Crystal Digging in the Hot Springs' Area
The Ouachita Mountains in west-central Arkansas are a place of wonder where silica-rich water and a little bit of luck created some of the world’s largest and finest deposits of quartz crystals. Unlike other mountain ranges in North America, which run north to south, the Ouachita Mountains run east to west, stretching 225 miles from central Arkansas to eastern Oklahoma. The quartz occurs in a narrow belt about 30 miles wide and 170 miles long, but the clearest points and the largest clusters are found in the mountains surrounding Hot Springs. Specimens from nearby mines have made their way to museums, galleries, and private collections all around the world, so come on down and discover the magic of mining for yourself!
Ron Coleman Mining
Located about 30 minutes from downtown Hot Springs, is renowned for producing mammoth clusters – the largest measuring 9-feet long and weighing 3,000 pounds. The public is invited to dig for their own treasures in the tailings – dirt that has been excavated from the mine. The mine owners guarantee that visitors will find enough quartz to cover the cost of digging or receive credit to use in their gift shop. It’s a popular destination for beginners as well as seasoned rockhounds. The mine is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Avant Mining Fisher Mountain
Avant Mining has grown to become the largest quartz crystal mining company in the world with 23 mines and over 12,000 acres of land. We pride ourselves on being an industry leader in both ethical and sustainable mining practices. Specimens from our mines have been featured at the Smithsonian, Yale, Harvard, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and various universities across the country.
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines
This family-owned and operated mine offers a chance to experience the thrill of mining for your own sparkling quartz crystals. Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines offers five different digging experiences, each catering to different interests and skill levels. Wegner's is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sweet Surrender Crystal Mine
Sweet Surrender Crystal mine is located in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas just north of Mt. Ida. This area and these mountains are known for being the quartz crystal capital of the world. Here is an opportunity for you to find nice crystals in an operational commercial mining operation.
Twin Creek Crystal Mine
This family-owned and operated mine located in the Ouachita Mountains offers a variety of digging options to suit all ages and interests. With both commercial and pocket digs available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to unearth your own sparkling treasures. And if you're a serious rockhound, be sure to ask about the pocket digs, which give you exclusive access to a hidden trove of crystals. Twin Creek is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
One of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, Crater of Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people from all over the world to Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Visitors to the park search a 37-acre field, the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, for a variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones – and any rock or mineral you find is yours to keep. You may bring your own mining equipment to search with (no battery-operated or motor-driven mining tools allowed), or rent tools from the park.