Field Trips
We typically go on field trips on the second Saturday of the month.
November 2023
Cagmags members took a field trip to Northern Arkansas to mine pink dolomite and calcite found and collected in berms that lined the collecting site. One huge boulder received particular attention in that it had crevices and cracks in it in which one was tempted with large pink dogtooth crystals of dolomite. It was a contest of rockhound vs rock....despite the best efforts of our intrepid club president, who sacrificed a finger to the effort, as well as the rest of us, the boulder was victorious. Overall, it was a memorable and fantastic field trip . Much appreciation is expressed to the land owners and to Jay for organizing this trip.
March 9, 2024
16 people attended the most recent CAGMAGS Dig Field trip to Magnet Cove. The creek was overflowing due to the storms the night before and that made it a little challenging to dig but we all had a great time and found some great minerals (layered mica, quartz, jasper, calcite, and black garnets). We also had a wonderful tour of a nearby quarry that used to mine Novaculite! Lastly we looked up the road for smoky quartz and Brookite. It was an educational and experiential field-trip!
Field trip to Moses Hill
June 1, 2024
Vaughanda Bowie and Tom Uselton participated in a special Crystal Collector dig at a site in Magnet Cove called Moses Hill. For a bit of background, Moses Hill lies right off Highway 51 and across from the cemetery in Magnet Cove. The primary minerals found at this site are smoky quartz and brookite. Moses Hill is part of the Rutherford Formation located in and around Magnet Cove. Earlier this year, Avant Mining Co obtained a short term lease (1 year from March) of Moses Hill. Bryan Major, The Crystal Collector, conducted a special 4 day dig. The site had been trenched and pockets of crystal bearing clay exposed. Heavy rain the previous few days had turned the hill into a quagmire. Sixty participants were expected but only approximately 40 showed up. The muddy conditions notwithstanding, most attendees had no trouble filling at least one 5 gallon bucket. Unfortunately, opportunities to mine at this location are soon to end. After Avant’s lease runs out, homes and apartments are scheduled to be constructed on Moses Hill. Tom and Vaughanda were fortunate to have the opportunity to dig at this great site one last time.
June 1, 2024
Vaughanda Bowie and Tom Uselton participated in a special Crystal Collector dig at a site in Magnet Cove called Moses Hill. For a bit of background, Moses Hill lies right off Highway 51 and across from the cemetery in Magnet Cove. The primary minerals found at this site are smoky quartz and brookite. Moses Hill is part of the Rutherford Formation located in and around Magnet Cove. Earlier this year, Avant Mining Co obtained a short term lease (1 year from March) of Moses Hill. Bryan Major, The Crystal Collector, conducted a special 4 day dig. The site had been trenched and pockets of crystal bearing clay exposed. Heavy rain the previous few days had turned the hill into a quagmire. Sixty participants were expected but only approximately 40 showed up. The muddy conditions notwithstanding, most attendees had no trouble filling at least one 5 gallon bucket. Unfortunately, opportunities to mine at this location are soon to end. After Avant’s lease runs out, homes and apartments are scheduled to be constructed on Moses Hill. Tom and Vaughanda were fortunate to have the opportunity to dig at this great site one last time.
CAGMAGS Field Trip
Matilda & Karl Pfeiffer Museum
Piggot, Arkansas
June 15th, 2024
Ten members of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral, and Geology Society visited the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum to experience an incredible collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils! The museum boasts over 1,506 mineral specimens, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Highlights include a dazzling collection of 10 Arkansas Diamonds, incredible mineral specimens from around the world and Arkansas, substantial displays of fluorescent minerals, Native American relics, and numerous fossil specimens. During our visit, the museum staff provided an insightful overview of their mineral collection, highlighting some of the rarer specimens. They even treated us to lunch! The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum is a must-visit destination for any rockhounder. It's free to visit and the grounds are filled with sculptures and vivid scenery. A big thank you to our Programming Chair, Stephanie, for organizing this wonderfully educational and dazzling experience!
The Museum of the Red River in Idabel OK.
Sat July 20, 2024
After a delicious lunch at The 508 Grill 10 members of CAGMAGS had the privilege to attend an educational field trip to At the museum we were given a guided tour viewing Indian artifacts of various indigenous cultures from the American Southwest and Latin America. At the conclusion of the tour we made an Ojibwa beaded bracelet.
Sat July 20, 2024
After a delicious lunch at The 508 Grill 10 members of CAGMAGS had the privilege to attend an educational field trip to At the museum we were given a guided tour viewing Indian artifacts of various indigenous cultures from the American Southwest and Latin America. At the conclusion of the tour we made an Ojibwa beaded bracelet.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
August 10, 2024
August 10, 2024
Jones Mill, Magnet Cove, Arkansas
August 16, 2024
August 16, 2024