About Magnet Cove, Arkansas
If you're looking for one of the most unique rockhounding destinations in Arkansas, Magnet Cove deserves a spot on your list. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, about 12 miles east of Hot Springs along Highway 51, this little basin-shaped valley is world-famous for its rare and unusual minerals.
Magnet Cove gets its name from the abundance of magnetite in the soil and its natural "cove-like" shape. It's also believed to have formed from an ancient volcanic crater over 100 million years ago. Today, it's known as one of the most mineral-rich sites in the state, with over 42 rare minerals discovered here.
From magnetite to brookite, rutile, and pyrite, this site is a dream for geology lovers, collectors, and curious travelers alike. This area offers a fascinating glimpse into a volcanic history unlike any other. Over millions of years, volcanic rocks were forced upward from deep within the Earth to create the fascinating landscape we see today.
Rockhounding in Magnet Cove isn't new. Collectors have been digging here since the 1930s, and the area remained a hotbed for mineral collecting all the way into the 1990s. While it's not as intensively worked today, determined collectors can still find interesting specimens scattered around.
What makes Magnet Cove so special is the mix of igneous rocks and volcanic activity that pushed rare minerals to the Earth's surface. This geology created one of the most unusual mineral fields in Arkansas, unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
What Can Be Found at Magnet Cove
One of the best parts of visiting Magnet Cove is the variety of unusual minerals. While not every specimen will be gem-quality, the experience of finding rare crystals makes the trip worthwhile. Here's what you can expect when you visit the Cove:
- Magnetite: The mineral that gave the cove its name, magnetite, is a magnetic iron ore. Collectors can still find clusters of these distinctive black crystals, which are typically recovered from the loose, central core soil of the intrusion.
- Brookite and Rutile: Before the 1850s, collectors were finding beautiful smoky quartz crystals. Today, you are more likely to find smaller, more abundant crystals of brookite, which is a rare titanium dioxide mineral. You may also find rutile, a mineral with the same chemical composition as brookite but which forms in a different crystal system.
- Pyrite: Since the 1950s, pyrite, often called "fool's gold," has been available at the site. These metallic, brass-yellow crystals are a classic find for any mineral collection.
- Kimzeyite: A unique find in the Magnet Cove is kimzeyite, a rare calcium zirconium garnet named after the local Kimzey family. This mineral is a highly sought-after specimen for collectors due to its rarity and local origin.
The area is also known for other unique finds, including perovskite and carbonatite, an igneous carbonate rock. Although over 40 minerals have been documented in the area, these are the common minerals you will find if you go rockhounding in this area.
Magnetite
Rutile
Pyrite
Location of Magnet Cove, Arkansas
Magnet Cove is located in the Ouachita Mountains, specifically in Hot Spring County, west-central Arkansas. You can find it on Highway 51, approximately 12 miles east of Hot Springs. When you are here, visit the following locations to find quality gemstones:
- Highway 51: Just north of the curve on Highway 51, you may uncover sphene and nepheline syenite.
- Cove Creek Bridge: The north roadbank just west of the Cove Creek bridge is known to contain apatite, monticellite, magnetite, perovskite, kimzeyite, and biotite.
- Near Cove Creek Bridge: A large boulder near the southwest corner of the Cove Creek bridge is a known location for eudialyte nepheline syenite.
- Near Magnet Grove Baptist Church: On the south bank of Highway 51 near the Magnet Grove Baptist Church, you might find melanite garnet, nepheline, and biotite.
- In Cove Creek: About 0.2 miles east of the iron bridge, the creek bed itself can yield pyrite cubes.
- South of the Cemetery: A small hill to the south of the cemetery is a great place to search for smoky quartz and brookite.
Even though Magnet Cove has been heavily collected for nearly a century, it is still a very good spot to check out for your rockhounding activities. Only a few places in the U.S. have produced as many rare and unusual minerals in such a concentrated area.
Recommended Gear and Tips
Rockhounding Tips
A successful trip to Magnet Cove requires some preparation and a respectful approach to the land.
- Seek Permission: Much of Magnet Cove is located on private property. Public land is very limited, so always seek permission from landowners before beginning your search.
- Leave No Trace: Always pick up your trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it. Respecting the environment ensures the area remains open for future collectors.
- Be Nice: A friendly and courteous attitude toward landowners and other collectors can go a long way.
- Do Your Research: Before you go, conduct thorough research on the best collecting sites and specific minerals you are interested in. Having a solid plan and knowledge base will make your trip more rewarding.
- Join a Club: Rockhounding in Magnet Cover is best enjoyed when you go as a group. Join a rockhounding club, as this will make the journey both fun and safe for you.
Recommended Gear for Magnet Cove
Since most finds at Magnet Cove are in soil and weathered rock, you won't need heavy-duty equipment. A basic rockhounding kit will do. Here are the right tools we recommend if you ever find yourself rockhounding at Magnet Cove:
- Rock Hammer and Chisel: A good rock hammer and a good chisel will help break apart small rocks and extract specimens.
- Buckets or Bags: To safely carry and organize the minerals you find, carry a portable bucket or a good backpack that will serve this purpose effectively.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from rough rocks and dirt while you dig.
- Field Guide: Go with a field guide; this helpful resource will guide you in identifying the various minerals you discover.
- Camera: To capture the beauty of Magnet Cove's landscape and your exciting finds.
- Water and Snacks: To keep you refreshed, energised while on this journey.
- First Aid Kits: To manage small injuries or cuts you might encounter in the field, carry a portable first aid kit to help you manage the situation.
Recommended Gear
Final Thoughts
Magnet Cove, Arkansas, is one of those special rockhounding destinations that combines history, geology, and adventure. With over 40 rare minerals discovered here, including magnetite, brookite, rutile, and pyrite, it's a true collector's paradise. While access can be limited due to private ownership, respectful visitors who do their research and seek permission can still enjoy a rewarding rockhounding experience.
If you're planning a rockhounding trip in Arkansas, make sure Magnet Cove is on your list, you never know what rare specimen you might uncover.
Other Sites in Arkansas
While you are exploring the rich diamonds of Crater of Diamonds, there are other exciting locations in Arkansas where you can find rich minerals and crystals.
Guidebooks For Arkansas
Arkansas is well-known for its natural treasures, from the sparkling diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park to quartz crystals in Mount Ida, as well as agate rocks found across the state. If you want to explore more about Arkansas's unique rockhounding history and gemstones, these guidebooks are excellent resources to get you started.