Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

Colorado Prospector - Gem and mineral prospecting and mining forums _ Prospector's Outings and Adventures _ Mt. Ida, Arkansas Crystal Mining

Posted by: BadKarma Sep 25 2009, 06:10 AM

I'm wanting to get away for a weekend of playing in the dirt. Can someone suggest a crystal mine for a noob to go?

Thanks

Lee

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Sep 25 2009, 07:24 AM

Hi Lee,

Sounds like a fun trip for sure. Here is a link to the Fiddlers Ridge rock shop and they also operate the Bear Mt. Quartz Crystal Mine.
Jim and Kathy are the owners, tell them hi from the Colorado Prospector website too when ya' get there. happy088.gif
http://www.fiddlersridgecrystals.com/

There is also the crater of diamonds state park too, that would be a good place to visit while in Arkansas on your adventures.
http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/


Both of these places are suppose to be a great adventure and I might suggest you have some classifying screens to take with for tools along with all the buckets, shovels, picks, and safety glasses.
If you'd like to build your own in different screen size ranges, we have a free set of plans to make them for just a couple $$ each from 5 gallon buckets.
You can find those plans along with several other projects on our http://www.coloradoprospector.com/EquipmentPlans/PlansAndTips.html.

Have a great time while there and good luck. emoticon-misc-004.gif
Don't forget the camera as well, we all would love to see some pics later.
char098.gif

CP

Posted by: BadKarma Sep 25 2009, 07:48 AM

Thanks for the reply and advice CP. The Crater of Diamonds is on the list for sure. How fine a screen should I get down to for the diamonds?

I don't know if you remember, but I was trying to put together a trip out there around y'all last year, but my son got sick and I lost him to cancer in April 2008, he was 18. It's taken this long to get back on my feet and I thought I could use a get away for a few days.

Thanks

Lee

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Sep 25 2009, 08:46 AM

You're very welcome Lee, glad to help when I can.

Yes I do remember and we are very sorry for the loss of your son. Our thoughts have been with your family since then and always will be too.

We are happy to see you planning a trip to prospect, bet it will be a good trip.
smile.gif
Let us know if you can get out to Colorado, there are some pretty spiffy crystal spots here too.

CP

Posted by: BadKarma Sep 28 2009, 01:04 PM

Thank you very much CP.


And thats a great how to about the bucket classifier. Gonna make me a couple if I can find some screen small enough for the Crater of Diamonds!!!

I'll try and get some pics, but I'm going solo so that might be a bit tough. But I'll try. It'll be good to get away and camp for a few days, if nothing else. happy070.gif

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Sep 29 2009, 08:42 AM

Glad you like the classifier plans Lee, and thank you for the compliments.
We usually find the different sizes at the hardware store sold as hardware cloth, but for smaller sizes you might need to look at the metal screen material too.
I'm not sure what size would be best for the crater park diamonds but maybe someone who's visited there before can chyme in with that info.
anyone.gif

Have a great time with all the adventures planned, sure you'll enjoy sometime out camping. happy070.gif

CP

Posted by: EMac Nov 15 2016, 09:07 AM

I'm headed to the Crater of Diamonds next week on the way to visit family for Thanksgiving. Any pointers from folks who have been there?

Posted by: Crusty Nov 15 2016, 10:06 AM

QUOTE (EMac @ Nov 15 2016, 08:07 AM) *
I'm headed to the Crater of Diamonds next week on the way to visit family for Thanksgiving. Any pointers from folks who have been there?


Cool! Look forward to hearing about the dig! Enjoy your turkey day with family!

Posted by: GeoMatt Nov 15 2016, 07:58 PM

QUOTE (EMac @ Nov 15 2016, 08:07 AM) *
I'm headed to the Crater of Diamonds next week on the way to visit family for Thanksgiving. Any pointers from folks who have been there?


I did some work for the family that owns the lamproite across the highway from the park (Twin Knobs #1), and have spent about a 1/2 day at the park. A few pointers.....



There is generally two trains of thought for short visits to the crater: 1) move alot of dirt and get lucky, or 2) walk around looking at alot of surface and get lucky.

It's fun whether you find anything or not. I didn't find any diamonds in the park, but I do have a piece of the lamproite sitting on a shelf in my office.

Also, Pike County is a dry county, if you want a beer bring some with you, or be prepared to drive. The Timbers - decent beer, bad food, and sometimes live music - is about ten minutes from Mufreesboro towards Nashville and is a serviceable establishment with some potential. Locals were always nice.

Posted by: Crusty Nov 16 2016, 06:30 AM

Thanks Geomatt!! Great advice!!

Posted by: EMac Nov 16 2016, 11:12 AM

Excellent advice; thank you sir!

Posted by: EMac Nov 17 2016, 12:06 PM

Looks like Murfreesboro is getting some rain on Friday, which I hope bodes well for a Sunday dig. Mmm...mud.

Posted by: EMac Dec 16 2016, 09:33 AM

I didn't find anything exciting, but someone did last Sunday: http://txktoday.com/news/1-73-carat-diamond-found-at-crater-of-diamonds-state-park/

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)