After two wonderous months spent in Colorado, That Camping Couple arrived in Arkansas to find the state’s famous treasure: Clear Quartz Crystals.
It’s no wonder that Arkansas is known as the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World”. The land surrounding the Ouchita National Forest is overflowing with this abundant mineral! So much so, that locals find these beauties right in their backyard.
There are several pay-to-dig crystal mines in the area that are well worth the buck, but our absolute favorite mine is Ron Coleman Mining located in Jessieville, AR. We began visiting this mine in February 2020. Here we began our camping journey that led us to become #ThatCampingCouple!
At Ron Coleman Mining, one digs through tailing piles brought up from the quarry-like mine via dump trucks. There are 30-year-old piles and brand new piles brought up every week to dig through. Both of these digging areas are abundant. That Camping Couple has a secret to finding absolutely amazing crystals at this mine: Dig. Hard.
We typically dig holes 2-5 feet deep, starting at the end of the pile and working our way in. This creates a shelf, allowing gravity to be your friend in the digging process. Often, the big and heavy crystals sink to the bottom, so it is key to stay at the bottom of the pile!
Gloves are essential while crystal mining, as the crystals can cut like glass! Clothing that you don’t mind staining is a good idea. Our favorite tools to use while crystal mining are pick axes and a large shovel. It is also wise to bring newspaper or toilet paper to wrap your crystals in to protect them from damage!
After a rain is a good time to surface hunt for crystals. Many jewelry-sized points litter the ground around the new piles and are exposed by the rain. However, to find the big and beautiful crystals, digging hard is a sure way to bring home treasure.
-Frank and Kyndall Stallings, Creators of That Camping Couple
Ron Coleman Mining, Jessieville, AR
Have you ever dug for Quartz Crystals? Have you been to Ron Coleman Mining? Where is your favorite mine? Let us know in the comments below!
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