Uncut Arkansas Diamond

Crater of Diamonds State Park

The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only diamond mine in the world open to the public. The park operates on a “finders’ keepers” policy, and any guests who unearth an uncut Arkansas diamond in the 37 acre plowed field can keep the stone, regardless of its value. This is no ordinary field, however. The park is actually an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe, and the land is periodically plowed to bring even more gems to the surface. The first diamonds were found in the region in 1906, and since the park began operating as a state park in 1972 more than 25,000 uncut diamonds have been discovered by eager visitors, more than 700 of which have weighed in larger than a full carat.

Digging Diamonds

Discovering an uncut Arkansas diamond at the Crater of Diamonds park can be as easy as walking through the field and finding a surface stone, but most guests prefer to dig for their treasures. Simple tools are best, including buckets, spades, trowels, and sifting screens. Kneepads and other protective clothing are also recommended, especially for guests interested in a full day of digging. Diamonds of all colors can be found in the park, though sixty percent of verified diamonds are white. The other prominent colors are yellow and brown, though some more unique shades have also been discovered. The diamonds found in the park average one-quarter of a carat in size, though some massive gems have made Arkansas history by being unearthed in this unassuming field.

Famous Finds

Large and exceptionally beautiful diamonds are always notable, and some of the most famous diamonds uncovered at the Crater of Diamonds State Park include:

• Strawn-Wagner Diamond: This 3 carat stone was found in 1990 and is notable because of its exquisite quality. Upon professional grading, the diamond was discovered to be perfect in every respect, and it was cut to a one carat gem and mounted in a magnificent solitaire setting.
• Uncle Sam Diamond: This gem was a whopping 40 carats when it was unearthed in 1924, but after repeated cuttings the resulting finished gem was a 12.42 carat emerald cut diamond.
• Kahn Canary Diamond: Found in 1977, this 4.25 carat stunningly beautiful canary diamond is a magnificent shade of yellow. Because it was found with a nearly perfect pillow shape, the stone has remained uncut.
• Amarillo Starlight Diamond: This 16 carat white diamond was discovered in 1975 and was later cut into a 7.5 carat marquise diamond shape.

Other brilliant gems from the park have been mounted in luxurious jewelry, presented as gifts to governors and presidents, and have become display pieces around the state to exhibit the unusual geology of Arkansas. The majority of the discovered diamonds, however, have become priceless souvenirs for visitors proud to have found their very own uncut Arkansas diamond.

Other Gemstones

In addition to diamonds, this state park is also rich in other minerals and semi-precious gemstones. Guests who find a bit of colored sparkle in the field’s dirt may walk away with an amethyst, garnet, peridot, hematite, quartz, or other types of gem.

Visiting the Park

Guests interested in visiting the Crater of Diamonds State Park can do so every day of the year except Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day. The park opens at 8 a.m. daily and remains open until 5 p.m. during the fall, winter, and spring. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the park is open until 8 p.m.

Only simple tools are necessary to find diamonds.

Costs for digging diamonds are very affordable. Adult admission is $6.50, and children ages 6 through 12 can dig for just $3.50. Tools and other equipment are available for rent or purchase, and a gift shop and café are on site.

To contact the park, interested guests can visit the website, CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com, call (870) 285-3113, or write:

Crater of Diamonds State Park
209 State Park Rd.
Murfreesboro, AR 71958

Creating Jewelry from an Uncut Arkansas Diamond

Setting a diamond the couple has found themselves can make an interesting engagement ring, but most of the diamonds unearthed at the park are not high enough quality to become the faceted stones popular in engagement ring designs. The raw stones, however, can become lovely diamond pendants or diamond earrings. Many jewelry artisans will be happy to work with uncut stones to create distinctive and unique pieces that highlight the natural beauty of the stone.

Finding an uncut Arkansas diamond can be an exciting experience that may lead to stunning jewelry or a rare gemological discovery. Hundreds of diamonds are found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park each year, and the experience is so unique to the state that a faceted diamond is prominently displayed on the state’s quarter. With a bit of curious prospecting, anyone can find a beautiful gem to display however they wish.