Mt. Ida

USA · Arkansas

The Sweetwater area lies in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas — the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World" around Mount Ida — a premier source of clear rock-crystal quartz.

About Mt. Idaextended article

Part of the Ouachita quartz belt

The Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas, around Mount Ida, form one of the world's most important rock-crystal quartz regions, productive for more than 150 years. Mines across Garland, Montgomery, and neighbouring counties yield clear, well-terminated quartz.

What collectors look for

Water-clear single crystals and quartz clusters with bright lustre and sharp terminations are the prize, along with occasional smoky and included crystals.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mt. Ida?

Mt. Ida is a mineral locality in Arkansas, USA.

What minerals are found at Mt. Ida?

Minerals from Mt. Ida include Quartz.

What is Mt. Ida known for?

The Sweetwater area lies in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas — the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World" around Mount Ida — a premier source of clear rock-crystal quartz.

References & databases

Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database.