Diamond mining is not just limited to large corporations who run enormous mining operations. Surprisingly, there is one diamond mine in the United States that allows individuals to search for their own diamonds and keep whatever they find.
Crater of Diamonds state park is the only diamond producing site in the world that allows the public open access. The park is approximately 37 acres and it is located on top of a volcanic pipe. Geologists estimate that the diamonds were likely formed over 100 million years ago and were pushed closer to the earth’s surface by the final shiftings of the earth’s crust. Diamonds were first found in the area in 1906 by a farmer who had recently purchased the 160-acre farm. The farmer was named John Huddleston and he is remembered at a celebration at the Crater of Diamonds park each year.
After Huddleston sold his property, the Arkansas Diamond company was formed. A commercial plant was built on the property but it was destroyed by arson in 1919. It wasn’t until 1949 that the area began to be open to the public. The State of Arkansas bought the property in 1972 in order to create a state park.
Individuals wishing to search for diamonds pay a nominal fee. They are then free to look for diamonds, as well as other precious gemstones which are found in abundance there. The staff at Crater of Diamonds is able to identify rocks and diamonds at the visitor center. Diamonds are weighed and certified on site. Visitors search for diamonds either by shifting the top soil through a screen or by just looking for diamonds lying on the ground surface. Individuals who are more serious about diamond hunting will dig deep holes and go through each layer of soil with multiple screens and washings and then hand search for diamonds.
There have been multiple notable diamonds found at the park. In the 1920’s, a diamond nicknamed “Uncle Sam” was located. It measured over 40 carats and is the largest diamond ever discovered in North America. Also found at Crater of Diamonds park was the “Strawn-Wagner Diamond” which is the most perfect diamond ever certified.
Crater of Diamonds works on the policy that despite the\nvalue of a diamond, it belongs to the person who finds it. In 2005, there were\nfive hundred and thirty six diamonds located. The most recent large diamond find was in September of 2006, when abrown diamond weighing 6.35 carats was found.
Crater of Diamonds works on the policy that despite the value of a diamond, it belongs to the person who finds it. In 2005, there were five hundred and thirty six diamonds located. The most recent large diamond find was in September of 2006, when a brown diamond weighing 6.35 carats was found.
For more information regarding the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Visit: www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com
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