DIGGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL IN ARKANSAS 6 of 6: Bringing It Home

This is the final post of the series on digging crystal in Arkansas. Last time we discussed how to find crystal (what to look for). This time we’ll cover what to do with your crystal once you get it home, namely, cleaning. When you’re finished digging and ready to go home, the best way to pack your crystal for transport is with newspaper. If you have used the zip top baggie suggestion I mentioned in post number four, they can

DIGGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL IN ARKANSAS 5 of 6: How To Find It

This is a continuation of a series on digging crystal in Arkansas. Last time we discussed what to wear, what tools are essential, and the other intimate details of what to pack in your vehicle. This time let’s get down to the actual nitty gritty of digging the crystal and let’s talk about what to look for in the tailings themselves. In the new tailings, you will be looking for sticky masses of clay. At the majority

DIGGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL IN ARKANSAS 4 of 6: What To Bring

Last time we talked about when the best time is for digging crystal in Arkansas, and covered a little bit about new tailings versus old tailings, dry weather versus wet. Whichever area and whatever weather, crystal digging is a dirty process. Even when it’s not wet, the red clay permanently discolors your clothes. In this post we’ll talk about what to bring, what type of clothes to wear and what tools are handy to have.

DIGGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL IN ARKANSAS 3 of 6: When To Go

Last time we discussed a general overview of digging quartz crystal in Arkansas. This week we’ll cover when is the best time to dig. Cool weather is the ideal time to go digging. In Arkansas, the most reliably cool weather occurs in the Spring or Fall. Of course, there are days during the winter that are mild and enjoyable and sometimes you might luck into a cool day in the summer. Remember, in the actual

DIGGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL IN ARKANSAS 2 of 6: General Description

Last time we discussed crystal mining in Arkansas and how it varies from digging. Digging your own crystal is a rewarding and exhilarating experience; because I’ll describe digging in much more detail later, for now, I will speak in generalities. Most of the mines require a small digging fee for the entire day. You simply choose a mine, pay the fee, sign a liability release and then start digging. Safety is a major concern for all ages.

DIGGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL IN ARKANSAS 1 of 6: “Mining” vs “Digging”

Last blog post we talked about where to dig crystal in Arkansas, in this post I was planning to cover how to dig. It’s a MUCH bigger subject than it seems like it might be, so I am breaking it into several parts. Let’s start with the actual crystal mining process and we’ll cover what the difference is in “mining” and “digging”. Crystals emerge from the earth in two ways; either they are dug out