Yellville Mines (Rush Mining District)
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Historic lead-zinc mining district in Marion County part of north Arkansas's Ozark lead-zinc belt. Abandoned mine dumps yield galena, sphalerite, smithsonite, and associated minerals. Some mines within Buffalo National River boundaries (collecting prohibited there). Check with rangers for park boundaries. Known for smithsonite and greenockite specimens.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Galena
Lead sulfide mineral with metallic luster, the primary ore of lead. Found in Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York's historic mining districts.
Also found at:
Pyrite
Iron sulfide known as Fool's Gold for its metallic luster. Found in many US states, often in association with other minerals. Popular with beginner collectors.
Also found at:
Sphalerite
Zinc sulfide mineral, the primary ore of zinc. Found in Missouri, Wisconsin, New York, and Kentucky's Mississippi Valley deposits.
Also found at:
Calcite
Common but versatile carbonate mineral that forms in many crystal habits. Found in geodes, cave deposits, and veins throughout the US.
Also found at:
Dolomite
Carbonate mineral similar to calcite. Ohio's quarries and the Mississippi Valley region produce dolomite in various formations.
Also found at:
Greenockite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
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⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Yellville Mines (Rush Mining District) with the right equipment.
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