Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is a unique destination where visitors can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source and keep any finds. The park is known for its 37.5-acre search area, which is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing deposit. The latest significant find at the park was the Carine Diamond, a 7.46-carat diamond discovered by Julien Navas, a visitor from France.
The Carine Diamond: A Remarkable Discovery
The Carine Diamond, found in 2024, is the fifth diamond registered at the park that year and the largest diamond registered at the park since 2020, when Kevin Kinard of Maumelle discovered a 9.07-carat brown diamond. The Carine Diamond is the eighth-largest diamond found in the Crater of Diamonds since it became a state park in 1972.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Carat Weight | 7.46 carats |
| Year Found | 2024 |
| Finder | Julien Navas (Visitor from France) |
| Ranking | 8th Largest Diamond Found at Crater of Diamonds State Park |
The Carine Diamond is a testament to the park’s rich history of diamond discoveries. On average, park visitors find one or two diamonds there every day, with the park’s biggest diamonds often found on the surface. The park periodically plows the search area to loosen the soil and promote natural erosion, which can uncover these precious gems.
The Geology of Crater of Diamonds State Park
The diamonds found at the park formed hundreds of millions of years ago, some 60 to 100 miles underground. The park’s unique geology, which includes a volcanic pipe filled with a type of igneous rock called lamproite, is the key to the presence of these diamonds.
The park’s history includes the discovery of the Uncle Sam diamond, a 40.23-carat, white diamond, discovered in 1924, which is the biggest diamond found in the United States.
Visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. The park’s admission fee is $10 for ages 13 and up, $6 for ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. Diamond hunting tools, such as buckets, shovels, and screens, are available for rent at the park.
The park offers free identification and certification of diamonds found at the Diamond Discovery Center, where visitors can learn more about the park’s history and geology.
Conclusion
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a unique and fascinating destination for diamond enthusiasts and tourists alike. With its rich history of remarkable discoveries, stunning natural beauty, and the opportunity to search for diamonds in their original volcanic source, the park offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
References:
– Crater of Diamonds State Park: Latest Finds
– Visitor from France Finds 7.46-Carat Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
– Visitor Finds 4.87-Carat Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
– Crater of Diamonds State Park: History and Famous Finds
– CNN: Visitor Finds 7.46-Carat Diamond at Arkansas State Park