Is Crater Of Diamonds State Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely!

Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is home to Crater of Diamonds State Park, a unique destination that draws visitors worldwide. It’s the only diamond-producing site in the world where anyone can search for and find diamonds in their original volcanic source, and any diamonds found are yours to keep. This “finders, keepers” policy adds to the excitement and allure of this unique Park ¹. Crater of Diamonds State Park gives the visitor a unique experience that combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the beauty of the natural world.

Here’s why it’s worth a visit:

Find Your Own Diamonds: Where else can you dig for real diamonds and keep what you find? This unique opportunity alone makes the Park worth visiting. Imagine unearthing a sparkling gem and knowing it’s yours to keep – that’s the magic of Crater of Diamonds State Park. Check out the Park’s ‘Latest Finds’ page on their website ⁵ to see recent treasures unearthed.
Family-Friendly Fun: The Park is an excellent destination for families and offers engaging and educational experiences for all ages. Children, in particular, have a knack for finding diamonds due to their keen eyesight and proximity to the ground . Most of the Park’s facilities are handicap accessible, although the ease of access to the search area depends on weather conditions.
More Than Just Diamonds: In addition to diamonds, various other rocks and minerals are found, such as amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz. Visitors can discover amethyst primarily at Canary Hill, in the search field’s southwest corner.
Affordable Adventure: The Park has a nominal entry fee, making it a cheap adventure for those seeking a unique experience.
Beautiful Scenery: Visitors can connect with nature and take in the stunning scenery at the Park by walking the trails, like the River Trail and Prospector Trail, while on their diamond search adventure.
Learn About Diamonds: The Park’s Diamond Discovery Center provides information about diamonds and how to search for them, enhancing your experience.

Tips for Diamond Hunting

Search after a refreshing rain to increase your chances of striking it rich. Rain washes away dirt and silt and exposes diamonds on the surface.
Plan your visit after the park staff has plowed the search area. Plowing helps loosen the soil and bring diamonds to the surface.
Bring your mining equipment (no battery-operated or motor-driven tools allowed) or rent tools at the Park.
Learn how to identify diamonds in their rough form. Diamonds in their natural state look different from cut diamonds. They are often small, have a metallic luster, and may be rounded or irregular in shape.
Be patient and persistent! Finding a diamond takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see one right away. The possibility of unearthing a hidden gem makes the diamond-searching experience thrilling and rewarding.

Diamond Search Methods

The Diamond Discovery Center provides information on the three most common methods used to search for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park:

Surface Searching: This method involves walking the plowed search area while scanning the surface for diamonds. After a rain, diamonds are often easier to spot as they are washed clean and glitter in the sunlight.
Dry Sifting: This technique uses a screen to sift through the dry soil, separating larger rocks and minerals from the smaller ones, including diamonds.
Wet Sifting: Wet Sifting: Unlike dry sifting, visitors use the wet sifting method using water to wash away the dirt from the material so that heavier materials, including diamonds, that settle to the bottom.

Famous Finds at the Crater

The Crater of Diamonds has yielded some impressive diamonds over the years, captivating the imagination of visitors and adding to the Park’s legendary status. Some of the most notable finds include:⁴

Diamond Name	Carat Weight	Color	Year Found	Finder
The Uncle Sam	40.23	White	1924	W.O. Basham
The Amarillo Starlight	16.37	White	1975	W.W. Johnson
The Star of Arkansas	15.33	White	1956
The Esperanza	8.52	White	2015	Bobbie Oskarson
The Strawn-Wagner Diamond	3.03	White	1990	Shirley Strawn
The Kahn Canary	4.25	Yellow	1977	George Stepp

Crater of Diamonds Park History

John M. Huddleston discovered the first diamonds in Murfreesboro, Arkansas on August 1, 1906. This discovery ignited a “diamond rush” atmosphere, drawing prospectors and fortune-seekers to the area. However, various attempts at commercial diamond mining have failed due to inadequate funding and lack of experience. The Crater of Diamonds has changed hands many times, facing lawsuits, lack of profit, and fires ¹. This period reflects the challenges and complexities of early diamond exploration and the transition from private ownership to public access.

The Transition to a State Park

From 1952 to 1972, the Crater of Diamonds operated privately as a tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of diamond hunting. In 1972, the State of Arkansas purchased the Crater of Diamonds and developed it into a state park while ensuring the preservation of this unique geological resource and providing public access for generations to come ¹. This transition marked a shift towards conservation and public enjoyment of natural wonders.

What Makes Arkansas Diamonds Unique?

The diamonds found in Arkansas are unique because they are found in their original volcanic source, a lamproite pipe, unlike most diamonds found elsewhere, which are typically recovered from alluvial deposits ¹. This volcanic origin provides a glimpse into the geological processes that formed these precious gems. The Crater of Diamonds is situated on a 37-acre field, the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, where visitors can search for diamonds and other rocks and minerals.

These diamonds come in various colors, adding to their allure. While white, brown, and yellow diamonds are the most common, the occasional blue or pink diamond has also been discovered. This diversity in color reflects the unique geological conditions under which these diamonds formed.

Crater of Diamonds State Park stands out as a unique destination due to its “finders, keepers” policy and the opportunity to find diamonds in their natural state. The park’s transformation from a site of early diamond exploration to a state park reflects the changing attitudes towards natural resources and public access. The park offers a rare opportunity for visitors to connect with the thrill of discovery and potentially own a piece of geological history.

The diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds are unique due to their volcanic origin and the variety of colors they exhibit. The park caters to families and individuals alike, with affordable entry fees and accessible facilities.

In addition to diamond hunting, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a chance to connect with nature through its scenic beauty and walking trails. Not only does the Diamond Discovery Center provide valuable information about also diamonds and search methods, enhancing the visitor experience. With its diverse offerings and unique appeal, Crater of Diamonds State Park promises an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.

Conclusion

Crater of Diamonds State Park is a truly unique and worthwhile destination. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the thrill of searching for diamonds with the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound or a curious traveler, a visit to this Arkansas treasure is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Plan your trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park today and experience the thrill of searching for diamonds in this one-of-a-kind destination!

For more about Arkansas Diamonds and Rockhounding, Check out the links below:

Exploring Quartz in Arkansas: A Rockhound’s Journey

Works cited

Digging for Diamonds | Arkansas State Parks, https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park/digging-for-diamonds
Crater of Diamonds State Park, https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-par
FINDING DIAMONDS IN ARKANSAS, https://www.geology.arkansas.gov/docs/pdf/education/ages-brochure-diamonds-11-13-07.pdf
Crater of Diamonds Famous Finds | Arkansas State Parks, https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park/history/famous-finds
Crater of Diamonds Latest Finds – Arkansas State Parks, https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park/digging-for-diamonds/latest-finds