Arkansas is a treasure trove of geological wonders, and one of the most captivating gems you can unearth here is its beautiful agate. They come in a stunning array of colors and patterns that will leave you awe-struck.
While they can be found in various locations across the state, searching for agates in Arkansas can be a bit like hunting for hidden gems without the right guidance. But that’s where we come in!
We’re here to help you uncover the best spots to find Arkansas agate, including the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Poplar Creek, Crow Creek, Clabber Creek, and Wynne area gravel pits.
What is Arkansas Agate?
Agate is a type of chalcedony— a mineral made primarily of quartz. What sets it apart is its captivating and often banded appearance, which comes in a dazzling variety of colors and patterns.
Imagine nature’s artwork encapsulated within a stone! No wonder the value of agate reflects its radiant beauty.
Agates can be found in various locations worldwide, including in Arkansas, but they often form in volcanic and sedimentary environments.
Volcanic agates originate from volcanic rock cavities and are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. They are born from hot magma cooling and interacting with minerals in underground cavities.
On the other hand, sedimentary agates are formed by the slow deposition of silica-rich fluids over time, creating more subtle, earth-toned colors.
Agate’s looks and appeal can be so diverse and if you’re curious to know about its different types, below are some only of the most unique ones out there:
Moss Agates
Moss agate gets its name from its moss-like or dendritic inclusions that resemble tiny ferns, trees, or mosses within the stone. These intricate patterns are created by the presence of manganese or iron oxide minerals.
It can display a wide range of colors, from translucent whites and grays to shades of green, creating a lush and earthy appearance. This gemstone is highly valued for its unique, scenic beauty. Unfortunately, it’s not commonly found in Arkansas.
Fire Agates
Fire agate is known for its stunning, fiery iridescence. It displays a vibrant play-of-color caused by thin layers of chalcedony and iron oxide or limonite deposits. It often shimmers with warm hues like red, orange, and gold.
However, fire agate is not typically found in Arkansas. It has distinct geological conditions for its formation, and our state is known more for its other agate varieties.
Blue Lace Agates
Blue lace agate has delicate, sky-blue bands that resemble wispy lace patterns. Its serene blue hues are caused by the presence of microcrystalline quartz and traces of other minerals like iron.
Unfortunately, when it comes to finding blue lace agate in Arkansas, it would be quite impossible. If you’re seeking this, other regions in the United States, such as Arizona and New Mexico, are more renowned for it.
Banded Agate
Banded agate’s name comes from its distinct banding patterns that come in a wide array of colors, textures, and thicknesses. It forms when layers of microcrystalline quartz alternate with layers of other minerals, resulting in its banding effect.
You’ll be happy to know that you can find banded agate in Arkansas. So if you’re after these stunning gems, our state is sure to deliver.
But agate is not the only beautiful find here, so if you want to know more about the breathtaking crystals our state has to offer, check out our article on the best crystal mine sites in Arkansas.
The key factors in our recommendations are:
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice agate enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The tools every agate hunter will need
When you're out looking for agates having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced agate hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The agate-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
The Best Spots To Find Agates in Arkansas
While there are many great gem mine sites in Arkansas, you may want to focus your search on the following places if you want to find agates here:
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations directly with the location. We haven’t personally verified every location and the access requirements and collection rules often change without notice.
Many of the locations we mention will not allow collecting but are still great places for those who love to find beautiful rocks and minerals in the wild without keeping them. We also can’t guarantee you will find anything in these locations since they are constantly changing.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding. If you want even more current options it’s always a good idea to contact local rock and mineral clubs and groups
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Situated near the town of Murfreesboro, the Crater of Diamonds State Park covers over 37 acres of land. Its accessible location, diverse geological features, and promise of finding treasures make it an exciting place to explore.
This park is rich in rolling hills, dense forests, and a picturesque natural landscape. Its centerpiece is a volcanic crater, often referred to as the “diamond pipe.”
In addition to diamonds, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is known for other gemstones and minerals, including agate.
Getting here is relatively easy, as it’s accessible by car from major cities in the region. But before you head out here, it helps if you review Arkansas’ updated collecting guidelines.
Where we found agates in the Crater of Diamonds State Park
You can search through the open fields and washed gravels at the Crater of Diamonds State Park to find stunning Arkansas agates.
Poplar Creek
Poplar Creek is located in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. It offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and geological wonders.
Nestled within the lush and scenic Ouachita Mountains, the creek meanders through dense woodlands and serene valleys.
The terrain along Poplar Creek varies, making it an ideal spot for agate hunting. You can explore creek beds and the surrounding areas to search for a wide range of minerals, including agate.
Getting here is relatively easy if you want to visit, as it’s situated within the Ouachita National Forest, a well-known and accessible region in Arkansas. The creek can be reached by car from nearby towns and cities.
Where we found agates in Poplar Creek
You can collect banded agates if you collect upstream of Poplar Creek, along both sides, all the way through the Crowley’s Ridge State Park headwaters.
Crowley’s Ridge
Crowley’s Ridge is a unique and fascinating natural feature that offers both scenic beauty and potential for agate hunting.
This long, narrow ridge, stretching for approximately 200 miles across the eastern part of our state, stands out in the flatlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.
Crowley’s Ridge is characterized by its elevated, winding ridge shape that stands above the surrounding lowlands. It’s the result of an ancient geological process, formed by the accumulation of wind-blown sediments over millions of years.
Covered by lush hardwood forests, the terrain along Crowley’s Ridge is diverse and ideal for agate hunting.
Visiting here is relatively easy, as it runs through several towns and cities in eastern Arkansas. Major highways and roads provide access to various points along the ridge.
Where we found agates in Crowley’s Ridge
Agates and other minerals can often be found in the creeks and streams that cut through Crowley’s Ridge. The agates found here are typically small, but they are known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns.
Clabber Creek
Clabber Creek offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and geological treasures, including the possibility of discovering colorful agate.
It’s surrounded by picturesque woodlands and rolling hills of central Arkansas. Nestled within this, the creek meanders through scenic valleys, creating an ideal setting for outdoor adventures.
The terrain along Clabber Creek is diverse and well-suited for agate hunting. You can explore the creek beds and the surrounding areas to search for various minerals, including agate.
If you’re planning to go here, it’s relatively easy. It’s located in the central part of Arkansas, not far from the capital city, Little Rock. Major highways and well-maintained roads provide convenient access to this area.
Where we found agates in Clabber Creek
Agate can often be found in the gravel and rocky substrates of Clabber Creek, particularly after heavy rains or during periods of high water flow.
Wynne
Wynne is a charming destination for rockhounds and nature enthusiasts seeking the thrill of agate hunting. It’s situated in a region that is rich in geological diversity, making it an ideal location for rockhounding adventures.
This town is endowed with a gently rolling landscape typical of eastern Arkansas. The area is known for its fertile farmland and proximity to the Mississippi River.
The terrain in and around Wynne varies, offering different environments for treasure hunters. You can explore the creeks, stream beds, and the surrounding areas to search for a variety of minerals, including agate.
Like our other recommended spots, Wynne is conveniently located near major highways and well-connected roads. It’s approximately an hour’s drive from Memphis, Tennessee, and less than two hours from Little Rock.
Where we found agates in Wynne
You can find agates in the gravel and sediment deposits of Wynne, especially in areas where water has flowed over time.
Other Great Places To Find Agates in Arkansas
If you’re looking for other places where you can mine for agates in Arkansas, below are more prime spots that you can consider visiting:
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Craighead | Several gravel pits north of the county road |
| Cross | East of eroded canyons in former gravel pit in Vanndale |
| Garland | Union Carbide Mine |
| St. Francis | Crow Creek |
| St. Francis | Gravel pit in Colt area |
| St. Francis | Tributary of St. Francis River |
| Wynne | Copperus Creek |
Additional areas you can find agates
Even though an area is sure to have agates, locating these natural wonders out in the wild can be quite tricky. That’s why it pays to know how to find agates and what specific areas you should focus your search on, such as:
Streams and Creeks
Streams and creeks are fantastic places to search for agate, especially in Arkansas. The flowing water wears away the surrounding rocks and sediment, exposing agates hidden beneath the surface. Over time, it brings these treasures to the surface.
The constant motion of the water also helps to separate agate from other rocks and minerals, allowing it to settle in specific areas like gravel bars and stream beds.
Lastly, the accessibility of streams and creeks makes them ideal for rockhounding enthusiasts of all levels.
Rivers and Riverbanks
Rivers and their banks are also excellent places for hunting Arkansas agates. The continuous water flow has gradually exposed agate and other gemstones, bringing them to the surface.
The dynamic movement of river currents also helps to sort and separate rocks and minerals, causing agate to settle in specific areas along the riverbanks.
And like streams and creeks, the rivers and river banks in Arkansas offer relatively easy access, making them ideal locations even for those who are just starting their rockhounding explorations.
Sediment Deposits
If you’re looking for agates in Arkansas, we also recommend searching through sediment deposits.
Agate forms within sedimentary rocks, often as nodules or concretions. Over time, these rocks weather and erode, releasing agate specimens into the surrounding sediment layers.
Sediment deposits also tend to accumulate a mix of materials, and agate can become concentrated within these deposits due to its durability and distinctiveness.
Additionally, since Arkansas has a rich geological history, sedimentary rocks such as those found in riverbanks or creek beds often contain agates.
Common Agate-Hunting Questions
Before you head out to your agate hunting here, we’ll answer the most commonly asked question by rockhounds who’ve come here before you:
Is it illegal to collect agate in Arkansas?
Collecting agates in Arkansas is generally not illegal, as agates are considered common minerals here. However, there are important rules and guidelines to follow.
Always obtain permission from landowners before collecting on private property. In state parks, it’s crucial to check with the individual park authorities to understand the rules and requirements before collecting.
Also, make sure to be environmentally responsible while collecting. Arkansas has regulations in place to protect its natural resources.
If you need more information on our collecting guidelines, visit the website of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
The Best Places To Buy Agates In Arkansas
Another great way to observe, find, and even bring home Arkansas agates is to visit our trusted rock and mineral shops. Below are some of them:
- Blue Moon Crystals & Jewelry – 6328 Hwy 270 E, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Coleman’s Rock Shop & Crystal Mines – 5837 AR-7, Jessieville, AR 71949
- Fiddler’s Ridge Rock Shop – 3752 Hwy 270 E, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Gem Adventures Rock Shop – 117 E Main St, Farmington, AR 72730
- Real Earth Creations – 3024 Hwy 270 E, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Ron Coleman Mining Crystal Digging – 1400 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
- Strange Magic Gems, Inc. – 210 N Reynolds Rd, Bryant, AR 72022
If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!
