Arkansas Diamond Mine: World’s Only Public Gem Mine
- Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a rare possibility: the chance to unearth your own diamonds.
- Don't expect to find sparkling,cut gems.Diamonds here are typically found as rough, metallic, or glassy pebbles.
- The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States, the 40.23-carat "uncle sam," was unearthed on this very land in 1924, before it became a state park.
Dig for Treasure: A Guide to Diamond Hunting at crater of Diamonds State Park
Table of Contents
Published August 19, 2025
A Unique Geological Wonder
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a rare possibility: the chance to unearth your own diamonds. Unlike most diamond mines, this 37.5-acre field is open to the public, allowing visitors to search for the gems that formed billions of years ago under immense pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle. the park isn’t a true crater, but the eroded surface of a kimberlite pipe – a volcanic neck where diamonds were brought closer to the surface.
Don’t expect to find sparkling,cut gems.Diamonds here are typically found as rough, metallic, or glassy pebbles. Though, the volcanic soil also yields other beautiful stones – amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and various types of quartz – all of which you are permitted to keep.
A History of Discovery
the park’s history is rich with remarkable finds. The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States, the 40.23-carat ”uncle sam,” was unearthed on this very land in 1924, before it became a state park. More recently, in September 2021, Noreen Wredberg of California discovered a stunning 4.38-carat yellow diamond after just two hours of searching as reported by Arkansas State Parks. and in January 2024, Julien navas found a 7.46-carat diamond according to CNN.
As opening to the public, the park has seen over 180,000 visitors (as of 2017) who collectively found 450 certified diamonds. A breakdown of those finds reveals:
| Diamond Color | Number Found |
|---|---|
| White | 299 |
| Brown | 72 |
| Yellow | 74 |
Park staff estimate that visitors find one to two diamonds each day, but emphasize the importance of managing expectations. Most diamonds discovered are small - roughly the size of a paper match head, while a one-carat diamond is comparable in size to a green pea.
Planning Your diamond Dig
The park provides several amenities to aid your search. Two covered pavilions offer water troughs and tables for wet sifting, a highly effective method for separating diamonds from other materials. Open sluice boxes with hand-operated water pumps are also available at both ends of the field. Four shaded structures provide respite from the Arkansas sun, but visitors are welcome to bring their own canopies or tents, ensuring they are securely anchored.
Diamond hunting can be physically demanding, especially during the hot summer months when the heat index can exceed 110° Fahrenheit.The park addresses this with a small water park, offering a cool-down option for weary searchers. Rainy days can actually improve your chances, as mud makes diamonds easier to spot – though be prepared for a messy experience!
Admission to the park is affordable: $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-12. camping is available for those who want to start their search at dawn. Park staff offer free diamond identification services, using loupes to examine your finds and determine if that glassy pebble is truly a diamond.
Beyond Diamonds: A Family Adventure
Even if you don’t strike it rich, a visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park is a memorable experience. Most visitors leave with a collection of interesting rocks, newfound knowledge about geology, and a well-deserved need for a long shower. And for those truly captivated by the allure of diamonds, it’s worth noting that, as of September 2024, you can even purchase a diamond-making machine for around $200,000 from suppliers on Alibaba.