan your trip and review the most up-to-date prices, head over to Twin Creek Crystal Mine’s website to find out more.

Have you dug for crystals at Twin Creek before? Did you have a good time digging for crystals in Arkansas? 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!

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Digging For Crystals In Arkansas

Megan McDonald | December 02, 2022

Where can I dig for free crystals in Arkansas?

The best place to dig for free crystals in Arkansas is in the Mount Ida area. Mount Ida is considered the Quartz Crystal Capital of the world! The beautiful Arkansas quartz crystals found in the Ouachitas were believed by local Native American tribes to have sacred and spiritual significance.

You’ll find multiple "dig-your-own" crystal mines in the Ouachitas with most of them located in the small Ouachita Mountain hamlet of Mount Ida, the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World. There are also additional mines that can be found in Story, Jessieville, and Mena.

And Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is one of the only diamond-producing sites in the world where you can search for diamonds at their original source. The policy at this state park is "finders, keepers.” That means that the diamonds you find are yours to bring home!

What crystals can you mine in Arkansas?

You can find many different types of crystals to mine in Arkansas. This state is one of the most popular spots in the world to find quartz. Geologists agree that the only other spot on the planet with as many quartz crystals is in Brazil. You can also find amethyst in limited quantities in The Crater of Diamonds State Park.

What should I look for in crystal hunting in Arkansas?

It’s no surprise that Arkansas is nicknamed, “The Natural State,” because it is positively full of amazing gems and minerals. The best places to collect these gems and minerals include the areas around Murfreesboro, Mount Ida, Magnet Cove, and Hot Springs. You can also find them in both Marion and Saline Counties. These Arkansas locations will offer a diverse array of rock and mineral specimens, such as sphalerite, turquoise, amethyst, exquisite quartz crystals, and even diamonds!

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Collier Springs Road, 60 Twin Cir #177, Mt Ida, AR 71957, USA