A Place Where Anyone Can Find Real Diamonds
When most people think of diamond mining, they picture big machines, deep tunnels, and workers in hard hats. But in the small town of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, there’s a place that flips that idea upside down.
At Crater of Diamonds State Park, you can walk into a wide open field with nothing more than a shovel and a bucket — and if luck’s on your side, you might walk out with a real diamond.
The park is run by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and it’s open to everyone. No special permit or equipment is needed, just curiosity and patience.
Credits: Youtube/Esteem Education Co.
The Only Public Diamond Mine in the World
Crater of Diamonds is the only place on Earth where anyone can dig for real diamonds in their original volcanic soil — and keep what they find. The rule is simple: finders, keepers.
Learn more from the official park website.
The park sits on top of a volcanic crater that erupted more than 100 million years ago. That eruption brought diamonds from deep inside the Earth up to the surface. Over time, weather and farming exposed these stones, creating this rare field.
Since the first diamond was found in 1906, more than 75,000 diamonds have been discovered here. On average, visitors still find about 600 diamonds each year, and every single one belongs to whoever finds it.
Famous Diamonds Found Here
Over the years, a few visitors have struck it big:
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- The Uncle Sam Diamond (40.23 carats) – Still the largest diamond ever found in the U.S.
- The Amarillo Starlight (16.37 carats) – Discovered by a park visitor and later cut into a 7.54-carat stone.
- The Star of Arkansas (15.33 carats) – Found in the 1950s and one of the park’s best-known gems.
- Recent Find (2024) – A French tourist uncovered a 7.46-carat diamond earlier this year.
Most diamonds found here are smaller, but they’re still 100% real. Even if you don’t find a diamond, you’ll likely go home with amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, or quartz.
How People Search for Diamonds
There are three main ways visitors search for diamonds, depending on the weather and the soil.
1. Surface Searching
After rain, diamonds often appear right on the surface. Walk slowly and scan the ground — the sparkle of sunlight off a diamond can be surprisingly easy to spot.
2. Dry Sifting
When the ground is dry, visitors use sifters to separate lighter dirt from heavier minerals. Diamonds, being dense, usually settle to the bottom.
3. Wet Sifting
This involves mixing dirt with water to wash away loose soil, leaving the heavier stones behind. It’s a bit messy but works well when the ground is hard.
Park rangers offer free demos at the Diamond Discovery Center and can identify your finds for free. The park also plows the field regularly to turn up new soil.
Find official techniques here: Digging for Diamonds.
Entry Fees and What to Bring
Admission to the park is affordable:
- Adults (13 and up): $8
- Children (6–12): $5
- Children under 6: Free
You can bring your own digging tools, as long as they’re not motorized. The park rents sifting kits for around $10, with a refundable deposit.
Bring water, gloves, and sunscreen — there’s no shade on the field, and the digging area can get hot and muddy.
For more outdoor ideas, check out adventure section.
What It’s Really Like to Dig for Diamonds
Digging for diamonds is fun, but it’s also real work. On hot days, the sun can be tough, and after rain, the field turns to mud. But that’s part of the adventure.
Most visitors don’t find diamonds, but they still leave with stories, cool rocks, and a new appreciation for nature. It’s not just about the treasure — it’s about the experience.
More to Do at Crater of Diamonds
The park offers much more than just diamond hunting. There are:
- Nature trails and picnic spots
- 47 campsites near the Little Missouri River
- A small seasonal water park for families
Many people make it a weekend trip and enjoy camping, swimming, and exploring the local area.
Scientists also visit the park to study its lamproite volcanic rocks, which reveal clues about Earth’s deep interior.
(Source: University of Arkansas Research)
Can’t Go to Arkansas? Try Herkimer “Diamonds” in New York
If Arkansas is too far, you can still have a similar experience in Herkimer County, New York. There, visitors dig for Herkimer Diamonds, which are actually quartz crystals known for their natural sparkle.
You can break open dolostone rock using small hammers and keep anything you find. Admission is around $15 per person. These clear crystals make beautiful jewelry and are a fun way to experience gem hunting.
More details: Herkimer Diamond Mines
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Whether you find a diamond or not, this place is about more than gemstones. It’s about being outside, getting your hands dirty, and maybe finding something rare that nobody else has ever touched before.
Crater of Diamonds State Park proves that adventure and wonder can exist in simple places — and sometimes, all it takes is a shovel and a little luck.
Read more travel stories on Viral Sensei.
