You’ve probably heard of Arkansas’ natural resources, like timber and oil. But did you know the state is also a haven for gemstones? This article will explore some of the best places to find gems in the Natural State.
So if you’re looking for a unique and affordable souvenir, or you’re just curious about Arkansas’ mineral wealth, read on! We’ll give you an overview of the most popular gemstone-collecting areas in the state.
Overview of Gemstones in Arkansas
Arkansas is a well-known location for finding gemstones. There are several places where you can find these precious stones. The best way to find gems is to go out and explore the many different areas in Arkansas.
One of the best places to find gemstones is Crater of Diamonds State Park. This state park is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The park is open every day of the year and offers a variety of activities, including gemstone hunting. It is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public.
Another great place to find gemstones is at the Ozark Mountains Gem Mine. This gem mine is located in Harrison, Arkansas. The mine offers daily and weekend tours and family activities on Sundays. You can also purchase gemstones and jewellery from the gift shop on-site.
Where To Find Gemstones In Arkansas?
1. Mount Ida
Heading to Mount Ida, located in the Ouachita Mountains and known as the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World,” can be your one-stop shop for gems. You’ll find an abundance of quartz, amethyst, and other gems in this majestic mountainous area, making it an ideal spot to take a gemstone hunting adventure.
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The area around Mount Ida is scattered with mines, including the Coleman Mine—open to the public—and many other small mines that can yield some great finds. Bring a bucket or bag to put your treasures in and a rock hammer to break some of the larger pieces apart.
Since you’ll be entering private property, you will need a special permit if you plan to hunt for gems more than 25 feet below ground level. Check out ILoveMountains for more information on different mines you can visit safely and legally in Arkansas.
2. Saline County
Saline County is a great place to start if you’re looking for gemstones in Arkansas. As you may have guessed from its name, the county is rich in minerals and gems, including quartz and its wide varieties such as rose quartz, smoky quartz, rutile quartz, amethyst and agate.
The area is known for its abundance of sapphires too. You’ll find several mining sites where you can mine for your sapphire or admire the natural beauty of the scenery. If you’re looking for an easier way to find gems in Saline County, head over to Hot Springs or Little Rock, where they host gem shows that feature local miners selling their finds.
At any of these locations, you’ll be able to shop around and find a variety of gems like tourmaline, beryl, citrine and more! So keep your eyes open when exploring this precious part of Arkansas!
3. Murfreesboro
If you want to find gemstones in Arkansas, head to Murfreesboro. Murfreesboro is home to Crater of Diamonds State Park in the southern part of the state. It’s here that visitors come to hunt for diamonds and other precious gems like amethyst and quartz.
The good news is that you can keep what you find (for a small fee), and if you’re lucky, you could go home with a natural diamond! There are also on-site guides available to help those new to gem hunting. Other items found at the site include geodes, fossils, and petrified wood.
The park also has a 37-acre ploughed search field for visitors to search for diamonds and other precious gems. And when all else fails, remember that souvenir shops are located around the park where visitors can purchase all kinds of exciting gems!
4. Marion County
Marion County is one of the most popular spots for gemstone seekers. The state’s geology is full of quartz veins containing stunning amethysts, citrine, smoky quartz, rose quartz, and various other quartz crystals.
Marion County also features a large number of colourful agates and jaspers. You can also find fossils here, including crinoids, brachiopods, and other arthropods. If you’re lucky, you might even find petrified wood.
You may need to get permission from the property owners before you start digging, but if you do your research beforehand, chances are that you won’t have any problems finding the gemstones you’re looking for.
What Tools Are Needed to Mine for Gemstones?
To mine for gemstones, you will need the following tools: a rock hammer, a chisel, a flat spade, a pickaxe, and safety glasses.
The hammer is used to break the rocks apart. The chisel is used to chop the stones into small pieces. The spade is used to dig holes in the ground. The pickaxe is used to dislodge the stones from the ground. The safety glasses are worn to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Gems You Can Find in Arkansas
While there are many places to find gems in Arkansas, we’ll focus on three of the most popular spots.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a favourite among rock hounds and diamond enthusiasts. The 37-acre park is the only place visitors can dig for diamonds and keep what they find. The park is open every day of the year and offers a variety of activities, including gem mining, prospecting, hiking and camping.
The Garland County Gem and Mineral Society is the next stop on our list. This society is open to anyone interested in rocks, minerals and gemstones—from the casual collector to the severe mineralogist. They offer classes, workshops, field trips, monthly meetings, and a yearly gem and mineral show.
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Finally, we have the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. This museum isn’t just about gems; it’s about science, technology and history. But they have an extensive collection of gems and minerals on display, including some from Arkansas. They also offer classes, workshops and special events throughout the year.
Conclusion
So if you’re looking to do some treasure hunting and find some beautiful and valuable gemstones while you’re at it, Arkansas is the place to be! Just make sure you take precautions and heed the safety warnings, and you’ll be on your way to finding some fantastic treasures.