CRYSTAL PARK, Mont. — Molten granite formed the Pioneer Mountain Range in southwest Montana about 72-million years ago. As the granite cooled, water carried quartz and other minerals through the rocks ...

Wear jeans and bring along a small pickax. Expect crowds, but don’t worry — crystal enthusiasts tend to be a genial, family-friendly lot. By Malia Wollan “If you’re looking for crystals, Arkansas is ...

Moonstones in Montana, amethyst and emeralds in North Carolina, garnet and quartz in upstate New York. At pay-to-dig mines around the United States, visitors can paw through piles of mine tailings to ...

MOUNT IDA, Ark. — On a lonely road near Mount Ida, people from around the globe come to play in the dirt. “It’s something I have wanted to do for many, many years, and finally had the opportunity to ...

MOUNT IDA, Ark. — We promise, it's worth the drive to Mount Ida to get messy and find some crystals. The World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig will be held on October 11th & 12th. Registration & ...

Some modern-day prospectors make thousands of dollars selling precious stones they dug up themselves. By Alexandra Marvar Moonstones in Montana, amethyst and emeralds in North Carolina, garnet and ...