FAQ
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
Where can I stay?
We are located about 45 minutes from Hot Springs, which has plenty of hotels to stay at. For a closer stay, there are two nice resorts situated on Lake Ouachita about 15 minutes from our shop.
Mountain Harbor Resort: https://www.mountainharborresort.com/lodging/
Shangri La Resort: https://www.shangrilaresortar.net/
What do I need to do to dig?
No reservations are needed for our pubic dig (our private digs require 2 weeks notice.) Before you head up the mountain to dig, you need to to stop by the Rock Shop to sign a waiver and get your mining permit for the day
Shop Address: 11 Logan Gap Rd, Mount Ida, AR 71957 Phone number: (870) 985-9988. The public dig is closed on Mondays.
Do you close for the season?
Nope! We are open year-round. The only time we do close would be due to the weather making the road impassable so heavy rain causing mud or winter weather causing snow or ice.
What can I find while digging?
The only substantial mineral that will be found at our public and pocket digs is clear quartz. We do not have any mining options other than quartz crystals open to the public.
Do I keep everything I find?
You keep everything you find at our public dig! Our private digs can work a little differently. Please give us a call at 870-985-9988 for private dig information. Click on our Mine your own crystals page to learn more.
Can my two-wheel drive vehicle make it up the unpaved portion of the road?
Yes! Some of our employees have two-wheel drive vehicles that make it up daily. Our miners actively maintain the road.
Do you provide tools? What should I bring?
We provide tools for pocket digs only. For the public dig, tool sets can be bought at the shop. Or bring your own!
We recommend simple hand tools for the loose piles, 5 gallon buckets, gloves, etc. For hard ground digging, hammers, chisels, and pry bars. No power tools!
Do I have to hike to the dig site?
No, you drive right to the dig site itself. You can be digging within steps of your vehicle! You also have access to your vehicle the entire time, so feel free to bring whatever you may need to make your day digging easier.
Can I bring my dog up to the public dig?
Yes, you can bring your dog. Dogs must be leashed at all times and picked up after. Please keep an eye on your dog and be mindful of others. Dog owners who do not contain their dogs will be asked to leave.
Is there a bathroom at your public dig?
Yes, there are portable toilets facilities located at the dig site and a plumbed bathroom at our shop available to use before you go up!
We have a large group coming, do we need reservations?
Typically no, but we do like to let our staff know when to expect groups of more than 15. You can call the shop at 870-985-9988 or email us at avantfishermountain@gmail.com to let us know when your group will be digging.
Do you offer turquoise digs? Or any other mineral digs other than quartz?
The Mona Lisa Mine for turquoise is only open to the public during special event digs, approximately once a year. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be notified of any future digs we have planned!
At this time we have no other mineral digs available to the public.
How can I purchase crystals for wholesale online?
To start a wholesale account with us, please sign up here. If you have already signed up for an online account or subscribed to our email list, send your credentials to us at avantfishermountain@gmail.com so we can convert your current account to a wholesale account.
We only sell crystals at wholesale to approved businesses with a valid Tax-ID number. By participating in our wholesale program and purchasing products tax-free, you agree that your business will charge sales tax at the final sale of the item to the consumer. Avant Mining and its subsidiaries are not liable if sales tax is not charged by your business.