Ron Coleman Mining Quartz Crystals
Unearth your own quartz crystals at Ron Coleman Mining, Arkansas's premier public digging site. Experience the thrill of discovery and soar over the m...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Ron Coleman Mining Quartz Crystals
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unearth your own quartz crystals at Ron Coleman Mining, Arkansas's premier public digging site. Experience the thrill of discovery and soar over the mine on a zipline!
"The thrill of finding your first point feels like winning the lottery!"
🧤 Wear Old Shoes & Gloves
The red clay gets everywhere! Protect your clothes and hands while digging for those precious quartz crystals.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Arkansas heat can be intense. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on extended digging sessions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Public Crystal Digging
Designated digging areas
Unearth your own quartz crystals in the public tailing areas. The thrill of finding your own piece of earth is unforgettable!
Zipline Over the Mine
Above the commercial mine
Soar over a 250-foot deep commercial crystal mine for breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush.
Extensive Gift Shop
Main building
Browse a vast selection of crystals, many locally sourced, alongside unique artisan crafts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Digging for Your Own Crystals
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧤 Wear Old Shoes & Gloves
The red clay gets everywhere! Protect your clothes and hands while digging for those precious quartz crystals.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Arkansas heat can be intense. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on extended digging sessions.
⏳ Allow Ample Digging Time
Dedicate at least an hour to digging; the thrill of finding your first crystal is like winning the lottery!
🧎 Bring a Kneeling Pad
Save your knees and keep your pants clean by bringing something to kneel on while searching for crystals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧤 Wear Old Shoes & Gloves
The red clay gets everywhere! Protect your clothes and hands while digging for those precious quartz crystals.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Arkansas heat can be intense. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on extended digging sessions.
⏳ Allow Ample Digging Time
Dedicate at least an hour to digging; the thrill of finding your first crystal is like winning the lottery!
🧎 Bring a Kneeling Pad
Save your knees and keep your pants clean by bringing something to kneel on while searching for crystals.
🗺️ Ron Coleman vs. Jim Coleman
They're different mines! Ron Coleman and Jim Coleman mines are separate, though related, locations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ron Coleman Mining for its fun and engaging crystal digging experience, with many families and individuals enjoying the thrill of unearthing their own quartz treasures. The zipline and informative tours add to the appeal, though some note that larger crystals are typically reserved for the gift shop. The staff are generally friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to a positive overall visit.
"My family had so much fun coming here. The tour was entertaining and informative and action Jackson was a quality tour guide. The best part for us though was the opportunity to go up on a hill and dig for quartz crystals. We found a bunch of interesting items there too.
I also have to say the staff in the shop were both friendly and knowledgeable and the items for sale were plentiful and some very unique."
Jacob Long
"This was fantastic ! Lots of crystals at the gift shop . Much of their stuff is not local but it’s still cool . If you look you can find some local made items which is what I look for while traveling . Digging was fun . We found a lot of smaller quartz about 3/4” long and some of it really clear . It’s unlikely that you will find anything much bigger as they keep those ones and sell them at the gift shop however digging was great . I would allot for at least an hour to dig . Bring gloves and old shoes as the red clay gets everywhere . Also something to kneel on so your pants don’t get dirty .
Jackson did a great job on our tour !!! Very nice young man and he did great !!!!!! It’s a quick ride down to the mine and I’m happy I did it but you don’t get to see much more than you can see from the top . It’s worth it though just for the ride ."
philandviki
"This was a fun place to go visit! My son loves rocks and crystals. You get a permit for $10 and everything you find you get to keep. We enjoyed ourselves. Lots of cool rocks and crystals. It’s worth the stop."
Colleen Renteria
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ron Coleman Mining is conveniently located just about 15 miles from downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, making it an easy drive for a day trip.
While the signs can be a bit confusing as they are located next to Jim Coleman mine, Ron Coleman Mining is a distinct location. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Little Rock for a day of crystal hunting.
Most visitors drive to Ron Coleman Mining. The roads leading to the mine are generally accessible by standard vehicles.
Public transportation options directly to Ron Coleman Mining are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
From Hot Springs, the drive is approximately 15-20 minutes. Visitors have reported driving up to 14 hours to reach this renowned crystal digging spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A permit for digging typically costs around $10, and you get to keep everything you find. This offers great value for a hands-on experience.
While not always strictly required, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for specific activities like tours or ziplining, to ensure availability.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, you can visit the gift shop and potentially take a tour without participating in the digging. The zipline is also a separate activity.
Yes, there is a public digging area (tailings) where visitors can search for crystals, and a commercial mine area.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
Expect to sift through piles of material in the public tailing areas. The thrill of finding your own quartz crystal, even small ones, is a major draw.
The zipline offers a thrilling ride soaring over the 250-foot deep commercial crystal mine, providing unique aerial views of the operation. +1
Yes, guided tours are available and are often described as entertaining and informative, providing insights into the mining process.
The primary crystal found here is clear quartz. Visitors often find smaller points and clusters, with larger specimens reserved for sale. +1
Absolutely! Families often have a blast digging for crystals, and the zipline offers an exciting adventure for older children and adults.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities might be limited, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time digging.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and beverages. This is recommended to stay energized during your digging adventure.
Given its location, you'll likely find more dining options back in Hot Springs. Plan to eat before or after your visit to the mine.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the vast digging areas, impressive crystal finds, and the panoramic views from the zipline. The gift shop also offers photogenic displays. +1
Yes, feel free to document your crystal-hunting journey! Many visitors share their finds and experiences on social media. +1
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond digging, the zipline offers an exhilarating adventure for older kids and teens, providing a unique perspective of the mine.
💎 Crystal Enthusiasts & Rockhounds
Many dedicated miners share their tips online, emphasizing preparation with gloves, old shoes, and kneeling pads.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Crystal Digging
To make the most of your digging adventure, it's crucial to come prepared. Gloves are highly recommended to protect your hands from rough material and potential sharp edges. Old shoes are essential, as the ubiquitous red clay can be messy. Many visitors also suggest bringing a kneeling pad to make the process more comfortable for your knees and to keep your pants clean.
Remember that the Arkansas heat can be intense, especially during warmer months. Staying hydrated is paramount, so bring plenty of water.
Beyond Digging: Ziplining and Shopping
The gift shop at Ron Coleman Mining is another significant attraction, boasting a wide array of crystals and related items. While many items are sourced locally, visitors note that some are not, though still considered cool.
Guided tours are also available and are frequently praised for being both entertaining and informative.
Navigating the Coleman Mines
When planning your visit, ensure you are heading to the correct mine based on your desired activities. Ron Coleman Mining is known for its public digging areas and zipline, while Jim Coleman Mines offers a different experience.
For those specifically interested in digging their own crystals, Ron Coleman Mining is frequently highlighted. Visitors have traveled significant distances, even 14 hours, to experience the thrill of digging here.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit