The excitement of finding gemstones in Arkansas draws visitors from all over the world. Few places make it possible for anyone to dig into the earth and discover something as valuable as a flawless crystal or even a natural diamond!

Public digging areas across the state are open to everyone, whether you bring your own gear or rent tools when you arrive. Each site offers a slightly different experience, but all promise the thrill of uncovering something real.

Once you understand how to recognize valuable pieces and know where the most promising areas are, your chances of success rise quickly.

A little knowledge and patience can help you bring home a colorful range of gemstones that show off the best of Arkansas.

The Gemstones Found In Arkansas You Can Mine

Fortunately, Arkansas is home to some magnificent gemstones. We’ve prepared many guides to help you locate gem mines near you because every state is diverse, and not everyone knows where to get this information. You can search for rare and more common gemstones in our state if you have the proper knowledge and good fortune.

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

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

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

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

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

Our Favorite Places For Gem Mining in Arkansas

We’ve compiled our top recommendations for gem mining locations in this state. This can be used to find gemstones by adults who have already experienced mining for gems. We’ve also included suggestions for kids to try as they learn more about finding gems.

Crater Of Diamonds State Park

209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, United States

Crater of Diamonds State Park, established in 1972, is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. The park allows gem miners to search for diamonds and other precious stones. The park also offers geology and Arkansas diamonds educational programs for school groups and other organizations.

When we visited this area, we got the chance to explore its 37-acre plowed field, which is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Crater Of Diamonds State Park

This location is famous among expert gem miners and beginners because of the richness of gemstones present here. Other than diamonds, which are prevalent here, gem hunters may also find these:

• Agate
• Amethyst
• Barite
• Garnet
• Hematite
• Jasper
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Crater Of Diamonds State Park

The best time to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park is spring and summer. The park is open year-round and offers visitors the opportunity to search for diamonds from April through October.

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

82 Wegner Crystal Ranch Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957, United States

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines is a quartz crystal mining operation located in the small town of Mt. Ida. Wegner has been mining quartz crystals since 1995. The mine is open to the public and offers a variety of guided tours and educational programs for gem hunters. It’s also a great site to find Arkansas crystals!

Gem miners can go on a self-guided tour of the mine, view a video about the history of quartz crystal mining, explore the gift shop, and even dig for their crystals. You can also participate in hands-on activities such as cutting and polishing quartz crystals.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

This area is known for possessing quartz, but various gemstones may still be found, including the following:

• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Citrine
• Garnet
• Rose Quartz
• Smoky Citrine
• Smoky Quartz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time To Visit Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

The best time to visit Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines is in April and October. The weather is milder during these times, allowing gem hunters to explore the crystal mines easily. Additionally, the mines are open year-round so gem miners can plan their trips accordingly.

Prairie Creek Campground

9300 N Park Rd, Rogers, AR 72756, United States

Prairie Creek Campground is a great way to explore the area’s natural beauty while searching for precious gems and minerals. We had the opportunity to participate in various educational programs offered at the campground, such as geology classes and gem identification workshops. Because of its beautiful scenery, excellent facilities, and educational opportunities, Prairie Creek Campground is among our list of great gem hunting destinations.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Prairie Creek

This location is visited by gem hunters who want to seek different types of gems. The typical gemstones found here are the following:

• Amethyst
• Diopside
• Epidote
• Garnet
• Hematite
• Peridot
• Pyrite
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Prairie Creek

The summer months of June, July, and August are more conducive for activities like gemstone hunting. Various special events are also hosted in the campground during the summer, such as mining gems workshops where you can learn more about gems and find even more gemstones.

Board Camp Crystal Mine – Great for kids

110 Polk Rd 62, Mena, AR 71953, United States

Board Camp Crystal Mine offers gem miners the opportunity to explore and search for various rare crystals, gems, and minerals. You can either hand-pick stones from the mine or purchase them from the shop. Board Camp Crystal Mine is also great for learning about geology, finding beautiful stones, and creating lasting memories with your friends and family.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Board Camp Crystal Mine

This is one of our state’s most excellent places to dig for gems. The following are often present in the area:

• Amethyst
• Calcite
• Dolomite
• Fluorite
• Garnet
• Pyrite
• Quartz
• Tourmaline

The Best Time To Visit Board Camp Crystal Mine

The weather is usually dry during June, July, and August, making navigating the mines easier while looking for gemstones.

Sweet Surrender Crystals – Great for kids

288 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Story, AR 71970, United States

Just north of Mount Ida in the stunning Ouachita Mountains is where you’ll find the Sweet Surrender Crystal Mine. The quartz capital of the world is located in this area and these mountains. Here, you have the chance to uncover some magnificent crystals in an active commercial mine.

The Types Of Gemstones Found At Sweet Surrender Crystals

This spot has both rare and more common gems of different kinds. These are the ones frequently discovered here:

• Agate
• Amethyst
• Fluorite
• Jasper
• Quartz

The Best Time To Visit Sweet Surrender Crystals

They are open all year round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when there are fewer crowds and a better chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this area.

Other Great Options For Real Gem Mining in Arkansas

After exploring our favorite locations to dig for gems, we will also share some other great places in our state where you will enjoy real gem mining. If you’re an adult who has already tried searching for gems beforehand, these places will undoubtedly give you additional motivation to continue your gem hunting journey.

• Avatar Crystal Mine – Quartz
• Buffalo Point Campground – Calcite, Dolomite, Quartz, Sphalerite, Smithsonite
• Clabber Creek – Agates
• Crystal Vista – Quartz
• Hamilton Hill Mine – Calcite, Feldspar, Quartz
• Lake Catherine State Park – Fluorite
• Morning Star Mine – Calcite, Dolomite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Smithsonite
• Ouachita National Forest – Barite, Turquoise
• Ron Coleman Mining – Quartz
• Twin Creek Crystal Mine – Clear Quartz, Phantom Quartz

Some of the more common gems that are found here are easy to confuse among each other, that’s why we’ve put together a few guides to telling them apart:

• Aquamarine vs Turquoise

The Top Public Gem Mining Locations in Arkansas

Our state has many family-friendly public gem mining locations, so if you’re seeking more, you’re in luck. Your children will have a blast exploring and finding all sorts of gemstones in these places.

• Avant Mining Fisher Mountain Rock Shop – 11 Logan Gap Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957, United States
• Jay’s Crystal Bonanza – 1024 US-270, Mt Ida, AR 71957, United States

Arkansas Gem Mining Laws And Regulations

Arkansas allows recreational gem hunting on public lands designated as a state park or state-owned wildlife management area. Any person wishing to collect gems or minerals must obtain a permit from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

All collected materials must be for personal use and cannot be sold or traded. Collecting is prohibited in areas posted “No Collecting” or any areas where it could cause damage to the environment. All tools used for collecting must be hand tools only, and no explosives can be used.

For more information about Arkansas’s gem mining laws and regulations, click on the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism website link.

Additional Places To Mine For Gems 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:

• Gem Mining in Louisiana
• Gem Mining in Mississippi
• Gem Mining in Missouri
• Gem Mining in Oklahoma
• Gem Mining in Tennessee
• Gem Mining in Texas

If you have any recommendations we haven’t covered please leave them in the comments below!