If you’re looking to find some amethysts in Arkansas, you better ensure you have the proper guidance! These precious stones can be tricky to spot, especially if you don’t know what you want.
With a little bit of effort and some insider tips, you’ll be able to find some fantastic options for any amethyst hunter to be successful. So don’t wait any longer, grab your pickaxe and prepare for an adventure!
What is Arkansas Amethyst?
If you’re looking for a beautiful and mystical gemstone, look no further than amethyst! It’s a variety of quartz known for its stunning purple color, ranging from light lavender to deep violet. And it’s not just its appearance that makes amethyst unique – it’s also believed to have some powerful spiritual properties.
So where can you find amethyst? Well, it’s pretty abundant and can be found worldwide! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to hunt for your amethyst, research and find a location that allows for public mining. And who knows, you might strike it lucky and find your piece of amethyst treasure!
- 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 amethyst 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 Best Spots To Find Amethyst in Arkansas
Here are our best recommendations for finding amethysts in the state. We have a lot of unique places where you can find gems in Arkansas, but only a few are particularly good for discovering amethysts. Even if some of these locations weren’t popular, we looked there and discovered intriguing options.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting adventure, Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is worth checking out! This park is home to a 37.5-acre plowed field where you can search for diamonds and other gemstones, including amethysts. Amethysts are one of the many types of gemstones that have been found at the park over the years.
What makes Crater of Diamonds State Park such a great location for amethyst hunting is that it’s one of the few places in the world where the public can search for diamonds and other gemstones in their natural state. The park is located on an ancient volcanic crater, which means that the soil is rich in minerals and has the potential to yield some incredible finds.
Before bringing anything home, familiarize yourself with the most recent Arkansas collecting regulations.
Where we found amethyst in Crater of Diamonds State Park
Amethysts are typically found in the same geological formations as diamonds, so it’s not uncommon to find them in the same areas within the park’s 37.5-acre search area.
The tools every amethyst hunter will need
When you're out looking for amethyst 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 amethyst 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 amethyst-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
Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southwestern 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.
Arkansas Talc Co. Mine
If you’re on the hunt for amethysts in Arkansas, you might want to consider visiting the Arkansas Talc Co Mine in Saline County. This mine is one of the best ways to find amethyst we know of and is located just outside of Little Rock and has been a popular spot for rockhounds and mineral enthusiasts for many years. While the mine is primarily known for its talc deposits, it has also been known to contain some beautiful amethysts and other minerals in the area.
To increase your chances of finding amethysts at the Arkansas Talc Co Mine, it’s important to do your research and understand the mining regulations in the area. The mine is privately owned, so you’ll need to obtain permission before entering the property.
Where we found amethyst at the Arkansas Talc Co Mine
At the Arkansas Talc Co Mine in Arkansas, you can find amethysts in the same geological formations as quartz and other minerals. The mine is located in the Ouachita Mountains, which are known for their rich quartz veins and pockets. Here are the current amethyst crystal prices in the market for your knowledge.
East Wilson Pit
If you’re looking for a unique and promising location to hunt for amethysts in Arkansas, East Wilson Pit is definitely worth checking out. This abandoned mine has become a popular spot for rockhounds and mineral collectors due to its rich deposits of quartz and other minerals, including amethysts.
One of the reasons why East Wilson Pit is such a great location for amethyst hunting is because of its unique geological formations. The mine is situated in an area with a high concentration of quartz veins and pockets, where amethysts are often found. Additionally, the pit’s abandoned status means fewer restrictions on exploration and collecting.
Where we found amethyst at the East Wilson Pit
Amethysts at East Wilson Pit can be found as individual crystals or in small clusters. Amethysts can be found throughout the pit, but it’s important to be careful when exploring and to follow all safety regulations.
Little Missouri River
The Little Missouri River is a great option if you’re looking for amethyst crystals in the state. This scenic river is known for its crystal clear waters and rich deposits of minerals, including amethysts.
One of the reasons the Little Missouri River is a great location for amethyst hunting is its unique geological formations. The river flows through an area with a high concentration of quartz veins and pockets, where amethysts are often found.
Additionally, the river’s natural erosion process means that gemstones are often washed downstream and deposited in gravel bars and other locations along the riverbanks.
Where we found amethyst at the Little Missouri River
Amethysts can be found in various locations along the riverbanks of the Little Missouri River.
Prairie Creek
Prairie Creek is a picturesque and serene location that is known for its natural beauty and rich deposits of minerals, including amethysts. This creek flows through an area of the Ouachita Mountains that is rich in quartz veins and pockets, making it a promising location for rockhounds and mineral enthusiasts.
Prairie Creek is such a great location for amethyst hunting because of its accessibility. Unlike some other locations in Arkansas, Prairie Creek is located on public land and does not require permission to access. This makes it an ideal spot for amateur rockhounds and families who want to enjoy a fun and educational day out.
Where we found amethyst at Prairie Creek
You can find amethyst crystals in all the regional silver mines around Willow Creek, where they produce both amethyst crystals and clusters in their dumps.
Other Great Places To Mine For Amethyst in Arizona
Additional areas you can find amethyst
Given that Arkansas is such a big state, we want to assist you in your adventure. The essential and targeted locations where amethysts are typically found should be searched.
Mines and mine dumps
Mines and mine dumps can be great locations for amethyst collectors to find their next stunning piece. Mines and mine dumps often contain minerals, including amethysts, that have naturally occurred in the area for millions of years. Over time, these minerals have accumulated and formed beautiful crystals just waiting to be discovered.
Mines and mine dumps provide a unique opportunity for collectors to search for amethysts in their natural state. Unlike purchasing stones from a dealer or retailer, finding an amethyst from a mine or mine dump allows collectors to experience the excitement and thrill of finding a gemstone firsthand.
Rivers and riverbanks
Rivers and riverbanks are natural and beautiful locations that offer great opportunities for amethyst collectors to find their next gemstones. These locations are excellent for amethyst hunting because the flow of water naturally sorts rocks and minerals, including amethysts, along the banks and riverbeds. The rushing water can also wear down rocks and gravel, revealing beautiful crystals hidden for millions of years.
Rivers and riverbanks are often easily accessible and located in picturesque settings. This makes them a great location for nature enthusiasts and rockhounds alike to enjoy a day out while searching for beautiful gemstones
Streams and creeks
Streams and creeks are other natural location that offers excellent opportunities for amethyst collectors to find beautiful gemstones. The same forces that make rivers and riverbanks ideal for amethyst hunting, such as water flow and natural sorting of rocks and minerals, also make streams and creeks prime locations for finding amethysts.
One advantage of searching for amethysts in streams and creeks is that they are often less crowded than other locations, making it easier to focus on finding gemstones. Another advantage is that they are typically located in remote and natural settings, providing a peaceful and enjoyable environment for collectors to explore.
Common Amethyst-Hunting Questions
Addressing the following frequently asked questions concerning amethysts in Arkansas is critical.
Where can you find amethyst geodes in Arkansas?
Although amethyst geodes are not normally found in Arkansas, you can find other specimens at a few rock shops.
Is it illegal to collect amethyst in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows amethyst collection as long as you adhere to local laws. If you’re in public spaces, abide by any applicable laws. If you’re on private land, make sure you have permission.
The Best Places To Buy Amethyst In Arkansas
Not everyone finds it pleasurable to spend hours in the woods searching for amethysts. Sometimes all you require is a superb and distinctive presentation or something to bolster your collection. The following is a list of rock stores where you can buy amethyst crystals.
- Amethyst Sky – 1533 E Harding St, Morrilton, AR 72110
- Avant Mining Fisher Mountain Rock Shop and Public Dig – 11 Logan Gap Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Coleman Rock Shop and Crystal Mines – 5837 AR-7, Jessieville, AR 71949
- Twin Creek Crystal Mine – Collier Springs Rd #177, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines – 82 Wegner Crystal Ranch Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957
Additional Places To Find Amethyst In Nearby States
If you’ve already tried all of our recommendations above or are planning a trip out of the state you should check out our guides for neighboring states:
If you have any recommendations for our list, please leave a comment below!
