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DIG FOR DIAMONDS AT A PUBLIC DIAMOND MINE!!!
Diamond Mine
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. And the policy here is “finder’s keepers.” The diamonds you find are yours to keep.
Visitors search atop a 37-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient, gem-bearing volcanic pipe. Prospectors enter the field through the visitor center that offers exhibits and an A/V program explaining the area’s geology and history. Park staff provides free identification and certification of diamonds.
The park is open year-round except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Pets are allowed at all facilities with the exception of the Diamond Springs Water Park and Kimberlite Cafe', as long as they remain on a leash under the owner's control at all times.
VIRTUAL TOUR
Diamond Field
Low | High
The diamond field is open the same hours as the Visitor Center. The park features a 37-acre field of diamond bearing soil plowed periodically when weather allows. These plowings are unscheduled. Historical structures, old mining equipment, washing pavilions, and sun shelters are located on the field. Diamond mining tools are available for rent or purchase. Diamonds and other minerals are identified at the Diamond Discovery Center.
Fees to search for Diamonds
Adults: $6.50
Children (ages 6-12): $3.50
Children under 6 years old: FREE
Organized groups of 15 or more may receive half price admission if we are notified in advance of your visit. From Memorial Day through Labor Day tickets purchased after 6pm are also good for the following day.
What Should I Bring?
Tools are not necessary for diamond searching. A good way to search for diamonds is to walk up and down the rows looking for diamonds lying on top of the ground. However, most visitors do like to dig in the soil. Therefore, you have the options of bringing your own tools from home or you may purchase or rent tools here.
Diamond mining tools.
You may use anything that does not have a battery, motor, or wheels on it for transporting equipment in and out of the search area. People bring anything from small flower bed trowels to full size shovels. Some visitors choose to make their own sifting screens and bring them. It is your choice.
If you choose get tools at the park, then you can purchase the small flowerbed trowels and cultivators in the gift shop. If you prefer renting tools, we have several different size shovels and screens for you to choose from. The most commonly rented items are listed below. Along with the rental fee, a deposit is charged on each item to make sure the visitor returns the equipment and that the equipment is returned in good condition. The deposit amount is refunded to the visitor when the tools are returned.
Rental equipment is available at the Diamond Discovery Center, and includes the items listed below.
Rental Equipment Available Year Round
Daily rent plus tax Deposit
Small wooden box screen $2.25 $10.00
5 gallon plastic bucket $2.25 $5.00
Folding army shovel $2.25 $10.00
Knee Pads $2.25 $5.00
Screen Set $3.25 $20.00
Saruca (finishing screen) $3.25 $40.00
Basic Diamond Hunting Kit $7.75 $35.00
(folding shovel, screen set, 5 gallon bucket)
Advanced Diamond Hunting Kit $9.75 $60.00
(folding shovel, screen set, 5 gallon bucket, saruca)
(rental prices are per day and tax is not included)
What should I wear?
If it is wet you will need some old shoes or boots because the field will be very muddy. In the summer, a hat and some sunscreen will be necessary to protect you from the sun.
What do Diamonds look like?
Shape: Diamonds found at the Crater are typically smooth and well rounded. Their shape resembles a polished stone with smooth sides and rounded edges.
Size: The average size of a diamonds is about the size of a paper match head, approximately 20 - 25 points. Points are an increment of measurement of diamonds. There are 100 points in a carat. Look for something small. A 1-carat diamond is about the size of a green pea.
Appearance: 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.
The park offers free rock and mineral identification at the Visitor Center. Diamonds are weighed and certified free of charge for the finder.
For more info check out their site at: http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/digging-for-diamonds/default.asp#Mine
Crater of Diamonds State Park
209 State Park Road
Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Email: craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com
Phone: (870) 285-3113
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