Crater of Diamonds State Park is a 911-acre (369 hectares) Arkansas state park located in Pike County, Arkansas. The park features a 37.5-acre (15.2 hectares) plowed field where visitors can hunt for diamonds and other semi-precious gems. This unique geological site is one of the few diamond-bearing locations accessible to the public.
The Size of Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Total Area: 911 acres (369 hectares)
- Diamond-Bearing Field: 37.5 acres (15.2 hectares)
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a sizable state park, covering an area of 911 acres (369 hectares). However, the main attraction of the park is the 37.5-acre (15.2 hectares) plowed field where visitors can search for diamonds and other gemstones.
Diamonds and Gemstones Found at the Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park is known for its diamond finds, with an average of two diamonds found per day by park visitors. As of 2015, over 75,000 diamonds had been found in the crater, and visitors are allowed to keep any gemstone they find, regardless of its value.
In addition to diamonds, visitors may find a variety of semi-precious gems, including:
- Amethyst
- Agate
- Jasper
Approximately 40 other minerals can also be found at the park, such as:
- Garnet
- Phlogopite
- Quartz
- Baryte
- Calcite
Amenities and Facilities
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a variety of amenities and facilities for visitors, including:
- Walking Trails
- Picnic Sites
- 47 Class AAA Campsites
- 5 Walk-in Tent Sites
- Gift Shop
- Diamond Springs Water Park (Seasonal)
The park also provides complimentary identification of rocks and minerals found by visitors, as well as diamond mining demonstrations and other interpretive programs.
Admission Fees
The admission fees for Crater of Diamonds State Park are as follows:
- Adults (13 and older): $15.00
- Children (ages 6-12): $7.00
- Children under 6: Free
Unique Geological Features
Crater of Diamonds State Park is situated over an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe, making it one of the few diamond-bearing sites accessible to the public. This unique geological feature is what gives the park its diamond-bearing potential.
The park’s diamond-bearing field is a plowed area, which allows visitors to easily search for diamonds and other gemstones on the surface of the ground. This makes the park a popular destination for both casual and serious gem hunters.
Largest Diamond Found at the Park
The largest diamond ever found in the United States, the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, was discovered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1924. This remarkable find highlights the park’s potential for yielding significant diamond discoveries.
Conclusion
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in geology, gem hunting, or simply exploring the great outdoors. With its sizable 911-acre (369 hectares) footprint and the 37.5-acre (15.2 hectares) diamond-bearing field, the park offers ample opportunities for visitors to discover their own precious gems and create lasting memories.
References:
– Paragould 7-Year-Old Finds a Diamond at Arkansas Crater of Diamonds Park
– Crater of Diamonds State Park
– Crater of Diamonds State Park – Arkansas State Parks