Mother Nature blessed the Ouachita
Mountains with the most beautiful quartz crystal in the world. That
is why Mount Ida is known as the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World".
We welcome all rock hounds, both amateur and professional, and will do our
best to help you fulfill your dream of finding the perfect specimens.
Drop the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center downtown Mount
Ida across from the Courthouse.
We'll be happy to give you a map of the, lists of crystal mines,
directions, phone numbers and a map.
Don't miss our annual Quartz, Quilt & Craft Festival or
the World's Championship Quartz Crystal Dig in October.
Crystals may be purchased from the many
rock shops in the Mount Ida area. For a small fee, several mines
offer YOU the experience of digging for quartz crystals. Remember to
bring hand tools, gloves, buckets or bags for your treasures, snacks and
something cool to drink. Wear comfortable cloths and sturdy shoes or
boots.
If you are a United States resident, you
are part owner of the Ouachita National Forest where most of the quartz
crystal is found. The U. S. Forest Service is responsible for taking
care of your property and they also make it available for you to use.
The Forest Service, Womble Ranger Station, is located one
mile East of Mount Ida on Highway 270. They are available (during
working hours) to answer questions about quartz crystals. Make sure
you know the restrictions that are intended to protect our land from abuse
before you start full scale mining operations. There are quite a few
government leased mining areas that are off limits to enter without the
lease owners permission. This Forest Service web site has most of
what you need know while on forest land:
U.S. Forest
Service.
Contact information
for this site:
director@mtidachamber.com or call 870-867-2723.
This web site produced and
maintained by the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce
All material found herein
are the property of the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce.
Web Page Last
Updated on May 09, 2008.