A surprise awaits those willing to dig deep—or sometimes just stroll along a well-trodden path. One lucky visitor to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park recently had an unforgettable experience, discovering a 2.30-carat white diamond in the park’s expansive search area. This rare gem is the second-largest diamond registered in the park this year, marking another exciting moment for treasure hunters and diamond enthusiasts alike.
The adventure began with an early start. The guest arrived as the park opened, equipped with a rented kit from the Diamond Discovery Center. Their method was straightforward but dedicated: hours of wet sifting, a technique involving washing gravel through screens to reveal diamonds and other minerals. After an initial dry spell, the visitor decided to switch to surface searching, saying, “If I find a diamond today, it will probably be right here on the surface.” Little did they know, they were right.
According to Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox, “We periodically plow the search area to loosen the diamond-bearing soil and promote natural erosion.” This process allows rain to wash away dirt, revealing precious stones near the surface. That day, everything aligned perfectly—the recent rain, bright sun, and freshly plowed field created ideal conditions for spotting a diamond. While strolling west of the covered North Wash pavilion, the visitor caught sight of something shimmering on the ground. “From far away it shined so clearly,” they remarked. “I thought it might be a piece of trash or a bug; it was so much shinier than anything else out there.”
Curiosity piqued, they approached and picked up what turned out to be an unmistakable diamond. Without much fanfare, they placed the gem in their pocket and continued their day, stopping by the Diamond Discovery Center for verification. Park Interpreter Sarah Reap recalls the moment vividly: “Even after a few years of working here, I am still surprised when a finder pulls a large diamond out of their pocket so nonchalantly.” Moments later, Reap confirmed it—a 2.30-carat diamond, an exhilarating find for any visitor.
The diamond, a silvery-white gem about the size of a pencil eraser, has a fascinating mix of hues and textures. Its round surface is pitted, and while the stone appears brownish from a distance, closer inspection reveals its clear white edges. The contrast is due to tiny imperfections, or inclusions, that affect light passage through the stone. Natural diamonds have unique blemishes, with each one telling a story about its formation.
In terms of value, a 2.30-carat white diamond can be worth anywhere from $4,000 to over $18,000, depending on its clarity and color, according to the International Gem Society.
At Crater of Diamonds State Park, these discoveries are part of the daily experience. Visitors find an average of one to two diamonds each day, adding to the hundreds registered each year. For many, these finds are about more than just the stones; they represent a unique connection to nature’s beauty and a thrilling reminder of what lies just beneath the surface.
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