Dig Up Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas: The World’s Only Public Diamond Mine Where You Can Be the Miner

Located in Pike County, Arkansas, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience for gemstone enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. This 911-acre park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, where anyone can search for real diamonds and keep what they find. With a unique “finders, keepers” policy, it has attracted thousands of amateur miners every year hoping to discover nature’s hidden treasures.

The Only Diamond Mine In the World Where You Can Be the Miner. Just some of what can be found and kept at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

A Unique Opportunity to Mine Diamonds Yourself

For a modest entry fee—approximately $8 for a full day—visitors gain access to the park’s specially maintained 37.5-acre plowed search field, which is the exposed surface of an ancient volcanic crater rich in gems. Here, you can dig, sift, and pan for diamonds alongside a variety of other colorful gemstones.

If you don’t have your own tools, the park offers equipment rentals for around $20 per day, including shovels, screens, and buckets, making diamond hunting accessible to beginners and families.

What You Can Find: Diamonds and More

Each year, visitors find more than 600 diamonds of varying sizes, colors, and qualities. Since the park opened to the public in 1972, over 29,000 diamonds have been discovered. Diamonds here range in color from classic white to shades of brown, yellow, and even rare pink and green hues.

But diamonds are just part of the excitement. The park is also home to around 40 different minerals and semi-precious gemstones, including:

• Amethyst
• Agate
• Jasper
• Garnet
• Peridot
• Hematite
• Phlogopite
• Quartz
• Baryte
• Calcite

This diversity makes Crater of Diamonds a natural treasure trove for collectors and rockhounds.

Geological Origins: A 95-Million-Year-Old Volcanic Pipe

The diamonds and gemstones at Crater of Diamonds originate from a 95-million-year-old eroded volcanic pipe formed by a rare type of magma called lamproite. Unlike typical volcanic magma, lamproite comes from deep within the Earth’s upper mantle.

As this magma ascended, it carried diamonds—crystallized billions of years earlier in the ancient cratonic root of the continent—to the surface. Over millions of years, erosion exposed this volcanic pipe, creating the diamond-bearing soil visitors explore today.

This geological process is unique and explains why Crater of Diamonds State Park remains one of the richest and most accessible diamond sources in the world.

Visitor Experience and Support

The park offers free diamond identification and certification services at the visitor center, helping miners confirm their finds. This adds excitement and legitimacy to each discovery.

Visitors can also attend educational programs and exhibits to learn about diamond formation, mining history, and geology. Amenities include picnic areas, campgrounds, and guided tours, making it an ideal destination for families and geology enthusiasts.

Why Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park?

If you’ve ever dreamed of mining your own diamond, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a rare and exciting chance to do just that. Its unique geology, combined with a welcoming public policy and supportive visitor services, makes it the perfect destination for anyone interested in geology, gem hunting, or just a memorable outdoor adventure. Whether you find a sparkling diamond or a colorful gemstone, every visit holds the promise of discovery.

See Also:
Part I: Top Spots For Gem Hunting In The US
Part II: Best Spots For Gem Hunting In The US 
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