Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Pike County, Arkansas, is a unique state park with a rich history of diamond mining and tourism. The park is situated over an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe, which is the source of the diamonds found in the park. The site became a state park in 1972 after the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism purchased the site from private owners in Dallas, Texas, who had previously operated the site as a tourist attraction.
The Discovery of Diamonds
The discovery of diamonds in the area dates back to 1906 when John Huddleston, a farmer, discovered the first diamond on his land. This discovery sparked a diamond rush, and the site became a popular destination for prospectors and tourists alike. Over the years, numerous diamonds have been found in the park, including the Strawn-Wagner Diamond, a graded-perfect diamond found in 1990, and the Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever found in the United States, which was discovered in 1924.
The Geological Formation of the Park
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is situated over an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe, which is the source of the diamonds found in the park. This volcanic pipe was formed more than 100 million years ago when a violent explosion brought diamonds from deep within the earth’s mantle to the surface. The park contains the largest cone, but five others—covering just a few acres each—are also in the area.
The Transition to a State Park
In the early 1990s, Governor Bill Clinton signed a bill to authorize a lease for commercial exploration and mining at the park. Four companies participated in a cooperative project to explore the possibility of mining the area. However, by 1994, the land had not yielded enough return to make a full-scale mining operation viable, and the companies withdrew.
The site became a state park in 1972 after the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism purchased the site from private owners in Dallas, Texas, who had previously operated the site as a tourist attraction. The park now encompasses 911 acres of woodland along the Little Missouri River, including a 37-acre search field visitors can access for a small admission fee.
Visitor Experiences and Amenities
The park offers a variety of amenities and experiences for visitors. The Diamond Discovery Center provides an interpretive look at prospecting for diamonds, while the Diamond Springs aquatic playground, enclosed pavilion, trails, and picnic areas surround the diamond field. The park also offers campers 47 Class AAA facilities near the Little Missouri River.
In addition to diamonds, visitors may find semi-precious gems such as amethyst, agate, and jasper or approximately 40 other minerals such as garnet, phlogopite, quartz, baryte, and calcite.
Conclusion
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a unique destination for diamond and gemstone enthusiasts, offering a one-of-a-kind experience to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. With a rich history of diamond mining and tourism, the park provides visitors with an interpretive look at prospecting for diamonds and the opportunity to find their own gemstones.
References:
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_of_Diamonds_State_Park
– https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-curious-case-of-the-arkansas-diamonds-43575867/
– https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/crater-of-diamonds-state-park-11/