If you are a beginner or an accomplished mineralogist, you'll want to read through the stories and information presented here for the enjoyment of this fascinating hobby. Rockhounding Arkansas is presented by Mike and Darcy Howard, for your information and enjoyment of mineral collecting. Mike has authored numerous articles and publications for collectors as well as for the scientific community.

The companion book to our website. Collecting Crystals, the Guide to Quartz in Arkansas is available from A&I Studio Press.




Chapter 1. This chapter is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative references you will find on quartz, from Arkansas or otherwise. Quartz is Arkansas' most famous mineral. Known around the world, your collection is not complete without an Arkansas Quartz crystal.

Chapter 2. There are many other minerals found in Arkansas. Diamonds, wavellite, dolomite, and many exotic minerals are all well known in this state. Plus, the discovery of new minerals and some rare ones our state can claim!

Chapter 3. Rush, once a mining boom town; Magnet Cove, where a compass will spin; the Crater of Diamonds, where you can keep the diamonds you find; Jeffrey quarry, renowned for solution quartz, Granite Mountain; and maps of areas where you can collect.

Chapter 4. Send your questions to our geologist; read other Questions & Answers. Mike Howard, geologist and mineral collector, is an expert in his field and specializes in Arkansas minerals.

Chapter 5 A non-technical explanation of plate tectonics, geologic time, mountain building processes, earthquakes, fossils and more.

Chapter 7. Organizing, displaying, and preparing the minerals in your collection. If you are serious about your minerals, here are tips about what sets a good collection apart from an "accumulation".

Chapter 8. Field trips that clubs have made, and you or your group can also go on. Lake Ouachita Geo Float (near Hot Springs); Buffalo National River float trip by canoe.

Chapter 9. Where to get literature about geology, sites for collecting in Arkansas, and tourist information.

Chapter 10. General maps showing the places of rockhounding interests, and the geology of the state. See also chapter 3 above, Famous Locations for specific collecting areas.

For Beginners:
     Basic Mineral Identification ... for all beginners
     Rock Collecting Tools and how to use them
     Let's Go Rocking! ...mostly for kids
     Rock Crafts for Fun... crafts for all ages
     Crystal Growing Experiments, see also experiments with quartz
    Cub Scout Rockhounding: A Top 100 scout site. For cub scouts or any person wanting to start a collection of rocks and minerals.
    Girl Scout Geology Activities
    Boy Scout Geology Merit Badge
     Make your own fossils
     Build a Volcano

Chapter 13. Our own Arkansaurus

Places of interest to rockhounds, including state parks, museums, and exhibits of geology, mining history, and archeology.

Rockclubs
Rockclubs in Arkansas. These people are just as enthusiastic about mineral collecting as you are.

Miscellaneous
\     Gemstones of the Bible

Link List
For mineral collectors and visitors to Arkansas

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