It's a rare and practically unheard-of event when someone is hiking through a state park and stumbles upon a precious gemstone. While it's not entirely impossible considering the landscapes which take up some state parks, it's highly unusual. That is unless one finds themselves walking through one distinct state park in Arkansas.
While the state, as a whole, is home to some pretty unique ground discoveries, Crater of Diamonds State Park is perhaps one of the most interesting. Here, not only can visitors enjoy the expansive views and history behind the site, but they can also dig it - literally. Mining for diamonds isn't just a pipe dream here, and it's something that visitors can actually do. The real question is this: How likely is one to find a diamond while digging at Crater of Diamonds?
What To Know About Crater Of Diamonds State Park
Located not far from Little Rock (2.5 hours, to be exact), one can find Crater Of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. The park itself is home to 37 acres of once-volcanic land, and the site where diamonds can be found was once a volcanic crater that has since eroded. Diamonds aren't the only gemstones that can be found here, and visitors have often found unique minerals in this pressurized volcanic earth. Those who mine for rocks and gems here are permitted to keep whatever they find, making it well worth the trip for those interested in geology.
What To Know About Mining
Visitors are permitted to bring their own mining tools with the exception of motor or battery-operated tools, which are prohibited. They have the entire acreage to search for unique findings, but not before first learning about the diamonds that can potentially be found within the park. Starting out at the visitor center is the best way to go, and this is where one can find valuable information before getting their hands dirty.
- Fact: More than 33,100 diamonds have been found by visitors at the park - so, in short, it is entirely possible to find one during a visit.
The visitor center will provide guests with a brief history and explanation of how the park came into existence, including the best method by which to search for them. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to observe real diamonds that have been found at the park which is quite thrilling - and motivational - for newcomers. The diamonds found in the park come in a variety of colors and shapes, and it's not unusual to find things such as amethyst, jasper, quartz, agate, and garnet there. The largest gemstones ever found at the park, according to the park's website, were:
- Uncle Sam, 40.23 carats
- Starlight, 16.37 carats
- Star of Arkansas, 15.33 carats
- Esperanza, 8.52 carats
Visiting Crater Of Diamonds
Visiting this park, in general, is an experience. The landscape of the park is quite otherworldly, as it was ravaged by a volcano that erupted 100 million years prior. Today, the dirt there holds rocks and minerals that were deposited by the eruption from the earth's mantle, and all of it still has yet to be discovered. As time went on, continuous erosion from above the earth's surface - such as wind and rain - continued to scatter the top layers of soil. As this happened, anything that was heavier, such as diamonds, became unearthed or slowly made its way to the top of the earth's crust. The park first opened to the public back in 1972 and it remains today as the only place in the country that's open to the general public for diamond mining.
Those planning to visit the park should be ready to make reservations in advance, as it is a popular attraction. People come from all over the country to mine the soil at Crater of Diamonds, especially with its low cost of admission.
Admission
- Adults: $10
- Children (6-12): $6
- Children under the age of 6: Free
Rental Equipment
Guests to the park have the option to bring their own equipment for mining, which should include a shovel and a mesh strainer or screen. Those who choose to rent equipment can do so for the following costs:
- Small box screen: $4 + $20 deposit
- Folding Army Shovel: $4 + $20 deposit
- 3.5-Gallon Bucket: $4 + $10 deposit
- Kneeling Pads: $4 + $5 deposit
- Long or Short-Handled Shovel: $5 + $10 deposit
- Wooden Screen Set: $5 + $20 deposit
- Saruca: $5 + $40 deposit
- Wagon: $8 + $40 deposit
- Enclosed Storage Pens: $5 + $60/month
- Basic Diamond Hunting Kit (includes folding army shovel, screen set, and bucket): $12 + $45 deposit
- Advanced Diamond Hunting Kit (includes all of the above + Saruca): $15 + $70 deposit
* All of these prices already include the sales tax in the cost of renting them.