When it comes to rocks and minerals, Arkansas is a real treasure chest. We’ve got mountains, valleys, and rare and common natural treasures. One of the most sought-after finds here is vibrant turquoise, which is a real prize for anyone.
But here’s the thing, even though you can find turquoise in Arkansas, uncovering it isn’t a walk in the park. If you don’t know the right spots or what to look for, you might just walk right past it.
That’s why we’re here to spill the beans on the legit spots where you can find Arkansas turquoise. You can strike it lucky in places like the Ouachita Mountains, Mona Lisa Mines, Mauldin Mountain Quarries, Buckeye Mountain, and Big Bear Mine.
As we go through these areas, we’ll also delve into the different varieties of turquoise you might come across. Let’s begin!
What Is Arkansas Turquoise Anyway?
Turquoise is an interesting rock that’s kind of like the robin’s egg blue, but it can also be green with little lines of other colors mixed in. Not only is it pretty, but it also doesn’t scratch easily.
People have loved it for a long time. They make jewelry out of it, like necklaces and rings, and in some places, it’s even more special because it represents good luck or healing.
What’s neat about this rock is that no two pieces are the same. Its bright blue color and sometimes its unique patterns that look like spiderwebs make it easy to identify turquoise.
These patterns are made by other minerals, like copper, which also give it its cool colors. Generally speaking, though, the more even and intense the color is, and the cooler the patterns are, the higher the value of turquoise is.
If you’re wondering where to find it, this rock comes from a few different places around the world. The southwest part of the U.S. is famous for it, but you can also find it in Iran, China, and Mexico.
The Types Of Turquoise Found In Arkansas
During your exploration to find turquoise in Arkansas, you have a chance to stumble upon the following vibrant rocks against our state’s earthy browns and grays:
- Mona Lisa turquoise
- Blue-green turquoise
- Greenish-blue turquoise
- Green turquoise
- 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 geode 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 Places To Find Turquoise in Arkansas
As you might already know, our state is not one to easily run out of places that you can visit and explore. There are many gem mine sites in Arkansas, but very few of them have turquoise. If you want to know about these places, you’re in for a treat!
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
Ouachita Mountains
The Ouachita Mountains stretch from east to west and are packed with winding rivers, deep forests, and big, clear skies. They’re not too tall but have lots of steep, rocky parts that are fun to explore.
What’s cool is that these mountains are over 300 million years old! They’re famous for their crystals, especially quartz. If you’re lucky, you might even find some turquoise! The rocks here have been squeezed and heated over millions of years, and that’s why there are so many different kinds to find.
If you want to visit, the Ouachita Mountains are easy to get to. They’re just west of Little Rock, which is the capital of Arkansas. You can drive there on Interstate 30 and head toward Hot Springs. From there, you can take scenic drives on highways 7, 9, and 10, which go right through the heart of the mountains.
Before you start exploring and searching for turquoise, make sure to check out Arkansas’ collecting guidelines.
Where we found turquoise in the Ouachita Mountains
There are reported sightings of minor quantities of turquoise in several sites within the Ouachita Mountains, so better check them out when you visit here.
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.
Mona Lisa Turquoise Mine
Mona Lisa Turquoise Mine, tucked near the summit of Porter Mountain in Polk County, was actively mined from the mid-1970s until the early 1990s. The turquoise found here filled cracks in the local rock, called novaculite, and was known for its unique quality.
The terrain of Porter Mountain is rugged and wooded, offering a true back-to-nature experience. This place is endowed with turquoise veins nestled within the hard, siliceous novaculite.
Geologically, this mine is where the story of Arkansas turquoise unfolds. With its rich, beautiful powder-blue and blue-green turquoise, Mona Lisa Mine is a testament to the area’s fascinating mineralogical and geochemical narrative.
Where we found turquoise at the Mona Lisa Turquoise Mine
You can find Mona Lisa turquoise if you explore its nooks and crannies, particularly within thin veins in the mine, only a few millimeters thick.
Mauldin Mountain Quarries
Mauldin Mountain Quarries is known for producing various minerals since the 1970s. It’s located in Montgomery County, near the town of Mount Ida, which is known as the quartz crystal capital of the world.
The quarries are on the south side of Mauldin Mountain and are characterized by open cuts on the mountainside in the fractured Bigfork Chert. The mountain itself is part of the Ouachita Mountains.
To get here, you’d typically head to Mount Ida, which is accessible via Highway 270 if you’re coming from the east or west, or via Highway 27 if you’re traveling from the north or south. From Mount Ida, navigate towards Mauldin Mountain, which is located northwest of the town.
Where we found turquoise at Mauldin Mountain Quarries
Mauldin Mountain’s terrain can be quite rugged and forested, and though this may pose a challenge, it provides a true sense of adventure. Turquoise from this area can be found in the area deposits of the quarries.
Buckeye Mountain
Buckeye Mountain offers an extraordinary experience for rock hunters looking to explore and connect with nature. It’s nestled in the Caney Creek Wilderness near Mena, in the southeast.
The terrain here is a mix of tranquil forests and striking rock formations, particularly along the ridge line, which provides awesome photo opportunities.
For a challenging yet rewarding trek, the trail from Buckeye to Caney Creek spans over 11 miles, with various connecting trails that can transform the hike into a loop. Along the way, you can marvel at Katy Falls, a beautiful 12-foot waterfall towards the end of the trail.
If you want to visit, head to southeast Mena and embark on the trails that wind through the wilderness. Remember, it’s a pack-in-pack-out area, so you are encouraged to leave no trace to preserve the natural beauty of the region.
Where we found turquoise at the Buckeye Mountain
When you search through Buckeye Mountain, you can find thin veins of planerite, which is a mineral closely associated with turquoise because they occur in similar geological settings.
So when you see a thin vein of planerite, you might be close to a turquoise specimen!
Big Bear Mine
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the Big Bear Mine boasts a rich geology with a treasure trove of rocks and minerals. Its terrain is a mix of rocky hills and lush green forests, making it a scenic adventure for you.
The mine’s soil is a canvas of colors, thanks to the minerals below. Quartz crystals may be the stars here, but you can also find turquoise specimens if you’re keen enough to find them.
Getting to Big Bear Mine is a journey in itself. It’s located near Jessieville and is about a 30-minute drive north of Hot Springs. The drive is a beautiful one, with winding roads surrounded by towering trees and rolling hills.
Where we found turquoise at Big Bear Mine
The Big Bear Mine is situated in a geological setting where turquoise formation occurs, specifically at a shear zone where the Bigfork Chert meets the Womble Shale. If you want to find turquoise here, we highly suggest exploring these areas.
Other Great Places To Find Arkansas Turquoise
Aside from our top recommendations, here are more legit spots where you can find turquoise in Arkansas.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Montgomery | North Mountain Mine |
| Polk | Coon Creek Mine |
| Polk | Isom Avants pits |
Common Turquoise-Hunting Questions
In this section, we’ll answer the most common question asked by those who have gone to Arkansas to find turquoise.
Is it illegal to collect turquoise in Arkansas?
The legality of collecting turquoise in Arkansas depends on the location and the intent behind the collection. Generally, a permit is required for collecting in bulk or for commercial purposes in national forest lands.
Also, if you plan to collect turquoise within a designated mining claim or private property, permission from the claim holder or the property owner is necessary. Furthermore, certain areas like state parks may have their own rules regarding this.
Before heading out here, it’s a good practice to research the area you plan to visit and visit the website of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for more information on collecting rules in that area.
The Best Places To Buy Turquoise In Arkansas
Finding turquoise in Arkansas, and practically anywhere, takes time, energy, and the willingness to be out in the wild. If you’re not up for it but still want to take home this gorgeous gem, you may want to visit our local rocks and minerals shop.
Here are some of our trusted ones:
- AHW Gems and Minerals – 10332 AR-265, Fayetteville, AR 72701
- Avant Mining Fisher Mountain Rock Shop – 11 Logan Gap Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Crystal Waters – 7 Spring St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
- Fidler’s Ridge Rock Shop – 3752 Hwy 270 E, Mt Ida, AR 71957
- Gem Adventures Rock Shop – 107 W Emma Ave, Springdale, AR 72764
