Crystal Digging in Arkansas

Crystal digging in Arkansas

Crystal digging in Arkansas

Have you ever wanted to dig your very own quartz crystals?

Digging for crystals is one of the highlights of my life. In fact the very first time I went crystal digging back in 1990 I was awe struck. There was something so amazingly special to be the very first person to see these natural treasures come out of the earth that I decided to create my life’s work around selling crystals and crystal healing.

I hadn’t been to the crystal mines in Arkansas in several years so this May I planned a trip to the Crystal Capital of the World, Mt Ida. May can be a tricky time to visit. The weather can be unpredictable with severe thunderstorms and even tornadoes. We lucked out and had 3 picture perfect days to dig crystals and explore the natural beauty around the mines.

The first mine we visited was Twin Creek mine. With 5 gallon buckets, digging tools, rock hammer and screw drivers we hit the mine early in the day. Lisa greeted us with great news. They had just cleared out a new area of the mine and we could go in and dig through the fresh dirt searching for crystals. The stones don’t come out cleaned and clear like you find in a crystal shop. They are completely covered in red clay and dirt so you don’t always know what you are finding until you take them home and clean them. The rich red earth was gifting me with many small crystal points. I had hoped to find some larger ones and clusters, but was grateful for the treasures, placing each one in my bucket. Later in the day, Bobby the mine owner brought over some new stones he just dug out of a pocket in the wall. There I discovered some larger points and cluster still wet and covered in clay.

The next day we went to the Wegner Crystal mine. After touring the museum and seeing stones from all over the world and meeting the owner, Richard Wegner, we were taken out to their forest mine. Fortunately we were the only two at the mine and had it all to ourselves for 2 hours. Here, we will able to move about, digging through several locations of loose clay and dirt. You can dig many stones in two hours. You get to keep all you dig.

Richard Wegner

Richard Wegner

Richard explained to me his philosophy of mining and how important it was for him to be respectful of the land and these gifts Mother Earth has to share with us. He continually replants trees and reclaims the land each year. While he does use heavy equipment to move out the large rocks and boulders, he never uses dynamite to blast open the crystal lined walls. Recently he installed wind turbines and solar panels on his buildings making his crystal mine totally energy sufficient and now can give power back to the local energy company.

I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hand digging my own quartz crystals. There’s a thrill, a certain kind of magic each time a crystal reveals itself to you. It is treasure hunting at it’s best and an addiction. So be warned, if you do go, these stones will call you back.

Crystal clear streams surround the area

Crystal clear streams surround the area

The area around Mt. Ida is a natural paradise. In fact Arkansas is called the Natural State. There are many lakes, streams and campgrounds in the area to enjoy.

Interested in purchases crystals and stones. Check out my web site, Spirals of Light.