Ron Coleman Mining: Dig for Arkansas Quartz Crystals

Ron Coleman Mining, nestled in Jessieville, Arkansas, near Hot Springs, has been a family-operated quartz crystal mine since 1947. The mine is located in the Ouachita Mountains, within Arkansas's quartz belt, a 30- to 40-mile wide and 170-mile-long band known for its abundant quartz deposits. Visitors can dig for their own quartz crystals in the public digging area. Ron Coleman Mining guarantees that visitors will find enough quartz to cover the cost of digging or they will receive credit to use in their gift shop. The mine also offers a zipline over the mine and mine tours. The mine tour includes a history of the mine and a tour of the gallery. The gallery is full of quartz, amethyst, other museum dug minerals and an impressive array of quartz and minerals. The Coleman family has been involved in mining for generations. The mine was initially mined for commercial and industrial purposes in 1906. During World War II, the mine was taken over by the government for military use of quartz in radio equipment. After the war, it was leased to companies from Canada, Japan, and Germany. Ron Coleman purchased the mine in the late 1980s and opened the public digging area in 1991. Today, Ron Coleman Mining continues to offer a unique and family-friendly experience.