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Bauxite Quarries: Bauxite & Heliotrope Bauxite Rockhounding in Saline County, Arkansas

Updated June 2026

Saline County is one of the two districts in the Arkansas bauxite region, a roughly 275-square-mile belt described by the Arkansas Geological Survey and USGS as the state's historic aluminum-ore province. The quarries stand out because the material is tied to weathered syenite and related intrusive rocks rather than ordinary clay or ironstone. Reported finds include bauxite, heliotrope bauxite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Bauxite Quarries photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

6 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saline County
State: Arkansas
Nearest road: Bauxite Cutoff Road
Postcode: 72011
Coordinates: 34.54434, -92.50533

Geology at Bauxite Quarries

This spot sits on Igneous rocks, mapped as nepheline syenite, intrusive carbonatite, and alkalic volcanic that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Igneous rocks
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: nepheline syenite, intrusive carbonatite, and alkalic volcanic
Elevation: 540 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Bauxite Quarries

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 52°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 30°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BENTON station (6 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Ouachita National Forest — Mineral Collecting
Crater of Diamonds State Park — Rules and finds
Arkansas Geological Survey
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Bauxite Quarries

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Bauxite Quarries.

Bauxite Quarries FAQ

Where is Bauxite Quarries?+

Bauxite Quarries is in Saline County, Arkansas, at 34.54434, -92.50533. Nearest road: Bauxite Cutoff Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Bauxite Quarries?+

Bauxite Quarries is reported to produce Bauxite, Heliotrope Bauxite.

Is collecting allowed at Bauxite Quarries?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Bauxite Quarries?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Bauxite Quarries?+

The most comfortable months at Bauxite Quarries are September to June.

How do I get to Bauxite Quarries?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.54434, -92.50533 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Bauxite Cutoff Road.

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