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Posted by Maire Loughran Feb 22, 2007 |
I love dig-for-fee mines. While I would not go as far as to say that I plan my vacation destinations solely on this criteria I am always happy if a mine is comfortable drive from where I am vacationing.
Diamonds are a very popular precious gemstone in the U.S. yet diamonds mines in the United States are pretty scarce. I think the only diamond dig-for-fee mine in the United States is at Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro, Pike County, Arkansas (and this is the only diamond mine in the world that is open to the public).
Diamonds mined by the recreational prospectors at Crater of Diamonds usually total about a few hundred carats per year - so your chances of finding one are not too shabby.
Basically, you show up and pay a fee ($6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children) to dig for diamonds and you can keep any diamonds you find. Very basic equipment is also available for rent (very inexpensively).
There is a lot to do at Crater of Diamonds State Park besides the obvious digging for diamonds. There are nature trails, fishing facilities, a wildlife observation blind and much more that will interest the whole family.
A couple famous finds at the Crater of Diamonds:
- Strawn-Wagner Diamond – found in 1990 by an amateur - it is the most perfect diamond the American Gem Society (AGS) has ever rated.
- Uncle Sam Diamond – at a little over 40 carats this is the largest North American diamond found.
Check it out and let me know what you find - I love this place.