Arkansas is known for it’s public diamond mine but we are also home to the spectacular Twin Creek Crystal Mine in Mt. Ida.
The Twin Creek Crystal Mine in Mt. Ida, Arkansas is truly a fun and amazing place. It’s just not everyday that you can find loads of beautiful crystals waiting to be discovered.
“Among many mineral and crystal collectors, Arkansas is synonymous with quartz, and for good reason. More fine specimens of rock crystal—the transparent, colorless variety of macrocrystalline quartz—have come from west-central Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains than from any other region.” -source
The amount of beautiful crystals that come out of this public mine is astounding. People love to come here and dig all day!
If you are looking for pretty crystals to display at home or beautiful rocks with crystals for your garden, this is the place to get them!
“These quartz-filled veins are concentrated in a 30-to-40-mile-wide, 170-mile-long zone that represents the geologic core of the Ouachita Mountains. Erosion eventually reduced the surface of the Ouachitas to expose many of these quartz-crystal-filled veins.” -source
The biggest perk to the Twin Creek Crystal Mine are the staff. They are so kind! They truly care about their customers and they treat them as friends. In fact, in 2020, they even cooked Thanksgiving dinner for everyone!
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History of Quartz Crystal in Arkansas
“The existence of quartz crystal in the Ouachita Mountains has been known since humans first occupied the area. According to H.D. Miser, DeSoto’s men found that native Americans had chipped projectile points from quartz crystals. In 1819, nearly 300 years after DeSoto, H.R. Schoolcraft described quartz crystals from the region.
The principal early source of crystal appears to have been the Crystal Mountains in Montgomery County. By 1890, crystal was also being mined from deposits in both Garland and Saline County.” -source
Read more here: [INSIDER TIPS] Crystal Digging in Arkansas
Best Time to Dig for Crystals
One of the best times to dig for crystals at the Twin Creek Crystal Mine is right after a good rain. The rain will wash away some of the dirt and expose beautiful crystals.
If a “gully washer” comes along, just head on over the the crystal mine afterward. You won’t be sorry!
Don’t miss our EPIC Arkansas Bucket List of 100 AMAZING things to do in The Natural State.
Pro Tips for Digging for Crystals
Always wear old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This is not an activity for folks who like to stay clean.
The soil in this mine has a lot of clay in it and it stains everything. So, don’t wear your favorite t-shirt!
Wearing good work gloves or gardening gloves can keep your hands from getting hurt on sharp crystals. Also, you’ll get tired of all that clay on your bare hands.
Bring plenty of water for drinking in the summer. Arkansas summers are hot and humid. It’s easy to overheat.
Twin Creek Crystal Mine always encourages you to bring sunblock, umbrellas and even canopies on hot summer days to help keep you cool and protect you from the sun. Light colored clothing is also a big help. They offer water at the camper.
Twin Creek Crystal Mine Hours & Admission
This amazing mine is open everyday except Christmas from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for winter hours. Most of the time, they open the mine at 9 a.m. in the winter because 8 a.m. just doesn’t have enough sunlight.
Admission to the mine is $25 for adults and $12 for children 10 years old and under. Parking is available on site.
Shady picnic tables are also available and the folks here always tell you to pack a lunch and stay awhile!
Where to find Twin Creek Crystal Mine
Twin Creek Crystal Mine is located in beautiful Mt. Ida, Arkansas.
The address is:
Collier Springs Rd / 177
Mount Ida, AR 71957
870-867-4945
Just 45 minutes from Mt. Ida is Hot Springs! Don’t miss: EXCELLENT Hot Springs, Arkansas Family Vacation Ideas!
Activities Near Twin Creek Crystal Mine
Twin Creek Crystal Mine is a short drive to Lake Ouachita.
You’ll love this: Lake Ouachita is the Clearest Lake in Arkansas and it’s STUNNING!
Also nearby is Mountain Harbor Resort.
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa, Arkansas’ Premier lake resort, is nestled deep in the heart of the Ouachita Mountain range.
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