Every fall, Mount Ida plays host to the World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig. This popular event has been going on for more than 30 years. During the event, diggers compete for prize money in categories that include Best Cluster and Best Point.

Held along with the Championship Dig is the Three Rivers Heritage Festival in downtown Mount Ida, on and around the Courthouse Square. This is a gem and mineral show as well as an arts and crafts show. This festival includes family friendly activities as well as live demonstrations from local artisans and tradesmen.

Mount Ida, which is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, is known as the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World. Quartz crystal also has another interesting tie to the state. It became the official state mineral of Arkansas in the 1960s.

“The World Championship Crystal Dig is important to Montgomery County and brings visitors to our area to show them what beauty we have to offer,” said Sherry Ellison of the Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce. “Being known as the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World means we are number one in the field of crystals.”

For more information on the World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig, visit mtidachamber.com.