I saw a news package this past week on a Pennsylvania woman who had unearthed a 3.17-carat canary yellow diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park. So, to celebrate our 4 1/2 years of marriage my husband took me to dig for diamonds.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public! According to their website, "37 1/2-acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe that 95 million years ago, brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones lucky visitors find here today."
View from the observation deck
Panoramic view of the field
Working on finding that diamond!
What does a diamond look like?
Shape:
Diamonds found at the Crater are typically smooth and well rounded.
Diamonds found at the Crater are typically smooth and well rounded.
Diamonds feel like they have an oily film on them. This characteristic prevents diamonds from being dirty. Diamonds have a metallic luster like new steel or lead. They will not be clear like glass. They do not have a solid dull look like the Jasper rocks. Diamonds are translucent. You can typically see into them but not through them.
Color:
The most common colors of diamonds are white, yellow and brown, in that order.
We surveyed and picked around the field for about two hours and collected some interesting rocks to bring home to use as decorations. Kirk had a rock looked at by the Park Ranger and he had to get out his 'eye piece' to see if it was a diamond....no diamond just agate. Bummer!
Seven diamonds were found the day before us and two that day...
We will be back to find that diamond one day!
Check out their website (click here) to find information about planning your trip to dig for diamonds.
Check out their website (click here) to find information about planning your trip to dig for diamonds.
Fees to search for Diamonds
Admission is good for the entire day. Visitors may come and go throughout the day on the same admission fee.
| Adults: | $7.00 |
| Children (ages 6-12): | $4.00 |
| Children under 6 years old: | FREE |
Admission is good for the entire day. Visitors may come and go throughout the day on the same admission fee.
Pets are allowed at all facilities, as long as they remain on a leash under the owner's control at all times.
Some things to consider when planning your trip:
1. There is not much tree coverage so when in the field you will be exposed to all elements
2. Bring water for those warm days!
3. Wear clothes you are okay with getting dusty & dirty
4. If you want a more low energy experience just plan on going to surface survey - walk along the trenches & look for that diamond glisten!
**Editor's Note**
Since Hope visited Crater of Diamonds State Park, they have completed a new "water park" that is an excellent way to cool off after spending time in the hot field. You can learn more about the water park at the Crater of Diamonds website.
My name is Hope and I love Arkansas! I have been married for almost 5 years and have two adorable & entertaining Chihuahuas. I am a Nursing Clinical Instructor. I am grateful that all of my immediate family live within 10 minutes of me. My family just celebrated the birth of the first grandchild/Nephew on July 3rd and I love being an aunt already! I started blogging so that I could share pictures & "happenings" with family & friends who do not use Facebook. I love traveling and love to digitally scrapbook my journey through life!
Hope's Blog is Hope in a Jar
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