Rock Hounding In Newton County |
There is no shortage of rocks in Newton County. Massive sandstone and limestone bluffs have been formed by the erosive powers of the numerous streams that transect the county. The early pioneers that settled in this rugged mountain area built a tapestry of stone fences. The mineralized water has worked its magic beneath the surface, also. There are more than 150 mapped caves in the county and many hundreds more that may never be found. Some of the travertine formations found in these caves are truly spectacular.
The early Indians (commencing 10,000 - 12,000 years ago) and the first
white settlers
Several geological faults have been mapped, (Figure 1) mostly in the northern part of the county. Considerable mineralization (Figure 2) has occurred along these faults. Early prospectors found significant amounts of lead and zinc in these mineralized areas.
Minerals of economic importance found
in Newton County, include halloysite (clay), limestone, sandstone, sand,
gravel, zinc, and lead. Coal and iron occurrences are of minor economic
interest. For the mineral collector, some of the many old mines
scattered throughout the county, provide prime mineral collecting
sites. The Turkey Fat mine for The Panther Creek mine (Figure 6), located near Diamond Cave, produced rosin jack, ruby jack (sphalerite - zinc ore minerals), and carbonate ore. The associated minerals are pink spar, calcite, and jasperoid chert. The ore minerals at the Confederate mine are mainly galena, smithsonite, and rosin jack (sphalerite). The Confederate forces mined lead here in 1864.
The Arkansas geological survey keeps a record
of most mining activity in Newton
If you are just visiting Newton County and don’t have the time to do your own rockhounding, please check in with the folks at Ozark Rocks and Minerals. There you can find lots of rocks, gems, fossils and minerals and a lot of free information about rock-hounding in Newton County.
PLEASE NOTE: No collecting is allowed in the Buffalo River National Park! Also, Please respect private property and obtain permission before trespassing. Some of the old mines are very dangerous, SO PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION ! |