What’s the Hype Around Arkansas Quartz?
Arkansas quartz is known throughout the world for its beauty and quality by collectors, museum curators, and scientists. In 1976, the Arkansas General Assembly established Act 128, designating quartz crystal as the official State Mineral.
The existence of quartz crystal in the Oachita Mountains has been known since humans first occupied the region. The ancient Ouachita Mountain area of Arkansas was considered a mystical location by Native American tribes. The hot springs in the “Valley of the Vapors,” now the city of Hot Springs, was considered a place of peace for warring Native American tribes. The beautiful Arkansas quartz crystals of the Ouachitas were believed to have sacred and spiritual significance.
In the first written report about Arkansas quartz crystal in 1819, American geographer and geologist Henry Rowe Schoolcraft penned this fitting description: “… very pure and transparent, and beautifully crystallized in six-sided prisms, terminated by six-sided pyramids”.
Geologists say that Arkansas and Brazil have the best quality quartz on Earth, and rockhounds, families, and tourists from all over the world head for the Hot Springs and Mount Ida areas to go prospecting in hopes of finding these unique clear, prismatic stones. Additional “dig-your-own” quartz crystal mines can be found in Mena, Jessieville, and Story. Whether you are interested in digging for your own crystals or would prefer to buy perfect polished quartz crystals and crystal jewelry in one of the many rock and gem shops in the area, you will surely treasure the natural beauty and energy properties of your own Ouachita Quartz Crystal.
At some crystal mines, there are still areas where quartz crystals are literally lying on the ground, and all you have to do is pick them up. Often the only equipment needed is a screwdriver or a small garden tool to loosen the dirt and a bucket or bag to hold the crystals. For avid rockhounds looking for something on the adventurous side, there are plenty of good spots where the crystals are out of plain view. Bring experience, patience, and a digging item (such as a crowbar or chisel) to find these transparent stones hidden in the earth. Regardless of the area you dig in, it is best to wear old clothes, gloves, and closed-toe shoes because you will get dirty and quartz crystals are sharp enough to cut skin. Although most crystal mines allow people to dig for quartz crystals year-round, the best time of year to mine is during the spring and fall when temperatures are cool.
If this article has piqued your interest in Arkansas quartz, join us for our Dig Deeper!: Summer Reading Kickoff Crystal Dig at Ron Coleman Mining in Jessieville, Arkansas, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 1:00-4:00pm. This event is geared for crystal enthusiasts ages 8 and up. All children between the ages of 8-18 must be accompanied by an adult. All adult participants must fill out a waiver form and are responsible for supervising any children in their company. Registration for this event is required. To register, visit the event page.
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-Susie