Jay's Crystal Bonanza

Mitzie Vargas

2024-03

WHAT. AN. AMAZING. PLACE.I’ve never been into an establishment where the owner was not only very kind but VERY informative and eager to entertain while teaching.. all while making you feel comfortable! I will most certainly be back again, and AGAIN.I bought several goodies while in store. But my FAVORITE was the geode I purchased and Jay cut open in front of me! Then for him to show me how it is reactive to the UV light as well as being just absolutely beautiful!Thank you for the wonderful experience, we will surely be back.-Your Texas Friends ❤️

Della Gillespie-Mendenhall

2024-01

While most shops battened down hatches for New Year's Eve, Jay's Crystal Bonanza gleamed like a hidden emerald amidst the holiday revelry. Stepping inside was like entering a secret museum, with Jay himself the enthusiastic curator. His encyclopedic knowledge of rocks, minerals, and fossils surpassed mere salesmanship; he lit up specimens with black lights, revealing hidden fluorescent worlds, and regaled us with tales of their origins – from remote quarries to ancient seabeds. This wasn't just a purchase; it was an immersive learning experience, each trinket imbued with a unique geological narrative. Before leaving, Jay, the consummate guide, even unearthed hidden gem-hunting locales, one conveniently closer to home. If you're in the vicinity, bypass the generic souvenir shops and seek out this genuine treasure trove. You won't leave empty-handed, or empty-headed.

Mary M

2024-04

Very hometown feel. We bought a "bucket" and the kids loved sifting for gold and other precious gems. Jay was so helpful and patient and went over everything the kids got with them. They got to keep everything in their bucket! Definitely recommend for a fun stop :)

Amanda Kimberly

2023-08

Amazing spur of the moment, stop! Incredible quality of stones and an amazing amount of stones were found in one bucket! The owner was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the local and surrounding areas. He even cut my daughter's geode for her!!!!! Loved the place!!!

Patricr Klitz

2024-04

Jay is an expert when it comes to rocks, gems, and stones. We asked tons of questions and he was attentive to each one. If you want to explore and admire rare and unique fossils and stones, this is the place to visit when travelling on 270 through Mount Ida, less than a half hour from Hot Springs, AR. Thank you, Jay!

Chris Spencer

2022-05

One of the best rock shops we have ever been to and we have been to a lot of shops. The owner knows about everything in the area and is great to chat with. His shop is fun because he has neat little displays set up with labels and he hopes people ask him questions so he can explain them. He also grows his own Crystals and they are super cool. He will also show you how he does it if you ask. We will never go past here again with out stopping.

MICHAEL SMITH

2023-10

It's one of the most incredible rock collections I've seen not at a trade show. Items from all over the globe from Madagascar to Arkansas. This is a true Gem we have here in our little section of the world. The owner is knowledgeable and friendly. We stayed and had a chat for half an hour after we picked out a wonderful selection of rocks ores and minerals.

Marissa Verrot

2024-04

So many rocks! Great prices. Jay was super friendly and knowledgeable. Best rock shop we went to in the area, hands down.

Jesse Perez

2022-05

If you are in Mt. Ida, Arkansas you have to stop by and visit with Jay at Jay’s Crystal Bonanza because he has some great crystals and other cool rocks, minerals and even fossils at awesome prices! He’s honest and will tell you everything about what you purchase. He’s knowledgeable and super friendly! I’ve been to his shop twice in the last four years July 2019 and May 2022 and both times walked away with some neat goodies!Thank you Jay for your dedication, kindness and rock knowledge!Below are some of the items I purchased in May 2022 from his shop! Plus a cool chunky Arizona chrysacola rough piece.

Kenneth Schmidt

2024-04

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Jay and I could have stayed and talked with him all day. I would absolutely recommend this shop to everyone!

Sarah

2023-09

My daughter and I just stopped in to check out all the crystals and other treasures. Absolutely LOVE this store! Variety of treasures hidden in this little roadside store. Also prices we're amazing and the owner Jay is so sweet and knowledgeable about the rocks and surrounding areas. Thanks Jay, from Indiana!

Rhonda Maydwell

2023-10

Awesome rock shop—the true “gem” is Jay! Kind, informative, and extremely personable. He even gave me a hug when I told him he reminded me of my dad who passed away last year. If you miss Jay’s Rock Shop, you’re missing something special!

William Smith

2023-07

We went to several rock shops while we were in the area but this is the only one we made any purchases at. Although it isn't the largest in the area there is a good selection and the prices are very reasonable. Jay is very knowledgeable and was so nice to all of us. If we are ever in the area again this is the only rock shop we will be visiting. Even though Google doesn't list hours for his shop you could always call ahead. We didn't call but found the shop open during what would be considered normal business hours. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

Shanna Sells

2023-06

One of the BEST experiences I've ever had in a rock shop! Jay is AMAZING! So knowledgeable! Has the BEST stories! Has a HUGE heart! His prices are incredible and he even has a UV box set up to see the glowy crystals!! I will DEFINITELY be back! And I recommend you all go and check this shop out! You WON'T be disappointed!

Rustin Walker

2023-07

This place was amazing! Jay was very nice and he taught us a lot about the different kinds of rocks and how to take care of them. Prices were excellent, great service overall. Highly recommend coming here if you’re passing by or in the area.

Jessica Robinson

2023-11

Lovely little shop with a kind gentleman behind the counter. Knowledgeable and great conversation. Glad we stopped by for a few crystals. Great prices too! 🙏

RatMilk Art

2022-05

This place is amazing, beyond amazing! The prices are the BEST in the area!!!! There is SO much to choose from!!! Not to mention the best part, the owner Jay is one of the nicest guys ive ever meet. He was so kind, and passionate. Every rock had a story, he loved when we asked questions, and he was a very honest man. He warned us about this expensive spire we wanted to buy because it was fake (the only fake thing in his shop) that was so kind, he could have let us buy it thinking it was real quartz, but he didn't. He also let our dog in the store! Just such a kind, and happy man, with really nice rocks and prices. I will be going back :D

Tyler Black

2023-05

I cannot recommend this place enough! Jay is an absolutely amazing man very helpful very knowledgeable! I told him i wanted to start my own shop and he took the time to walk me through some really important things that really helped me alot and if you know you know most rockhounds/business owners arent keen on sharing their secrets but Jay genuinely just wanted to help someone reach their dream and that filled my body with such joy! He's an honest man and will make sure you leave his shop satisfied!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP BY THIS MANS SHOP AND SHOW HIM SOME LOVE BECAUSE THERE ISNT MANY GREAT PEOPLE LEFT IN THIS WORLD BUT JAY HE'S ONE OF THE GREATEST PEOPLE IVE EVER MET AND WILL BE BACK EVERY CHANCE I GET!

Laura B

2023-05

We stopped at several of the rock shops while we were visiting Mt. Ida and this was by far the best one. We're not experts on this topic at all, and the owner was so kind with all my "what's this" questions. I probably sounded like a curious 5-year-old. I saw some kinds of rocks/gems I have never seen before, and the prices were reasonable. We heard lots of stories about where everything came from and learned so much. Definitely worth the stop.

Vicki Spencer

2022-05

Highly recommend. Jay himself is worth the trip. He's just so fun to chat with, very knowledgeable and fascinating. Rockhounds... ask about lot's of stuff. You'll be happy you did. Lots of funny stories about the things you question. I will return there soon as I can.

Sarah Armstrong

2022-05

We wussed out of digging crystals at crystal vista, but saw this place on our way back and BOY we were not disappointed!!! The guy who ran it seemed to have as much fun helping the kids dig through their buckets as they did! He was incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly, the rock shop was reasonably priced, and he helped us find some other local fun things to do during our stay!

Keith S

2021-05

Prices are very reasonable. There are plenty of options for every level of rockhound. My wife and I made a point of getting to this store when we were close to the area. Great experience the first time there, and great experience this time. The proprietor is knowledgeable and friendly. Best Rock Shop in the Mt Ida area!

Jennifer Z.

2022-05

I have been shopping at Jay's for years and his selection is INCREDIBLE. His prices are very fair; he is the only person I will buy from in Mt. Ida; the others are WAYYYYYY too high. Extremely friendly; a pleasure to see him every year. I will be there in a few days and I cannot get there fast enough.

Calligraphy Foxx

2022-05

Cute little shop full of a variety of rocks and minerals. Great display level specimens. Fantastic prices. Friendly owner. On site is also a slouth for sifting for jems, fossils, and gold. Perfect experience for the kids.

David Moss

2024-04

Really nice guy and tons of neat stones

Lonnie Barnes

2019-05

There is a large selection of all varieties of rocks and crystals at Jay's. They have very reasonable prices. Jay is very friendly and knowledgable and will help you by answering your questions. A very enjoyable stop. We will return here again on our next trip to Arkansas.

Misty pardo

2018-05

This was A highlight for my boys after a disappointing day of mining!! Jay was wonderful very interesting man!! He treated us like we were the most important thing! He even cut their geos while we watched! Explained where each rock came from! Prices were amazing!!

Melissa Shawn

2021-05

This was our 2nd time visiting this amazing rock shop, great high quality piece's & he is very nicely stocked! The owner was truly nice even though we had 100 questions to ask him lol. Amazing place amazing owner.. Will be stopping by there again soon

Clayton “The_Noble_Gamer” Noble

2023-05

Owner was super friendly and knowledgeable. Picked up some uranium glass marbles, pink calcite, and noble serpentine.

Shirley Treanor

2018-05

The owner was extremely friendly and informative. He spent a lot of time giving us valuable information which enhanced our vacation experiences. Be sure to visit this shop while in or near Mount Ida, Arkansas.