{"id":2231,"date":"2021-01-09T16:51:18","date_gmt":"2021-01-09T22:51:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/?p=2231"},"modified":"2024-03-13T07:37:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T12:37:35","slug":"arkansas-rockhounding-location-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/arkansas-rockhounding-location-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Rockhounding Location Guide &#038; Map"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Arkansas offers a wide variety of rocks, gems, and minerals for hopeful collectors, making it one of the most popular states in the U.S. for rockhounding. The northern and western parts of the state are particularly productive for rockhounding because they are primarily composed of crystalline rocks, as opposed to the predominantly sedimentary rocks of the southern coastal plains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mountains of western Arkansas are world-famous for their prolific and spectacular quartz crystals. These crystals are often very large, and come in beautiful clusters that are extremely popular with collectors. Some of the larger specimens have even earned the nickname &lsquo;Arkansas candles&rsquo; because they are unusually long. And of course, Crater of Diamonds State Park is a must-visit destination for any aspiring rockhound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best places to collect rocks in Arkansas include the areas around Murfreesboro, Mount Ida, Magnet Cove, and Hot Springs as well as Marion and Saline Counties. These locations offer a diverse array of rock and mineral specimens such as world-class quartz crystals, sphalerite, and even diamonds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Symbols<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Mineral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Quartz<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Rock<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Bauxite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Gemstone<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Diamond<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Fossil<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Arkansaurus<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arkansas: <a href=\"https:\/\/statesymbolsusa.org\/states\/united-states\/arkansas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20900%20600'%3E%3Crect%20width='900'%20height='600'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2234 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_124284344-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arkansas Quartz Cluster<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you&rsquo;ve already found a rock and you&rsquo;re not sure what it is, I would highly recommend checking out my <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/practical-rock-identification\/\">Practical Rock Identification System<\/a>.<\/strong> This bundle of information includes a book, videos, and online tools. It is, simply put, the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand rock identification system you&rsquo;ll find anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also read through my free <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-identify-your-rocks-full-guide-with-helpful-tools\/\"><strong>rock identification guide<\/strong><\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-identify-minerals-a-helpful-guide-with-pictures\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>mineral identification guide<\/strong><\/a> which are filled with useful information and tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through quite a bit of research and cross-referencing, I have compiled this list of some prospective locations in Arkansas which I would recommend to people looking to do some rockhounding. These are mostly comprised of old mines, mineral prospects, and historically known rock and mineral collecting sites. For additional reading, I&rsquo;d highly recommend the book <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LB35Is\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>Southeast Treasure Hunter&rsquo;s Gem &amp; Mineral Guide: Where &amp; How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems &amp; Minerals<\/strong><\/em> which you can find on Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please remember that rock collecting locations are constantly changing. Specimens may become depleted from other collectors, the location may have been built on or altered, locality information in literature may be inaccurate, and property ownership may have changed hands. Though there are many locations listed here, this list is far from exhaustive. A location&rsquo;s listing here is not a guarantee of accuracy. <strong>Be safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect specimens.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re planning on heading to the field, <strong>make sure you have all the gear you&rsquo;ll need!<\/strong> To get started, you can <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>check out my recommended gear page<\/strong><\/a>. That page contains my full reviews for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/rock-hammers-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>every Geologist&rsquo;s favorite rock hammer<\/strong><\/a> and the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/backpacks-for-rockhounds\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>best hiking backpack I&rsquo;ve ever owned<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Arkansas Rockhounding Locations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Important Disclaimer: <\/strong>I have not been to these locations myself, and I do not know if they are currently open for collecting. Use this resource as a guide to get you started. Follow posted signage and always get permission from the landowner to collect.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1dnMqabeL8R9v5zHpc-7rfmKJbC6iN6g&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>NOTE: All the locations listed in these tables are clickable, and will take you to the location on Google Maps.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Magnet Cove, AR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just to the east of Hot Springs, the area around Magnet Cove has long been a hotspot for rockhounds. This area probably has the highest density of locations and variety of minerals in the entire state. You can easily make many trips here and not exhaust the locations to search. There are many granite outcrops in the area where you can hope to find a wide variety of rocks and minerals here including actinolite, labradorite, albite, barite, garnets, smoky quartz, and even opal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B027'41.4%22N+92%C2%B052'52.4%22W\/@34.4614969,-92.8821561,366m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8632cb426f80239b:0xb016a5061f4da2fe!2sMagnet+Cove,+AR+72104!3b1!8m2!3d34.444489!4d-92.8701803!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4614953!4d-92.8812173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Just N of curve of Hwy 51<\/a><\/td><td>Sphene, Nepheline syenite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B027'24.6%22N+92%C2%B052'30.6%22W\/@34.4568321,-92.8757092,213m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8632cb426f80239b:0xb016a5061f4da2fe!2sMagnet+Cove,+AR+72104!3b1!8m2!3d34.444489!4d-92.8701803!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4568309!4d-92.8751616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N roadbank just W of Cove Creek bridge<\/a><\/td><td>Apatite, Monticellite, Magnetite, Perovskite, Kimseyite, Biotite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B027'23.6%22N+92%C2%B052'29.9%22W\/@34.4565451,-92.8755062,213m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8632cb426f80239b:0xb016a5061f4da2fe!2sMagnet+Cove,+AR+72104!3b1!8m2!3d34.444489!4d-92.8701803!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4565443!4d-92.8749592\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boulder near the SW corner of Cove Creek bridge<\/a><\/td><td>Eudialyte nepheline syenite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B027'07.7%22N+92%C2%B051'53.9%22W\/@34.4521472,-92.8655807,237m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4521457!4d-92.8649717\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S bank of Hwy 51 near Magnet Grove Baptist Church<\/a><\/td><td>Melanite garnet, Nepheline, Biotite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B029'08.4%22N+92%C2%B049'34.2%22W\/@34.4856677,-92.8275006,517m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4856655!4d-92.8261725\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">In Cove Creek, .2 mi. E of iron bridge<\/a><\/td><td>Pyrite cubes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B027'08.4%22N+92%C2%B050'35.7%22W\/@34.4523284,-92.8454357,853m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4523236!4d-92.8432474\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">On small hill S of cemetery<\/a><\/td><td>Smoky Quartz, Brookite<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mount Ida, AR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This part of Arkansas is world-famous for its prolific quartz crystal production. The crystals can be very large and often form in beautiful, large clusters. In this area, you can find the famous Wegner Quartz Mine (which I&rsquo;ll mention again later in this article) just to the south of Mount Ida. This is, without a doubt, one of the best places you can rockhound in Arkansas (and the entire country). I discuss the Wegner Mine in more detail in <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/where-to-find-crystals-a-helpful-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">my article about the best places to find crystals in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B030'51.5%22N+93%C2%B038'28.5%22W\/@34.5143041,-93.6417982,213m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5143031!4d-93.6412509\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines<\/a><\/td><td>Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B030'21.1%22N+93%C2%B033'47.1%22W\/@34.5058664,-93.5652637,852m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ccae85ae4e40b1:0xa9eedefa45135a3a!2sMt+Ida,+AR+71957!3b1!8m2!3d34.5567637!4d-93.6340814!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5058618!4d-93.5630753\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fisher Mt. (Ocus Stanley Mine), owned by Avant Mining<\/a><\/td><td>Rock crystal, Smoky Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B032'29.9%22N+93%C2%B038'00.2%22W\/@34.5416384,-93.6355707,852m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ccae85ae4e40b1:0xa9eedefa45135a3a!2sMt+Ida,+AR+71957!3b1!8m2!3d34.5567637!4d-93.6340814!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5416341!4d-93.6333821\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area of Mt. Ida<\/a><\/td><td>Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B035'43.6%22N+93%C2%B039'12.2%22W\/@34.5954432,-93.6544722,422m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1slewis+crystal+mine+arkansas!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5954415!4d-93.6533874\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quarry to E of Hwy 270<\/a><\/td><td>Wavellite<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Murfreesboro, AR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Murfreesboro area rockhounding is highlighted by the aptly-named Crater of Diamonds State Park (which I&rsquo;ll mention again later in this article). This is the only place  in the country where you can find and keep your own diamonds! Even aside from this world-famous attraction, you can find many other rocks and minerals around Murfreesboro including quartz crystal, garnets, and cinnabar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B001'58.7%22N+93%C2%B040'12.3%22W\/@34.0329776,-93.6713835,507m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x863360c889aa1837:0x7cd50e6357a922da!2sMurfreesboro,+AR+71958!3b1!8m2!3d34.0623308!4d-93.6899049!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.0329752!4d-93.6700879\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crater of Diamonds State Park<\/a><\/td><td>Diamonds,&nbsp;Amethyst, Garnet, Jasper, Agate, Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B002'09.7%22N+93%C2%B040'54.4%22W\/@34.0360444,-93.6839627,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x863360a2f8f7f833:0x5e843f10dc89f55e!2sPrairie+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d34.0993698!4d-93.6471369!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.0360396!4d-93.6817739\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prairie Creek area SSE of Murfreesboro<\/a><\/td><td>Amethyst, Diopside, Epidote, Garnet, Hematite, Peridote, Pyrite, Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B009'12.9%22N+93%C2%B042'35.8%22W\/@34.1535874,-93.7121237,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8634a75f0f35a35f:0x26028ac4a15434a9!2sLake+Greeson!3b1!8m2!3d34.2106268!4d-93.7308152!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.1535832!4d-93.7099354\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S end of Lake Gleason<\/a><\/td><td>Antimony, Cinnabar<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B009'41.4%22N+93%C2%B044'48.0%22W\/@34.1615054,-93.7488417,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x86335f5c36402bfb:0xfeb0817e0a62f340!2sPikeville+Public+Use+Area,+Murfreesboro,+AR+71958!3b1!8m2!3d34.1673214!4d-93.7397005!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.1615012!4d-93.7466533\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">End of cove between public use areas<\/a><\/td><td>Cinnabar<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marion County<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A less well known destination for rockhounds, the Marion County area is a a fun place for adventurers to spend some time looking for rocks and minerals to add to their collection. You can find popular, common specimens like quartz and agate, as well as less common minerals like sphalerite and greenockite. The coolest mineral to seek out in this area is &lsquo;turkey fat&rsquo; Smithsonite &ndash; a yellow, botryoidal variety native to this part of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/36%C2%B007'16.5%22N+92%C2%B031'54.3%22W\/@36.1212553,-92.5339427,835m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x0:0x0!2zMzbCsDA3JzE2LjUiTiA5MsKwMzEnNTAuNCJX!3b1!8m2!3d36.121255!4d-92.5306625!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d36.1212511!4d-92.5317536\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mine at Silver Hollow Bluff<\/a><\/td><td>Zinc<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Buffalo+Point+Campground\/@36.1231798,-92.5884794,12.5z\/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x87ce1ade410799c3:0x5e2cf5e10c61cae3!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d36.0786303!4d-92.5734917\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Abandoned mines at base of a hill<\/a><\/td><td>Smithsonite, Calcite, Quartz, Dolomite, Greenockite, Sphalerite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/36%C2%B007'59.5%22N+92%C2%B033'44.5%22W\/@36.13319,-92.5645587,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d36.13319!4d-92.56237\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yellville area mines, esp Morning Star mine<\/a><\/td><td>Galena, Pyrite, &lsquo;Turkey Fat&rsquo; Smithsonite, Sphalerite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/36%C2%B009'30.5%22N+92%C2%B036'11.4%22W\/@36.1584683,-92.6053467,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ce17628eadbab9:0xa4d049e9dca0bda6!2sClabber+Creek!3b1!8m2!3d36.1565135!4d-92.5842232!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d36.1584642!4d-92.6031578\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">In Clabber Creek and on nearby Mt.<\/a><\/td><td>Agate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hot Springs, AR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The area around Hot Springs, encompassing most of Garland County, is a hotbed for rock and mineral collectors. You can hope to find a nice assortment of minerals in the area, including quartz crystals, wavellite, pyrite, fluorite, and even uranium ore. You can also swing by Coleman&rsquo;s Rock Shop to sift through some of diggings from their mine (for a fee).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B039'57.3%22N+93%C2%B019'57.8%22W\/@34.6659124,-93.3348987,851m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ccc6074be77585:0x5590d5256f0cf93e!2sAvant,+AR+71949!3b1!8m2!3d34.6459259!4d-93.3399107!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6659082!4d-93.3327101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hill to E of road<\/a><\/td><td>Wavellite, Variscite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B040'21.2%22N+93%C2%B004'20.9%22W\/@34.6725469,-93.0733971,359m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87cd27beb3fd8dcd:0x88959f5c1939c9fa!2sBlue+Springs,+AR+71909!3b1!8m2!3d34.6737026!4d-93.072958!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6725454!4d-93.072474\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coleman&rsquo;s Crystal Mine<\/a><\/td><td>Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B030'09.4%22N+93%C2%B005'30.5%22W\/@34.5026094,-93.0939927,852m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ccd57c388f5c65:0x486cf60f99d7e3e3!2sWest+Mountain!3b1!8m2!3d34.5048123!4d-93.0919291!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5026054!4d-93.0918037\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S slope of West Mt.<\/a><\/td><td>Pyrite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B031'22.8%22N+93%C2%B003'39.0%22W\/@34.5229924,-93.0630227,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1shot+springs+national+park!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5229876!4d-93.0608342\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area, rock ridges outside boundaries of Hot Springs Nat&rsquo;l Park<\/a><\/td><td>Rock crystals, Quartz crystals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B040'26.1%22N+93%C2%B019'35.7%22W\/@34.6739144,-93.3287627,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87ccc41fe963543b:0x9652117e10994ad1!2sMt+Tabor,+AR+71949!3b1!8m2!3d34.7075935!4d-93.3379661!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6739097!4d-93.3265737\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area, road between Mt. Tabor and Avant<\/a><\/td><td>Wavellite spherules, yellow-green<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B028'09.1%22N+92%C2%B058'40.7%22W\/@34.4691924,-92.9801557,853m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8632d2d12a7d52bd:0xfd950d4aaef3cf9d!2sLake+Catherine,+Lake+Hamilton+Township,+AR+71901!3b1!8m2!3d34.4642566!4d-92.9723978!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4691883!4d-92.9779666\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area pegmatites 2.5 mi. W of Price, N of Lake Catherine<\/a><\/td><td>Uranium ore, Columbium ore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B027'13.7%22N+92%C2%B058'38.4%22W\/@34.4538214,-92.9795197,853m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8632d2d12a7d52bd:0xfd950d4aaef3cf9d!2sLake+Catherine,+Lake+Hamilton+Township,+AR+71901!3b1!8m2!3d34.4642566!4d-92.9723978!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.4538165!4d-92.9773313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Area to the S of Lake Catherine<\/a><\/td><td>Fluorite<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Saline County<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From a geological perspective, Saline County is probably best known for its bauxite production. It even has a town named Bauxite, where you can find many mines in the area. In the northern part of the county to the W and SW of Paron, you can also find specimens of quartz, calcite, chert, and other minerals. These are spread over a fairly wide area in outcrops and ridge crests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Location<\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B032'39.6%22N+92%C2%B030'19.2%22W\/@34.5443434,-92.5075167,852m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87cd542fd1fe4211:0x73fa1a0e3ffca86b!2sBauxite,+AR!3b1!8m2!3d34.5556489!4d-92.5212702!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.5443387!4d-92.5053275\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quarries near Bauxite, AR<\/a><\/td><td>Gemmy Bauxite, Heliotrope Bauxite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B041'30.0%22N+92%C2%B054'30.5%22W\/@34.6916774,-92.9106627,850m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87cd3afb25010b7b:0x36f1d67480e75678!2sBlocher,+Marble+Township,+AR+72087!3b1!8m2!3d34.6875913!4d-92.9068402!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.6916729!4d-92.9084737\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N of Blocher, in patches of quartz<\/a><\/td><td>Serpentine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/34%C2%B045'59.5%22N+92%C2%B046'58.2%22W\/@34.7665194,-92.7850247,850m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x87cd51b6fdff7831:0x1367525b85e7300a!2sSaline+County,+AR!3b1!8m2!3d34.5708215!4d-92.539603!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d34.7665152!4d-92.7828361\" target=\"_blank\">Outcrops in a broad area SW of Paro<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/proof-of-content-ownership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">n<\/a><\/td><td>Quartz crystals (smoky, milky), Calcite, Chert, Chlorite, Feldspar<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fee-to-Dig Sites<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arkansas is home to many fee-to-dig rockhounding sites, mostly because of the fantastic quartz specimens found in several parts of the state. Here is a brief list of some of the more popular fee-to-dig sites in Arkansas and where you can find more information about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th>Site Name<\/th><th>Town<\/th><th>Best Contact<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Crater of Diamonds State Park<\/td><td>Murfreesboro<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arkansasstateparks.com\/parks\/crater-diamonds-state-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines<\/td><td>Mount Ida<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wegnercrystalmines.com\/DigYourOwn.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dixie Crystal Mining Company<\/td><td>Mount Ida<\/td><td>1-870-867-4945<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sweet Surrender Crystals<\/td><td>Washita<\/td><td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sweetsurrendercrystals.com\/\">Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jim Coleman Crystals<\/td><td>Jessieville<\/td><td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jimcolemancrystals.com\/mininginfo.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ron Coleman Mining<\/td><td>Jessiville<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/colemanquartz.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Check out my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-tumble-rocks-get-great-results-every-time\/\">Complete Rock Tumbling Guide<\/a><\/strong> to make your rocks and gemstones really shine!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Arkansas Rockhounding Laws &amp; Regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common questions rockhounds have is whether or not they are allowed to collect at a certain location. <strong>It is the responsibility of each rockhound to obtain permission from a landowner to search and\/or collect on a piece of property. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ownership and status of land can and does change frequently, making it impossible to document accurate information on this page. However, I have compiled a list of resources here so that you may investigate and obtain permission for any locations (found here or elsewhere) for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public Land Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have written entire articles which cover the rockhounding laws and regulations for nearly every type of public land you can think of. I encourage you to check them out if you are curious about the legalities of rock and mineral collecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/rock-collecting-on-public-land-laws-rules-and-etiquette\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rockhounding on Public Land: Laws and Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/can-you-collect-rocks-in-state-parks-all-50-states-answered\/\" target=\"_blank\">Can You Collect Rocks in State Parks? All 50 States Answered<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine what type of public land a particular location is on, I would recommend starting with this map from the<a href=\"http:\/\/conservationgis.alabama.gov\/dcnr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources<\/a> which keeps accurate maps of every kind of public land in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As with most states, each county in Arkansas will have records of who owns each piece of property. Unfortunately for rockhounds, the law prohibits them from publishing their names or contact information online. You can get the landowner&rsquo;s name and address by visiting the county records office. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/portal.arkansas.gov\/pages\/property-tax-center\/#\" data-type=\"URL\" target=\"_blank\">This site<\/a> contains links to each County Assessor&rsquo;s office where you can look up any information you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources &amp; Further Reading<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The locations and information contained in this article are primarily derived from academic papers, online resources, and other outside sources. If you would like to read some of the source material for yourself I have listed them below. The majority of these locations are my interpretation of Robert Beste&rsquo;s <em>A Location Guide for Rock Hounds in the United States<\/em>. Other sources include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mindat.com\" target=\"_blank\">mindat.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agriculture.arkansas.gov\/natural-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arkansas Department of Natural Resources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.geology.arkansas.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arkansas Geological Survey<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mineralienatlas.de\/lexikon\/index.php\/USA\/Arkansas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mineral Atlas of Arkansas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arkansas offers a wide variety of rocks, gems, and minerals for hopeful collectors, making it one of the most popular states in the U.S. for rockhounding. The northern and western parts of the state are particularly productive for rockhounding because they are primarily composed of crystalline rocks, as opposed to the predominantly sedimentary rocks of &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_med_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",360,240,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_low_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",240,160,false],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/rsz_5ffa334b49b77.jpg",400,267,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Mike Rhea","author_link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/author\/mikerhea22gmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Arkansas offers a wide variety of rocks, gems, and minerals for hopeful collectors, making it one of the most popular states in the U.S. for rockhounding. The northern and western parts of the state are particularly productive for rockhounding because they are primarily composed of crystalline rocks, as opposed to the predominantly sedimentary rocks of&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2231"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2231"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7229,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2231\/revisions\/7229"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}