The World's Unusual Diamond Mine in Southwest Arkansas

I. Introduction to the Unique Diamond Mine

In the southwestern region of Arkansas, the state government manages what could potentially be the world's most extraordinary diamond mine. At Crater of Diamonds State Park, for a cost comparable to that of a movie ticket, anyone has the opportunity to engage in diamond - digging activities and retain any diamonds they unearth.

II. Geological Background of the Mine

1. Location and Formation

The 37 - acre search area near Murfreesboro is situated atop an ancient volcanic pipe. This volcanic pipe erupted approximately 100 million years ago. During the eruption, diamonds that had formed deep within the Earth's mantle were brought to the surface. Now, they lie within the soil, waiting to be discovered by individuals armed with a simple garden trowel and ample patience.

III. History of the Site

1. Commercial Mining Attempts

Between 1906, when John Wesley Huddleston first discovered diamonds, and the park's opening in 1972, the Crater of Diamonds site witnessed multiple commercial mining endeavors. Various companies attempted to make the operation financially viable. However, they failed due to the relatively low concentration of diamonds in comparison to commercial mines in other locations.

1. Decision to Establish a Public - Accessible Park

Arkansas had the option to lease this land to a mining company. Instead, the state chose to maintain it as the world's sole diamond - producing site where the public can search for diamonds within their original volcanic matrix and keep their findings.

IV. Operations and Discoveries at the Park

1. Number of Diamonds Found

Since Arkansas transformed this geological wonder into a state park in 1972, visitors have unearthed over 35,000 diamonds. The park adheres to a straightforward principle that seems almost too good to be true in modern - day America: Whatever you find is yours, without any additional conditions, revenue - sharing requirements, or hidden clauses. Nevertheless, the process of finding diamonds is not as straightforward as it may initially seem.

1. How the Search Works

2. Search Area and Rules

The diamond search area within the park consists of plowed dirt, which park staff tills regularly to expose new material. The park does not demand special licenses nor limit the frequency of visits. However, motor - driven equipment is prohibited, and visitors are required to fill any holes they create before departing.

• Visitor Equipment and Tools

A travel blogger, Liz Mays from the blog “Get Lost in the USA,” visited the park earlier this year. She described seeing a diverse range of visitors, including families, hobbyists, and experienced diggers, each equipped with various tools. Some visitors casually strolled around, scanning the ground, while others brought wagons and wheelbarrows to transport supplies. Visitors can rent basic tools from the park on a first - come, first - served basis or bring their own shovels, buckets, and sifting screens.

• Facilities for Sifting

The park offers two covered pavilions equipped with water troughs and tables for wet sifting. Additionally, open sluice boxes with hand - operated water pumps are available at both ends of the field. Four shaded structures are present in the search area. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own well - secured canopies or tents.

• Appearance of Diamonds and Other Minerals

Diamonds are formed under extreme pressure and heat deep within the Earth's mantle. If one is found, it is more likely to resemble a metallic or glassy pebble rather than the sparkly, cut gem often imagined. The volcanic soil also contains other minerals such as amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and various types of quartz, all of which visitors can keep.

• Notable Diamond Discoveries

The largest diamond found in the United States originated from this field - the 40.23 - carat Uncle Sam diamond, discovered in 1924 before the land became a state park. In September 2021, Noreen Wredberg, a visitor from California, found a 4.38 - carat yellow diamond after two hours of searching. In 2024, Julien Navas discovered a 7.46 - carat diamond at the park.

• Statistics of Diamond Finds

In 2017, the park received over 180,000 visitors, who found 450 certified diamonds of various colors. Among the reported diamond discoveries, 299 were white, 72 were brown, and 74 were yellow. Park staff informed Mays that, on average, visitors find one or two diamonds per day. They advise visitors to “keep their expectations in check.” Most diamonds discovered are approximately the size of a paper match head, while a 1 - carat diamond is roughly the size of a green pea. Park staff provides free identification services, examining finds under loupes to determine whether a glassy pebble is quartz or a more valuable gem.

V. Family - Friendly Experience at the Park

1. Affordability and Accommodation

For those interested in joining the thousands of annual visitors, the park offers an affordable experience. Admission costs $15 for adults and $7 for children aged 6 to 12. Visitors can camp overnight at the park and return to the search field at dawn. During the summer months, the park operates a small water park, recognizing that diamond hunting in Arkansas can be challenging due to the heat index often exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Impact of Weather

Rain can transform the search field into mud. While experienced searchers may prefer this as it makes diamonds easier to spot, it can lead to a messy adventure. As Mays aptly put it, “Most visitors leave with a handful of interesting rocks, some new - found knowledge, and an urgent need for a long shower.”

VI. Conclusion

If, despite your efforts, you do not find any diamonds at the park, there is an alternative option: you could potentially purchase a $200,000 diamond - making machine on Alibaba.

This story was originally published on Ars Technica.