Avant Mining Fisher Mountain Rock Shop and Public Dig - Mt Ida, Arkansas

Micah Gipe

My parents came down from central Missouri with quartz mining on the top of their to do list. Avant Mining did not disappoint. We did the public dig and although we didn't find any huge, museum quality specimens, we still came away with a large tub and three 5 gal buckets worth of sweet looking quartz that's gonna look good in the flowerbed or on a shelf and a boatload of awesome memories.

FYI, they offer military and senior discounts.

Things you may want to bring:

Water - Bring a lot. You will need it.

Tools - I brought several but mainly used a small pick and bucket.

Wide brimmed hat - The area is mostly out in the open and sunny.

Towel - You're gonna sweat.

Extra clothes - I didn't bring any. And I kind of regretted it.

Band Aids/First Aid kit - My dad slipped at one point and caught himself but not before he cut his thumb pretty good.

Thank you, Avant Mining! We'll be back!

N727 Forlife

Hey everyone! I have been a local digger who has went to Avant mining numerous times and every time has been better than the last! You won't leave disappointed and it's the best local dig around! Highly recommend! I go as often as I can! Everything you see has been found there!

Denise Williams

We had a great day digging! Found a good sized crystal and LOTS of smalls! Gift shop with amazing specimens of all kinds of gems and minerals. Parking right next to dig site so it's easy to make trips back to your vehicle. Porta Potty on site. Some shade available but mostly sunny area. Terrain is quite rugged so sturdy footwear is a must. We will be returning!

Ed Clem

Every single person was super friendly and helpful. This started with trying to schedule our trip and how quickly they returned my call. On the day of our dig, Jesse was our guide. He is amazing and made sure we had a great experience. He showed us some great places to work and continued to assist as we needed. We have a lot of crystals to clean but be sure we found some very clear crystals on this dig. We will be back!

Brittany Smith

Our family has been to 6 other mines on or around Mount Ida. This is by far our favorite mine so far. It’s a interesting trek up the mountain so I would recommend a 4 wheel drive. There is a good size area open to general public. The crystals we found were the clearest we’ve ever had. We can’t wait to go back.

Lisa Bresley

Chris, Monica and Sean were a delight, very helpful, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and kind! Highly recommend the private pocket dig as it is well worth it and Sean is a wealth of knowledge and fun! Also highly recommend checking out all the local specimens of not just crystal but agates, etc in the gift shop area and ask Monica and Cheis about them...they are very knowledgeable and helpful! We'll definitely be back! Oh and Monica, thank you for the local swim recommendation...it was very enjoyable!!

Arkansas Traveler

Not a bad little dig site to kill some time. It's $25 a person which is a little steep. We were there for at least three hours and found numerous little crystals. Make sure you bring your own digging equipment and a bucket to put your rocks in. Also, I would suggest bringing water bottles, small ice chest with sandwiches and snacks.

Michael Cooper

I want to say that the Avant Mining facility , and their crew are really top notch - very friendly & knowledgeable . The Museum , and Store have lots of specimans to admire and purchase . If you want to enjoy a "public" dig site , or even a "pocket" dig to find your own Quartz Crystals in central Arkansas , I highly recommend that you spend the day there - it's a fun place . If you're in the mood for a "Private Pocket dig" , make sure that you ask for Dave (he's pretty awesome) . While you're there , make sure that you enjoy a hot or cold coffee or Tea beverage . I highly recommend this place .
Mike Cooper - G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist ?