There’s a rich variety of minerals and gems beneath our feet. From the unique types of rocks found in Arkansas, including bauxite and adularia, to the exciting search for diamonds, each discovery adds to the adventure.
Finding these treasures, however, can be quite a challenge without knowing the right spots or understanding what makes each one special. You don’t just need luck; you also need knowledge and a keen eye for detail.
Each rock, mineral, and gem in this state tells a story, offering us a glimpse into the earth’s vibrant history and enriching our adventure with every find.
A List of The Common Rocks, Stones, and Minerals Found in Arkansas
Arkansas is known for its incredible variety of rocks and minerals. Learn more about what you can find and where to look.
The Arkansas State Rock, Mineral, and Gem
These state symbols highlight Arkansas’s contributions to the world of geology and gem collecting:
| Arkansas State Rock | Bauxite |
| Arkansas State Mineral | Quartz Crystal |
| Arkansas State Gem | Diamond |
It’s important to know the local rules and guidelines to make sure you’re rockhounding the right way. You can contact the Arkansas Geological Survey to learn about guidelines for rock collecting in the state.
Brookite
Brookite is a rare mineral that can be really interesting to rock collectors because of its unique crystal shapes. It forms in a variety of conditions, oftenin high heat and pressure.
One of the coolest things about brookite is its crystal form. Brookite crystals are unique with their sharp edges and rich, brownish-red color. They often form thin, flat shapes that can catch the light and sparkle in an interesting way.
While brookite is mainly collected for its neat appearance, it also has uses in science. It’s especially useful in research related to photocatalysis, a process that uses light to speed up chemical reactions.
Where you can find brookite in Arkansas
- Blue Springs
- Hot Spring County
- Granite Mountain
Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral that can be found in a rainbow of colors, from purple and blue to green and yellow. It forms when mineral-rich water seeps into cracks in rocks and evaporates, leaving the fluorite crystals behind.
The defining characteristic of fluorite is that it can glow under ultraviolet light, making it a favorite among rock collectors. This mineral is also known for its perfect cubic shape, which is pretty unique and fascinating to see.
Fluorite is also important in the manufacturing of steel and aluminum, and it’s used to make certain types of glass and enamel.
Where you can find fluorite in Arkansas
- Magnet Cove
- Granite Mountain
- Lake Catherine
Magnetite
Magnetite is naturally magnetic, which means it can actually stick to magnets. It forms deep within the earth where there’s a lot of heat and pressure, making it one of the many interesting rocks and minerals found in Arkansas.
A fascinating characteristic of magnetite is its ability to attract iron. This mineral is usually black or dark brown, and it has a shiny surface that can look really neat when polished.
Aside from its interesting magnetic properties, magnetite has some important uses too. It’s used in making steel, which is a material needed for things like cars, buildings, and bridges.
Where you can find magnetite in Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Granite Mountain
- Magnet Cove
Marcasite
Marcasite is a mineral that looks a lot like gold or silver because it has a metallic shine. It forms in sedimentary rocks as a result of the reduction of sulfur in the presence of organic material, often alongside other minerals like pyrite.
One interesting characteristic of marcasite is that it can form into cool shapes that look like cockscomb or spearheads. Unlike pyrite, marcasite is more brittle and can crumble easily, which is why handling it with care is important.
Although marcasite is not used as much in modern industry, it has been valued in jewelry making for its unique, antique look. Historically, it was also used to strike fire with flint.
Where you can find marcasite in Arkansas
- Lake Catherine
- Magnet Cove
- Benton
- Briar
Opal
Opal is famous for its dazzling array of colors, sparkling with all the hues of the rainbow when light hits it just right. It’s formed from silica-rich water that seeps into deep cracks and spaces in the earth, then dries out and hardens over time.
One of the coolest features of opal is its play-of-color, which means it can sparkle in different colors in the light, showing off different shades from different angles.
However, not all opals have this play-of-color. Some can also be translucent to almost completely transparent.
Opals are typically used in jewelry to make necklaces, rings, and earrings that really stand out. Thanks to their beauty and uniqueness, opals are treasured by many people around the world.
Where you can find opal in Arkansas
- Lake Catherine
- Magnet Cove
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Indian Mountain
Quartz
Quartz is one of the most common minerals found on Earth, known for its hardness and distinctive appearance.
It forms when silica-rich solutions cool down and harden, either deep underground or in places where hot water circulates through cracks in rocks.
Quartz crystals can come in different colors like purple, pink, or even black, depending on the types of minerals that are mixed in with it.
Besides being used in jewelry, quartz has a big role in technology; it’s used in electronics because it can turn electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa.
This means quartz is in lots of things we use every day, like computers, phones, and even in some clocks.
Where you can find quartz in Arkansas
- Jessieville
- Lake Catherine
- Lake Ouachita
- Magnet Cove
Wavellite
Wavellite is a unique mineral that forms in cracks and cavities of rocks, often as a result of hot water flowing through and depositing minerals.
It’s known for its radial clusters of crystals that can look like small, greenish or yellowish flower-like patterns.
One of the most interesting things about wavellite is its ability to show different colors under certain lighting conditions, which makes it a cool specimen for rock collectors.
These patterns and colors help identify the mineral and make each piece of wavellite distinct and special.
Wavellite also serves as an indicator of phosphate deposits in certain locations. This means that it can point geologists to areas where other valuable minerals might be found.
Where you can find wavellite in Arkansas
- Garland County
- Mauldin Mountain
- Porter Mountain
The Gemstones Found in Arkansas
Arkansas is a hotspot for finding a wide array of colorful and eye-catching gemstones. Learn more about the gemstones that can be found in the state:
Celestine
Celestine, also known as celestite, is a mineral that’s famous for its beautiful sky-blue color, but it can also be found in white, pink, or green shades.
It forms from the evaporation of seawater in sedimentary rock formations, which is why it’s often found in areas that were once underwater.
Celestine has the ability to glow under ultraviolet light, which makes it a favorite among mineral collectors. This mineral forms crystals that can be quite large and are prized for their clarity and vibrant colors.
Besides being a collector’s gem, celestine is also a source of strontium, which is used in making the bright red colors in fireworks. It’s also used in certain industrial processes, such as creating glass or as part of drilling fluids.
Where you can find celestine in Arkansas
- Magnet Cove
- Briar
- Highland
- Fayetteville
Garnet
Garnet is a type of mineral that’s known for its deep red color, but it can actually come in a variety of colors like green, orange, and even purple.
It forms deep in the earth under high pressure and temperature, making it pretty tough and durable.
One interesting thing about garnet is that it has a glassy luster, which makes it really shiny and attractive. This mineral is also known for its use in jewelry because of its beautiful colors and the way it sparkles in the light.
Besides being used in jewelry, garnet has another cool use; it’s used as an abrasive in sandpaper.
Because it’s so hard and durable, it can help smooth out rough surfaces, making it super useful in woodworking and metalworking projects.
Where you can find garnet in Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
Peridot
Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone that catches the eye with its bright, olive to lime shades. It’s formed deep inside the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
Because of this, peridot is one of the few gemstones not created in the Earth’s crust.
Peridot can glow under artificial light, which makes it stand out even in low light conditions. It’s also unique because its color comes from iron, and the intensity of the color depends on how much iron is contained within the stone.
Peridot has been used for thousands of years for jewelry like rings and necklaces. Today, it’s still loved for its beauty and is the birthstone for August.
Where you can find peridot in Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
Topaz
Topaz is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, from clear to blue, pink, and even yellow. It’s formed in igneous rocks and is one of the many beautiful gemstones found in Arkansas, prized for its brilliance and hardness.
The color of topaz can change when it’s exposed to heat or light. This feature, along with its durability, makes topaz a popular choice for jewelry.
Besides being used in jewelry, topaz has other uses too. For example, because it can withstand high heat, topaz can be used as a raw material for certain industrial processes.
Where you can find topaz in Arkansas
- Pike County
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a fascinating gemstone that comes in almost every color of the rainbow, from deep blues to vibrant pinks.
It’s formed in a variety of rock types, mainly in places where hot, mineral-rich water has moved through the Earth’s crust.
Tourmaline stands out from other gems because it can display more than one color in the same crystal. This feature, known as pleochroism, gives the stone a unique appearance and makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Tourmaline is widely used in jewelry because of its durability and wide range of colors. The pleochroism also makes tourmaline jewelry unique and interesting.
Where you can find tourmaline in Arkansas
- Lake Catherine
- Grant County
- Saline County
Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue to green mineral that’s really pretty and is used a lot in jewelry. It forms in dry areas when water with minerals drips through rocks, leaving behind the turquoise in cracks and spaces.
One cool thing about turquoise is that no two pieces are exactly the same; they can have different patterns of veins running through them, called matrix. This makes each piece of turquoise jewelry unique, adding to its special appeal.
For many years, people have treasured turquoise for its beauty. The value of turquoise can be pretty high because it’s a beautiful and popular gemstone.
Today, people wear turquoise in necklaces, bracelets, and rings, and it’s also used in art and decoration, showing how much it’s still loved.
Where you can find turquoise in Arkansas
- Ferndale
- Mauldin Mountain
- Porter Mountain
Variscite
Variscite is a cool, green mineral that’s often mistaken for turquoise because of its beautiful color and patterns. It forms through the process of low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of rocks that are rich in aluminum phosphate.
An important feature of variscite is its matrix. Like turquoise, it can have different patterns like veins or patches, which makes each piece unique.
Furthermore, this mineral is not just pretty to look at; it’s also soft enough to be carved into various shapes, making it popular for jewelry and decorative items.
Variscite is used mainly for making jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings because of its unique green color and the beautiful way it can be polished.
Where you can find variscite in Arkansas
- Dug Hill
- Hot Springs
- Mauldin Mountain
- Big Fork
The Crystals Found in Arkansas
There’s a wealth of crystals in Arkansas that come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can find out more with the help of our guides:
Adularia
Adularia is a kind of mineral that sparkles and shines, making it really cool for rock collections. It forms from water that’s packed with minerals, cooling down and leaving the adularia behind in cracks and spaces inside rocks.
One important feature of adularia is its glow, known as adularescence, which makes it look like there’s light coming from inside it.
Adularia is mainly collected for how beautiful it is, and it’s also used in jewelry because of its unique shimmer.
Where you can find adularia in Arkansas
- Lake Ouachita
- Mt. Ida
- Saline County
Amber
Amber is fossilized tree resin that has gotten hard over millions of years. It’s usually found in shades of yellow, orange, and sometimes even green or blue.
Sometimes, you might find amber pieces that contain ancient plants or insects that got trapped in the resin before it hardened. This gives us a cool and rare look at life on Earth millions of years ago, making each piece of amber unique.
People have used amber for a long time, not just because it looks nice but also because it’s believed to have protective qualities.
It’s often made into jewelry like necklaces and bracelets, but artists also carve it into beautiful sculptures.
Where you can find amber in Arkansas
- Perla
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz that’s famous for its stunning purple color, which can range from a light lavender to a deep violet.
The crystals form when silica-rich water finds its way into cracks and cavities in rocks, cooling and crystallizing over time.
The purple color of amethyst can vary depending on where it’s found, due to differences in the minerals present in the soil.
This gemstone is not just pretty to look at; it’s also quite hard, making it durable enough for all kinds of jewelry, like rings, necklaces, and earrings.
Where you can find amethyst in Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Garland County
- Salem
Aragonite
Aragonite is a mineral that looks really cool because it forms in needle-like crystals, which can cluster together like a bunch of tiny spikes.
It’s created in ocean settings from the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that pile up on the seafloor over time.
One cool thing about aragonite is that it can be all different colors, like white, red, yellow, and even blue. It often forms in shapes that look like needles or branches, which is pretty neat to see.
Aragonite can also be used in aquariums to help maintain the pH balance of the water for fish. It can also be ground up into a powder and used in things like paint and paper to make them stronger.
Where you can find aragonite in Arkansas
- Blue Springs
- Magnet Cove
- Fayetteville
Prehnite
Prehnite is a unique and beautiful mineral that’s usually a soft green color, but it can also be found in shades of yellow, white, and even a rare blue.
This rock forms in the cracks and cavities of volcanic rocks, where it crystallizes from hydrothermal fluids.
One of the coolest things about prehnite is its pearly luster, which gives it a glow that looks almost magical under the light. It’s also known for its ability to form into interesting shapes, including globular or stalactitic formations.
Because prehnite is pretty to look at, it can be used in jewelry, where its unique color and luster make it a favorite for necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Where you can find prehnite in Arkansas
- Granite Mountain
Selenite
Selenite is a clear, beautiful mineral that’s actually a form of gypsum, and it can grow into large, transparent crystals.
It forms when sulfate-rich brine in hot, dry climates evaporates, leaving minerals to crystallize into selenite’s unique shapes.
Selenite crystals are known for their exceptional transparency. These crystals also have a distinctive perfect cleavage, which means that they split naturally into smooth and flat planes.
Because of how it looks, collectors are often fond of selenite. Beyond its appearance, selenite’s properties allow it to be used in making plaster and as an important ingredient in the manufacturing of cement
Where you can find selenite in Arkansas
- Highland Gypsum Quarry
- Briar
- Murfreesboro
Spinel
Spinel is a gemstone that comes in many colors, including red, pink, blue, and purple. It forms in metamorphic rocks, where high heat and pressure transform minerals into beautiful crystals.
One cool fact about spinel is that it’s often mistaken for ruby or sapphire because of its bright colors and crystal clarity. Some famous jewels in royal collections have even been mistaken as rubies when they were actually spinels.
Spinel is used in all kinds of jewelry because it’s both beautiful and durable. It’s also appreciated by collectors who love its wide range of colors and the way it sparkles in the light.
Where you can find spinel in Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Magnet Cove
- Granite Mountain
The Most Valuable Rocks and Minerals in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to a variety of rocks and minerals that are valuable for many reasons, including their industrial uses, rarity, and role in creating beautiful jewelry.
Bauxite
Bauxite is really important because it’s the main source of aluminum, which is a metal we use all the time. It forms from the weathering and breakdown of rocks containing aluminum minerals over millions of years, which then turns into bauxite.
This mineral can look like small red, white, or tan pebbles, making it pretty distinct from other rocks. It can mostly be found in warm and tropical areas, where the conditions are just right for bauxite to form.
Because of bauxite, we’re able to have aluminum, which is a lightweight metal that’s used in everything from soda cans to airplanes.
These products that make our lives easier and more convenient, showing how important this rock is to our daily lives.
Where you can find bauxite in Arkansas
- Arkansas Bauxite District
- Pulaski Bauxite District
- Lonoke County
Benitoite
Benitoite is a very rare gemstone known for its deep blue color and unique crystal shape. It forms in very specific conditions when hot, mineral-rich water cools in cracks deep within the earth.
What makes benitoite stand out is its intense blue glow under ultraviolet light. This gemstone is also one of the few that can display a star-like pattern when cut properly, adding to its appeal.
Benitoite is primarily used in jewelry, where its striking blue color and brilliance make for stunning pieces that are highly valued. Due to its rarity, finding benitoite can be a real treat for gem hunters.
Where you can find benitoite in Arkansas
- Magnet Cove
Diamonds
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure, making them the hardest natural material known.
They’re brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions, which cool to form rocks that contain these precious gems. Arkansas is one of the very few places in the US where diamonds can be found.
One of the most fascinating characteristics of diamonds is their ability to sparkle and reflect light, which is why they’re so popular in jewelry. They come in various colors, including clear, blue, yellow, and even pink.
Besides being used in engagement rings and other jewelry, diamonds have important industrial uses because of their hardness. They’re used in cutting, grinding, and drilling tools.
Where you can find diamonds in Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Searcy County
Galena
Galena is a shiny, gray mineral that’s the main source of lead. It forms in both sedimentary and volcanic rocks through a process where hot, mineral-rich fluids cool and crystallize.
This mineral is one of the valuable rocks in Arkansas, known for its bright metallic luster that catches the eye.
People have mined galena for thousands of years for its lead content, which is used in batteries, bullets, and even in protective shields against X-rays.
Galena is not just mined for lead; it also contains silver. Besides its use in extracting lead for batteries and bullets, the silver extracted from galena is used in jewelry, coins, and photography.
Where you can find galena in Arkansas
- Marion County
- Granite Mountain
- Gillham
How to Identify The Rocks and Minerals Found in Arkansas
With the right tips and tricks, anyone can start recognizing the different rocks and minerals. You can figure out what an unknown rock is by looking for certain characteristics.
Examine the Color and Appearance
Identifying rocks, minerals, and gems starts with observing their color and how they look. For example, galena has a shiny metallic gray color. It also tends to form in cubic crystals, which also sets it apart from other minerals.
The shape of crystals in the rock and how they’re arranged, called crystal habit, is also a big clue. While galena forms in cubic crystals, amethyst tends to form in elongated crystals with pointed ends.
By paying attention to these colors and appearances, anyone can start to identify different rocks, minerals, and gems.
Check the Hardness
To figure out what kind of rock or mineral you’ve found, checking its hardness is a great trick. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a tool that helps with this, ranking minerals from 1 (very soft) to 10 (very hard).
If you can scratch the rock with something like a copper penny (which has a hardness of about 3), but a glass plate (hardness around 5.5) won’t scratch it, then the rock’s hardness is between 3 and 5.5.
This method is really useful because it helps you narrow down what the rock could be by comparing it to minerals with known hardness ratings.
If the rock scratches a penny but not glass, it could be a mineral like fluorite, which is known to have a hardness of around 4.
Test for Fluorescence
When you shine a UV light on some rocks and minerals, they can light up in cool colors. This special glow is called fluorescence. Not all rocks have it, which means that fluorescence can help you figure out what a rock could be.
You can get a portable UV light to try this out yourself, which makes exploring for rocks even more exciting. Fluorescent minerals include fluorite, opal, celestine, and benitoite.
Using UV light to see if a rock fluoresces can help narrow down what kind of mineral it might be. This method adds another layer of fun to rock collecting, turning it into a bit of a treasure hunt in the dark.
Examine for Cleavage or Fracture
Looking at how a rock breaks can be a big clue. If a rock has cleavage, it means that it naturally breaks along flat planes. Minerals like selenite are famous for splitting into thin sheets that you can sometimes even peel apart.
Fracture, on the other hand, is when a rock breaks off with uneven or jagged edges, which is something you might see in quartz.
This difference between cleavage and fracture helps a lot with Arkansas rock identification because it narrows down the possibilities. For example, if a rock naturally breaks in flat planes, then it’s unlikely to be quartz.
Identify the Luster
Luster describes the way that light bounces off the surface of a rock or mineral. By looking at the way light reflects off a rock, you can get a good clue about what it might be.
If a rock looks shiny like metal, like galena, then it has a metallic luster.
Topaz, on the other hand, might catch your eye with a vitreous luster. This means that topaz tends to shine like glass.
Rocks with a non-metallic luster can also look silky, dull, waxy, or even pearly, which tells you they’re not metallic even without touching them.
