The Phantom Mine

Our Address:	Phone:	Email:
PO Box 205 Mt Ida Arkansas 71957	(870)867-2309	reservations@wegnercrystalmines.com

Exclusive Group Mine Tours

Dig at an actual operating mine!
See the walls of quartz you read about in Lapidary Journal. A great experience, learn first hand about geology and mining techniques. Plan on coming early to dig at out Phantom or Crystal Forest Mines to get the most out of your adventure. Tools and buckets are available to borrow with a refundable deposit.

GROUP DIGS: Groups of approximately 10 or more. Advanced reservations are required to dig your own crystals at actual mines that have been producing some of the finest Quartz Crystals for over 20 years.

GROUP DIG FEE: (at either mine site): $24.00 per person ($240.00 daily minimum) for the whole day. This includes transportation to and from the mine with one of our miners who will act as your guide and help you make the most out of your dig experience. There are no hidden fees and you keep all that you find.

ADVANCED RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSIT ARE REQUIRED TO DIG AT THE MINES

MINE SITES

THE PHANTOM MINE: This is the most popular and productive mine and is home to the world famous Phantom Crystals. Phantoms are Manganese inclusions that look like smaller dark crystals trapped within a larger clear crystal. They are rare and very collectable! Digging at this mine is subject to the minimum daily group dig fee.

THE CRYSTAL FOREST MINE: This is the larger mine site and covers 40 acres. Regarded highly for its clear gem quality crystals. It’s vast surface collecting opportunity make it the ideal choice for groups with younger children. Digging at this mine is subject to the minimum daily group dig fee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Due to the limited number of groups that we allow to visit the mines, there are always an abundance of crystals to find. However, we cannot guarantee that your group will have access to veins or open pockets at either mine on any given day.

We suggest that the following be considered when preparing for your day at the mine. Wear old clothes, sturdy shoes and bring heavy-duty gloves. Eye protection is always a good safety practice! We have pry bars and buckets that can be used, however bring something to carry your crystals home in. You can bring additional tools to move the dirt around and perhaps hammers and chisels to remove crystals from the sandstone. Your group may wish to bring lunch or other refreshments, as there are none available on site. There are no toilet facilities at the mines.

The opportunity to dig for your own crystals at actual working mines is quickly becoming a thing of the past. We will continue to provide this activity as long as we can, while working in harmony with the rules that the Mine Safety & Health administration has set forth (see the end of this page). We must provide an “escort” for all visitors who enter the mine; therefore there are no exceptions to the minimum daily group rate rules.

Part of a group coming back from a productive day of digging at the mines. The smiles say it all…

Individual Activities

a family activity

Gemstone Sluice:
The gemstone sluice area features our one hundred foot long trough that is covered for your shaded comfort. Sit overlooking our pond with the mountains on four sides and listen to the waterfall. Yes, this is a very special and very beautiful hidden valley. Everyone finds gemstones and minerals easily with our identification chart. User fee includes the use of a screening box, one pail containing precious and semi precious gemstones and an identification chart. Fee: $14.00 - admits 2 people. Additional gemstone pails are available for $9.50 each. 20 stone add-on pails $5.00 each. Deposit of use items refunded upon return. This area is open to the public without reservations.

Tailings Area: Open to the public without reservation
Everyone is guaranteed to find crystals when you collect your own at our mine tailings piles. We haul in tons of quartz regularly to enrich the piles. Easy access, drive all vehicles to within a stones throw of our dig area. Enjoyable for all ages and abilities. Keep all you find and you can dig all day if you wish. Bring your lunch and make a day of it! There are picnic tables and shade trees adjacent to the parking area. Adults $10.50 Kids 10 and under and seniors 62 and older $6.60. You may wish to bring simple garden tools to move the dirt around. We have buckets that you can borrow, a refundable deposit applies to these.

Mon - Fri 8:00 to 4:00
Open Most Holidays
During Peak Season we’re opens 7 days
weather permitting
Must arrive prior to 2:00

Collecting crystals from our tailings area	Working our 100 ft. long sluice for Gems
Group in route to our Crystal Forest Mine	Visiting under the big Oak tree after mining

Effective October 1, 2000, The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) Part 48, Subpart B, Code of Federal Regulations stipulate the following: Unescorted visitors, regardless of company affiliation will be trained in "Hazard Recognition" at least once every twelve months before they are permitted to enter the mine.