The Sweet Surrender Crystal Mine is located near Story in Montgomery County, Arkansas. This rockhounding location offers tailings piles, as well as access to some sections of hard rock mining. Occasionally this mine is still worked for commercial purposes, which results in refreshed areas for the public to dig through. Generally, for the most part of the year, there’s limited activity of commercial mining and most of the digging is in older material.

This mine is unique because the quartz deposits are located in a shale matrix instead of a sandstone deposit.

The crystals found here exhibit a heavy coating of iron- oxides and other minerals, which sometimes makes them hard to see and definitely harder to clean once retrieved from the ground. The heavy surface mineral deposits also make for some really unique specimens though like quartz covered in iridescent hematite for example.

Access to the mine is easy and doable for any vehicle. You will turn off Highway 27 N and follow signage. The price is $30 per day and you need to get in touch with the owners before actually driving to the mine. They will provide instructions for entry and information on current digging conditions.

This mine is of particular interest to the more experienced rockhound as well as to people that enjoy unique geological features. It is not the best location for beginners or children, nonetheless the large majority of visitors at any skill level will have a great time.