Geodes are like nature’s surprise eggs, filled with sparkling crystals inside a plain-looking rock. Our state is a treasure trove for these hidden gems, with its many different landscapes that make it perfect for rock hounds.

If you’re itching to crack open your own crystal-filled wonder, you’re in the right place!

This article will show you the best spots in our state to find geodes. We’ll also share some handy tips to make your geode hunting adventure a success.

So grab your hammer and get ready to discover the beauty hiding in ordinary-looking rocks all around this state!

How Geodes From Here

Geodes form when bubbles in volcanic rocks or spaces in sedimentary rocks get filled with minerals over time.

First, water rich in minerals like quartz or calcite seeps into the hollow space. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals, which slowly build up layer by layer.

Eventually, these minerals create a crystal lining inside the geode. The outer shell stays rough, while the inside becomes a sparkling treasure.

The process can take thousands, even millions, of years, making each geode a unique and beautiful time capsule of Earth’s natural forces.

The Types Of Geodes Found in the US

There are many fascinating varieties of geodes that can be found across the United States, including in our own state. Each type is distinctly beautiful and intriguing:

Amethyst Geode

Amethyst geodes look plain on the outside, like a potato. But crack them open, and you’ll find stunning purple crystals. These crystals can be light lavender or deep purple.

The structure of crystals inside can vary widely. Some are tiny and densely packed, creating a sparkling surface. Others form large, distinct points that jut inwards.

The color range is impressive too, from pale lilac to deep royal purple. Some amethyst geodes develop unique features. “Stalactites” of amethyst might hang from the top.

In rare cases, you might find a water bubble trapped inside, a remnant from the geode’s formation millions of years ago.

Citrine Geode

Citrine geodes are eye-catching rocks with golden yellow to orange crystals inside. They sparkle when light hits them, looking like sunshine trapped in stone. The colors come from iron mixed in with the quartz.

Unlike many gemstones, citrine’s color is often evenly distributed throughout the crystal.

Most citrine on the market isn’t natural. It’s actually heat-treated amethyst. This process turns the purple amethyst into vibrant citrine. Natural citrine is rarer and often has a more subtle color.

Pyrite Geode

Ever cracked open a rock and found gold inside? Well, not real gold, but something that looks just like it. That’s a pyrite geode. Pyrite is called “fool’s gold” because it’s so shiny and golden.

Inside these geodes, pyrite forms in cool shapes. Sometimes it’s perfect cubes. Other times its clumps or even round balls called “pyrite suns”.

Pyrite has a fun history. People have been mixing it up with real gold for thousands of years. That’s how it got its nickname.

Selenite Geode

Selenite geodes stand out from the crowd. They’re white and see-through, with a glassy look. When you open one up, you’ll see crystals that look like they’re made of ice or moonlight.

Unlike harder geodes, selenite is soft. You can scratch it with your fingernail! This softness means you need to handle it carefully. But it also means selenite can be shaped into beautiful forms easily.

One cool thing about selenite is how it plays with light. Hold it up to a lamp, and you’ll see the light shine right through it. This makes selenite geodes popular for decorative lamps and light fixtures. They add a magical glow to any room.

Celestite Geode

Celestite geodes are like pieces of sky trapped in rock. Their crystals are typically a delicate blue, ranging from almost colorless to deep sky blue. In rare cases, celestite can form in other colors. Pink celestite is highly prized by collectors.

One unique feature of celestite is its perfect cleavage. This means the crystals can be easily split into rhombohedral shapes.

These geodes form in a unique way. They start as nodules of a soft mineral called alabaster. Over time, this dissolves and is replaced by celestite crystals. Some celestite geodes are huge, like the famous Crystal Cave in Ohio.

Celestite isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s used to make strontium, an element with many uses. You’ll find strontium in fireworks, where it creates red colors. It’s also used in making TV screens and ceramics.

Jasper Geode

Jasper geodes are the chameleons of the mineral world. They can appear in almost any color, often with multiple hues in a single specimen. Patterns can range from solid colors to intricate swirls, bands, or spots.

One fascinating type is picture jasper. These geodes contain patterns that resemble landscapes, with “skies,” “mountains,” and “rivers” visible in the stone. Each one is like a miniature painting created by nature.

Some jasper geodes contain orbicular patterns – spherical structures that formed as the jasper solidified. These create eye-catching bull’s-eye or flower-like designs in the stone, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Carnelian Geode

Carnelian geodes have vibrant orange to reddish-brown colors. They can be somewhat see-through, which makes them look even more interesting. The bright colors come from the iron in the stone.

These geodes stand out from other similar stones. They’re brighter than sard, which is usually darker and more brownish. And unlike agate, carnelian doesn’t have bands or stripes.

Carnelian has been popular for a long time. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it to make special rings. It’s tough enough for everyday jewelry.

Some people heat or dye carnelian to make its color even brighter. This makes it a favorite for both rock collectors and jewelry lovers.

Fluorite Geode

Fluorite geodes are like nature’s rainbow. They come in many colors – purple, green, blue, yellow, and sometimes even clear or black. When you open one up, you might see cube-shaped or eight-sided crystals inside.

What makes fluorite special is that you can often see more than one color in a single stone. This is different from many other geodes. Also, fluorite has a unique way of splitting when it breaks.

A cool fact: fluorite glows blue under ultraviolet light. This was first discovered back in 1852. Because of its many colors and this glowing ability, fluorite is sometimes called the “most colorful mineral in the world.”

Scolecite Geode

Scolecite geodes are like tiny crystal caves. They’re usually white or colorless, but sometimes you might find pink, yellow, or green ones.

What makes them special is the crystals inside. They look like thin needles or delicate hairs, all pointing out from the center.

These geodes are different from others because of their crystal shape. Instead of blocky or chunky crystals, scolecite has these fine, hair-like ones. This gives them a unique, delicate look.

Scolecite has an interesting property – it can hold a lot of water in its structure. This means it can absorb and release water easily. This makes scolecite useful in various ways, not just as a pretty rock to look at.

Apophyllite Geode

Apophyllite geodes are like nature’s disco balls. They often have dark or black crystals inside a hollow rock. These crystals can be see-through or slightly cloudy, with cube-like or flat shapes.

What makes apophyllite geodes stand out is how the crystals form. They grow in round clusters that look like tiny disco balls. This unique formation is rare and makes them special to rock enthusiasts.

Collectors really prize these “disco ball” clusters. They’re not common, which makes them valuable to people who love unusual rocks. The way apophyllite crystals catch and reflect light adds to their appeal, making them fascinating to look at and study.

What Rough Geode Looks Like

Identifying a rough geode might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you can spot one even if you’re not a rock expert. Here’s how you can do it.

Look for a Rounded Shape

A rough geode often has a rounded or egg-like shape. It might not be perfectly round but look for a generally bulbous form.

When you’re out searching, skip the flat, jagged rocks. Geodes usually have smoother exteriors because they’ve been rolling around in rivers or other environments for a long time.

Check for a Dull, Bumpy Surface

The outside of a geode isn’t usually shiny. Instead, it’s dull, bumpy, and a bit rough.

Imagine a potato or a clump of dirt with some bumps and dents. That’s how a geode might look before it’s cracked open.

The outside won’t give away much of what’s inside, so don’t be fooled by its ordinary appearance.

Test the Weight

Pick up the rock. Does it feel lighter than it looks? That’s a good sign!

Geodes are hollow or partially hollow, which makes them lighter than solid rocks of the same size. If it feels unexpectedly light, you might have found something special.

Look for Tiny Crystals or Mineral Patches

Sometimes, you can spot small crystals or mineral deposits on the outside. These could look like tiny sparkles or specks of color.

While the outside of a geode is usually dull, a little peek of what’s inside might show through. Keep an eye out for these hints, especially if you’re in a known geode-rich area.

Tips on Where to Look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Explore Riverbeds and Streams

Geodes often form in riverbeds or streams. Water flow smooths out their rough edges and deposits them in these areas.

When exploring, focus on gravel bars or the edges of rivers where rocks naturally gather.

Search in Sedimentary Rock Layers

Sedimentary rocks, like limestone, are prime spots for geodes. These rocks form in layers over time, trapping minerals inside.

Look for areas where sedimentary rocks are exposed, such as cliffs or road cuts.

Visit Old Mines or Quarries

Abandoned mines and quarries are excellent spots for geode hunting.

Workers often missed geodes while digging for other materials. Explore the tailings or leftover rock piles for hidden treasures.

Explore Hills and Rock Outcrops

Hills and rocky outcrops often reveal geodes. As erosion wears away the softer rock, it exposes the harder geodes.

Look for areas with exposed rocks and keep an eye out for rounded shapes.

The Best Places To Find Geodes in Arkansas

While Arkansas has some of the most amazing spots to mine gems, finding geodes here takes more than luck. Not only are they incredibly rare here, but their is no confirmed location here where you can find naturally occurring geodes.

Our recommendations below contain the best places where you can find rocks and gems that are very similar to geodes. We also included locations from nearby states where geodes can be found, in case you’re ready to take your search up a notch.

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mine

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mine is located in the Mount Ida area, which is known as the “Quartz Capital of the World.” The terrain around the mine is hilly and wooded, and it’s easy to see why this area is so popular with rockhounds.

The Quartz crystals here formed millions of years ago when magma cooled slowly underground, allowing the Quartz to grow into these amazing formations.

The Wegner mine itself is easy to access. You drive up a dirt road and park near the entrance. The owners themselves will give you a quick orientation and a bucket to collect crystals in, and then you’re off! But before you begin collecting, make sure you’re abiding by the most recent collecting guidelines of Arkansas.

Where we found geode-like formations

When you visit here, you’re practically surrounded by beautiful, sparkling Quartz crystals just waiting to be discovered! Begin your search on any part within the parameters of the mine and you’ll surely have an amazing time— and equally-amazing finds.

The tools every geode hunter will need

When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. 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 geode 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 geode-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.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in Murfreesboro. It’s situated on an old volcanic crater, which is what makes it so special. Its terrain is mostly flat, with a lot of grassy areas and a few trees scattered around. It’s a great place for a picnic or just hanging out with friends. But the real fun comes from digging for diamonds!

The geology of the area is what makes it so unique. Millions of years ago, magma rose up from deep within the earth and created the volcanic crater. The magma also brought up diamonds from deep within the earth, and over time they were scattered throughout the park. And aside from having diamonds, this is also among the best spots to find crystals in Arkansas.

When you visit here, you can rent equipment and dig for your own treasures. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also super rewarding. And the best part is, you get to keep whatever you find! Isn’t it enticing?

Where we found geode-like formations

If you’re in this area, chances are, you’re near one (or two!) of these amazing gems that the state park is rich with: Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Jasper, Agate, Quartz crystals.

Prairie Creek

Prairie Creek is located near the Ozark National Forest. It’s pretty narrow and the water is clear— a really great place to cool off on a hot day. The terrain around the creek is rocky, with some cool cliffs and boulders to climb on.

The best part of the creek, though, is the digging that you can do here. You can find some awesome rocks and minerals in the creek bed. You can either bring your own tools or rent them nearby.

Overall, Prairie Creek is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. To get here, you need to park near the trailhead and hike a bit to get to the creek. The best part of this journey is the killer views of the forest.

Where we found geode-like formations

You can find awesome samples of Amethyst, Pyrite, Quartz crystals, and many other geode-like rocks and gems at the area southeast of Murfreesboro of the Prairie Creek.

Weber Quarry

Arkansas neighboring state, Missouri, has great sites to find geodes and one of them is Weber Quarry located in the Ozark Mountains. The terrain around the quarry is pretty rugged, with lots of rocks and boulders to climb on. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a little adventure, it’s an awesome spot!

When you visit here, you can find all sorts of cool rocks and gems. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the quarry is a bit off the beaten path. You’ll want to bring plenty of supplies with you, like food, water, and sunscreen. Also, be sure to wear good shoes because the ground can be uneven and rocky.

All in all, the Weber Quarry is a must-visit spot if you want to find geodes. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek and you’re good to go!

Where we found geodes in Weber Quarry

You can find stunning samples of Calcite geodes, Fluorite geodes, and Millerite geodes if you explore the south area of the Weber Quarry in St. Louis.

Dale Hollow Reservoir

Another nearby state to Arkansas, Tennessee also has amazing spots to find geodes! Dale Hallow Reservoir is one of them. It’s located in the Cumberland Mountains, where the views are absolutely breathtaking.

The terrain around the reservoir is pretty varied, with some areas that are rocky and others that are more wooded. You can also find all sorts of cool rocks, fossils, and of course geodes as you’re hiking here.

To get here, you can take the highway and follow the signs to the campground. If you’re into outdoor activities while finding geodes at the same time, this is your spot!

Where we found geode-like options

Geodes can be found in the surrounding hills and along the reservoir’s shoreline. We recommend checking out spots where the rock formations are visible or in the beds of streams that have dried up, where the geodes may have been carried downstream by the water.

Common Arkansas Geode-Hunting Questions

We’ll cover some of the frequently asked questions by people who are planning to find geodes in Arkansas, in case you have the same queries:

Where can you find amethyst geodes in Arkansas?

While amethyst geodes don’t naturally occur here, you can find amazing Amethyst crystals when you visit the Prairie Creek, Crater of Diamonds State Park, and the three distinct diamond-bearing prospects called Kimberlite, American, and Black Lick at Pike County.

Is it illegal to collect geodes in Arkansas?

Collecting geodes here is perfectly legal, provided you follow the local collecting laws of Arkansas. Also, make sure to double check any rules and regulations specific to the type of land you will explore.

The Best Places To Buy Geodes In Arkansas

If you’re really keen to find geodes in Arkansas, the surest way to do so is to visit the local rocks and gems shops that offer them. You can even find other rocks and gems that are just as fascinating as geodes in these stores:

• Jim Coleman Crystal Mines, Inc. – 5837 AR-7, Jessieville, AR 71949
• Amazon – You might be surprised to know that Amazon actually has some pretty amazing geode selections. They even have complete kits to help you crack them open!
• Avant Mining Fisher Mountain Rock Shop and Public Dig – 11 Logan Gap Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957
• Gem Adventures Rock Shop Springdale – 101 Holcomb St, Springdale, AR 72764
• Fiddler’s Ridge Rock Shop – 3752 Hwy 270 E, Mt Ida, AR 71957
• Real Earth Creations – 3024 Hwy 270 E, Mt Ida, AR 71957

Additional places to find geodes in nearby states

Check out our guides for nearby states if you’ve already tried all of our suggestions above or if you’re planning a trip outside of the state:

• Geodes in Missouri
• Geodes in Oklahoma
• Geodes in Texas
• Geodes in Louisiana
• Geodes in Mississippi
• Geodes in Tennessee

If you have any recommendations for our list please leave a comment below!