Rockhounding in Arkansas
Arkansas is world-famous for its quartz crystal deposits and Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond-producing site open to the public.
8 Rockhounding Locations
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Murfreesboro, Arkansas · State Park
The only diamond-bearing site in the world open to the public. 37-acre plowed field atop an ancient volcanic pipe. Over 33,000 diamonds found since 19...
Arkansas Quartz Crystal Mines
Mount Ida, Arkansas · Fee Dig
Multiple fee-dig quartz mines in the Mount Ida area. World-famous for clear quartz crystals. Dig your own or buy specimens. Coleman's, Wegner's, and m...
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mine
Mount Ida, Arkansas · Fee Dig
Popular fee-dig quartz mine. Known for producing large, clear crystals. Family-friendly operation with covered washing area.
Coleman Quartz Mine
Mount Ida, Arkansas · Fee Dig
Well-established fee-dig quartz mine. Known for excellent clusters and single crystals. A classic Arkansas rockhounding experience.
Twin Creek Quartz Mine
Mount Ida, Arkansas · Fee Dig
Family-operated quartz mine in the Mount Ida district. Known for producing crystal clusters and single points.
Avant Quartz Mine
Jessieville, Arkansas · Fee Dig
Historic quartz mine in the Ouachita Mountains. Known for producing fine crystal specimens.
Ouachita Mountain Quartz Mines
Hot Springs, Arkansas · Fee Dig
Numerous fee-dig quartz mines throughout the Ouachita Mountains. The region produces some of the world's finest clear quartz crystals.
Arkansas Novaculite Beds
Hot Springs, Arkansas · Public Land
Ouachita Mountain wash slopes for novaculite — a unique sedimentary rock prized for whetstones. Also occasional quartz crystals.
⛏️ Gear for Arkansas Rockhounding
Here's the essential gear recommended for rockhounding in Arkansas.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35