Want to prospect for diamonds?

Arkansas, The Natural State, is blessed with an abundance of geological wonders. Arkansas has the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, i.e. The Crater of Diamonds State Park, for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The public is invited to prospect in the park's diamond search area, a 37-acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe that 95 million years ago, brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones lucky visitors find here today. In The Crater of Diamonds State Park, diamonds of all colors of the rainbow can be found, but the three most common colors found by park visitors are white, brown, and yellow. Over 40 types of rocks and minerals can also be found, including lamproite, amethyst, banded agate, jasper, peridot, garnet, quartz, calcite, barite and hematite. The park staff will help you identify your finds for you, and the policy of "finders keepers" applies to all, regardless of the value. For digging in the soil, prospecting for some diamonds, you should bring a shovel, or spade, a 5-gallon bucket and a small box screen. These items are also available to rent at the park.

Many remnants of old mining ventures remain, including the Mine Shaft Building, the Guard House, mining plant foundations, old mining equipment and smaller artifacts. Nowhere else is North American diamond mining history as evident or as well preserved as here.

There are hundreds of acres of natural forest with an abundance of flora and fauna and offers visitors interesting things to do in the area. Of course, fishing for trout is one of the main attractions Arkansas has to offer, when you are not diamond hunting.