Crater of Diamonds Park Visitor Strikes it lucky with 2.30-Carat Diamond Find
Murfreesboro, Arkansas – In a thrilling turn of events, a lucky visitor at Crater of Diamonds State Park recently discovered a sparkling 2.30-carat diamond while searching the park’s famed diamond-bearing soil. The find, which occurred on September 27, marks the third diamond over two carats registered this year and the second-largest diamond unearthed in 2024.
The amateur prospector, who arrived at the park early in the morning, initially employed the traditional wet sifting method using a rental kit. However, after several hours of unsuccessful searching, they decided to switch to a less strenuous approach – surface searching.
The timing was ideal for this strategy. The recent rainfall and freshly plowed search area had created optimal conditions for discovering diamonds near the surface. The park’s periodic plowing helps loosen the diamond-bearing soil, while the rain washes away dirt and uncovers valuable gems.
While exploring the area just west of the North Wash pavilion, the visitor spotted something glimmering on the ground. Initially believing it to be a piece of trash or a bug, they took a closer look and realized it was a precious diamond.
The diamond, a silvery-white stone weighing 2.30 carats, was immediately taken to the park’s Diamond Discovery Center for verification. Park interpreter Sarah Reap confirmed the find, expressing her surprise at the visitor’s calm demeanor.
“Even after years of working here, I’m still amazed when a finder pulls out a large diamond so nonchalantly,” Reap said.
The discovery adds to the impressive tally of diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Since its opening in 1972, the park has welcomed millions of visitors, who have unearthed over 35,000 diamonds. In 2024 alone, 548 diamonds have been registered, totaling more than 82 carats.
The park’s 37.5-acre diamond search area is the eroded surface of an extinct, diamond-bearing volcanic pipe. Visitors can search for diamonds using various techniques, including wet sifting and surface searching.
The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States was unearthed at Crater of Diamonds in 1924. Named “Uncle Sam,” this 40.23-carat diamond is now part of the Smithsonian’s mineral and gem collection.
While most diamonds found at the park are smaller, there are occasional large finds like the recent 2.30-carat discovery. This exciting event serves as a reminder of the thrill and potential rewards that await visitors to Crater of Diamonds State Park.