Trying to come up with an idea on how to spend this year’s summer vacation can be a headache. With fuel prices constantly on the rise and the cost of groceries going up as well, many families are forced to really consider how to spend not only their time, but also their money. You might want to think about traveling to Arkansas. A visit at the Crater of Diamonds State Park could possibly even give you a little financial boost. This 37.5-acre State Park is the only diamond producing location in the entire world. It is open to anyone and everyone to explore and dig. The diamond mining history is very well preserved at the State Park, including the Guard House, old mining equipment and tools. Not only may visitors look at the artifacts but also they may become a rock hunter themselves and experience the thrill of digging for raw uncut diamonds .
Diamonds come in many colors but the ones most commonly found at this park are white, brown and yellow. Many other semi-precious stones can be gathered there as well – up to around 40 different kinds, such as hematite, peridot, amethyst and jasper just to name a few.
In the beginning of April of this year the Crater of Diamonds State Park announced the biggest find of the year – a 3.86 carat raw, white diamond. A park official describes it as a pearly white shining piece of candy corn. The value of this gem is unknown at this time, as is the name of the lucky finder. The diamond has been given the name “Heart of Arkansas” because of its heart shape. The local who found this diamond is potentially holding something that is more valuable than a 2-carat stone that was found three years ago, and was appraised for $22,000 after it was cut.
There have been several famous finds within the State Park since it opened to the public in 1972. It was just a year ago when a visitor at the park dug up a nearly 5 carat brown diamond, but the most famous find was in 1990 – the “Strawn-Wagner” Diamond. This exceptional 3.03-carat beauty is on display at the park’s visitor center and has the highest grade a diamond can achieve, a “Triple Zero”. Most jewelers and gemologists will never see one – that is how rare such a diamond is. It is a once in a billion occurrence. It is also the most perfect gem the American Gem Society ever certified.
Other famous finds are the 40.23 carat “Uncle Sam” white diamond, which was cut twice since its find in 1924 and the “Kahn Canary” diamond, which was loaned from Mr. S. Kahn of Arkansas to Mrs. H. Clinton during both of the Presidential Inaugural galas to uniquely represent Arkansas. This diamond can be viewed, as it is often on display at museums and exhibitions around the world. The “Kahn Canary” was originally found by a logger living in Arkansas at the State Park in the year of 1977 and later purchased by Mr. Kahn.
So, should you still be undecided as to where to go during your summer break, head out to the Arkansas State Park along with your old boots and a hat. The mining tools can be purchased right at location or even rented. You can sift through the dirt and park staff will identify your finds for you. Anything you dig up – garnet, barite, agate or diamonds – you can keep. Regardless of value.
Similar Posts:
- Diamonds in the Street
- Terrorist Attack Disrupts Diamond Trade
- Nicki Minaj Goes with Avianne & CO Jewelers for Fashion Week
- Always buy ASG/GIA certified engagement rings
- For buying perfect quality of engagement rings, learn about 4C’s of diamond
