At Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, visitors can pay a $7 admission fee, grab a shovel and try their hand at diamond prospecting. The rule is "finders keepers." Over the past three years, annual visitation has tripled to 170,000, and in 2007 tourists pulled more than 1,000 precious stones from the ground. Some visitors use a special screen known as a seruca to wash and separate the heavier diamonds from the lighter debris. Others just get down on their hands and knees, squinting for jewels in the furrows. The 800-acre park holds out the hope, however slim, that just about anyone can strike it rich. Unfortunately, the park may also hold out a temptation for mineralogical mischief.
Eric Blake, a 33-year-old carpenter, has been coming to Crater of Diamonds two or three times a year ever since his grandfather first took him there when he was a teenager. In October 2007, his hard work finally paid off with the discovery of a whopping 3.9-carat stone—nearly the size of the site's Kahn Canary diamond that Hillary Clinton borrowed for her Arkansas-born husband's presidential inaugural galas. It's the kind of rare find that's spectacular enough to attract national attention. Blake reportedly spotted the elongate, white diamond along a trail just as he was plunking down a 70-pound bucket of mud and gravel he planned to sort through.
His lucky stone could be worth as much as $8,000—if he can prove it came from Arkansas soil. In the year since his discovery, fellow collectors, park officials and law enforcement officers have started wondering how Blake and his family uncovered an unprecedented 32 diamonds in less than a week.
"We have a concern of maintaining the integrity of not only the park, but the state of Arkansas," says park superintendent Tom Stolarz, who caught a glimpse of the diamond as Blake was packing to leave the park. Although Stolarz is not a geologist, he has been at the park for 26 years and has handled more than 10,000 diamonds, paying special attention to large stones. Blake's rough-hewn gem was certainly a diamond to Stolarz's eyes, but was it an American diamond?
The answer is more important than one might think. Diamonds are merely crystallized carbon and today they can be created economically in a lab. But the stones fascinate people; the National Museum of Natural History's diamond exhibit, featuring the Hope Diamond, is one of the most popular destinations in the Smithsonian Institution. For many diamond buyers, history buffs and a quirky subculture of dedicated diamond hunters, provenance is everything.
Diamonds were discovered in Arkansas in August 1906, when a farmer named John Wesley Huddleston found a "glittering pebble" on his property. The next year the New York Times described "Diamond John's" treasure in epic terms: "The story of the discovery of diamond fields in one of the poorest counties of the not over-rich State of Arkansas reads like a chapter of Sinbad's adventures."
More than 10,000 dreamers flocked to nearby Murfreesboro, filling up the ramshackle Conway Hotel and striking up a tent city between town and the diamond field. It was not an easy life, says Mike Howard of the Arkansas Geological Survey. "Many people came, few people found," he says. "Most were gone within a couple of years." The majority of Arkansas diamonds, then as now, come in at under ten points, or about 1/10th of a carat. But in 1924, one lucky miner pulled a 40-carat monster out of the ground. Christened Uncle Sam, it remains the largest diamond ever discovered in the United States and a twinkle in every miner's eye.
A lot of funny business has gone on around the diamond field over the past century. After failing to gain full control of the area in 1910, the London-based Diamond Syndicate allegedly set up a sham operation to downplay the mine's potential and sabotage production, according to a Justice Department investigation. In 1919, two rival processing plants burned to the ground on the same January night, fueling rumors that someone was out to destroy the mine's profitability. In the late 1920s, Henry Ford was set to buy Arkansas industrial diamonds for his assembly lines, but the Diamond Syndicate and De Beers bribed the mine's owner to keep it out of commission. Shenanigans continued into the 1950s, when, for instance, an entrepreneur trucked some gravel from the diamond field to his own five acres north of town and plunked down a sign claiming he had a diamond mine. Locals found him beaten up in a ditch the next morning, according to a story one Arkansas geologist has told over the years.
This is just sad, people have to conterfiet diamonds to get "rich" another thing this guy did wrong was pick up so many diamonds in such little time oh well his stupidity is/was not my problem
Posted by Jonathan on January 14,2009 | 05:33PM
I believe anything it's possible....
Posted by Cynara Ribeiro on January 14,2009 | 05:34PM
I found 33 diamonds in less than a week. Guess that makes me better than you...
Posted by Mrknowitall on January 14,2009 | 05:37PM
i want to find diamonds... :]
Posted by allyson on January 14,2009 | 05:38PM
The Diamond Mine is a real place. I camped outside at a campground for 2 weeks because the park campground was full. It was a very good campground and the owner was very nice and helpful. Well, anyway, I looked for Diamonds for 5 seperate days. Alot of sifting and digging through mud to hopefully find one diamond. There sure are alot of rocks out there in that field, but I never found one Diamond. The bad part of my work, which was fun to do, was while sitting on the ground next to a two foot deep hole I dug, a woman no more than five feet from me bends over and picks up a 1.2 carat diamond laying on top of the soil. I looked at my hole I dug to sift through, stood up, and left the park. I went to dinner and returned to my camp site. I still want to return just to find one Diamond so I may say that I have.
Posted by B Brooks on January 14,2009 | 05:38PM
wasnt a woman named shirley strawn the first to find diamonds in arkanas?
Posted by jesse on January 14,2009 | 05:38PM
I wish i could find a diomond like that
Posted by Jessica on January 14,2009 | 05:38PM
Hi, I am interested in Diamonds and its mining as I have good Knowledge of Diamonds nad also cutting of it also. Please contact.
Posted by kishor on January 14,2009 | 05:41PM
Should someone seed the mines, trying to bring in big businesses to dig around it again...this isn't too cool. Let the fellows dig, let them find a treasure. I lived in Arkansas 5 years but never made it over to the mine. I wish I had of. It really sounds like fun and my friend came and their two adopted kids...and had a blast...just digging ...which is healthy anyway to dig in dirt... It would thrill me to see People in Schools bring children on a "dig for diamonds" science class activity. Use this also for helping underpriviledged children get money for college...just use your brain and help kids! That's my thoughts! Have a Bessed day! Joyce Guy
Posted by Joyce Guy on January 14,2009 | 05:42PM
I've read a couple of articles about this interesting site. I've told my wife about it and we will someday visit it. For now, good luck to everyone who visits this park and when we can afford to visit, we will.
Posted by Michael Judd on January 14,2009 | 05:44PM
I propected in Arkansas for crystals and herkamir diamonds and pulled enough out of fissures with a pick and sledge and ono long bar to keep me going all the way back to Hawaii and than some. I sold the crystal plates in San Francisco and on the road at rest stops for gas and lodging trades and gifts that returned as dinner or Breakfast when ever I was without they made sure I had something. One time a few crystals returned as gift of a few black and white chips in a Vegas Casino. It is an exciting and healthy adventure.
Posted by THOMAS on January 14,2009 | 05:45PM
I prefer the fairytale. The ring I wear for a wedding band is my mother's, it is almost a carat solitaire and sparkles beatifully as I glance at it(about 20 times a day). But what makes me happy when I look at it is not that it is a diamond, but that it is a diamond my dad bought for my mom while on the USS Enterprise years ago. It represents to me the love he had for her then, when she was quite brilliant herself and the love he still rains on her, when she's not able to care for herself in the least. She has had almost 9 years of Alheimer's under her belt, and to anyone else but my father, it shows. All he sees is his 'baby,' his 'sweetheart.' When he looks at her, she's just as brilliant now as she was then, when he first gave her the diamond. I remember nights when he would take her ring and go spend an hour shining it for her and then lovingly place it back on her finger. So romantic. Yes, I choose the fairytale, it's much more fun, and who cares how much it's worth, I don't make my money selling them, so it doesn't matter to me, I would love this ring just as much if it had no value other than the fact that my mom has worn it for years. And I'll never forget when and why my dad gave it to me to wear. It was after several years into her illness when my mom started 'burying' things under piles of toilet tissue, paper towels and dirty clothes. My dad found it behind their toilet bowl under a wad of toilet tissue, and he said, "Here, you better wear this before we lose it" I cried and cried, it's so hard to realize the loss of a parent, no matter how slow the going is. I will always love this diamond, just as I will always love my mother, and be grateful for my many other blessings as well. Vote for the fairytale, reality is not always what it's cracked up to be... Many blessings and good health, Janine Guevara :0)
Posted by Janine Guevara on January 14,2009 | 05:47PM
De Beers has ALWAYS been crooks in the industry and are still continuing this nonsense today for their own profitability. Engagement rings are marketed to guys so they can buy the expensive ones for their girls...But they aren't really worth that much, it's the memories that come from possessing them, not the worth!
Posted by Ms Mariette on January 14,2009 | 05:48PM
This is fascinating. I am in Little Rock Arkansas right now. I went to The Crater of Diamonds State Park Saturday January 10 2009 at 0830 hrs. I researched the mine the night before. I went to the website. I saw a couple of pictures, and read the stories. I was quite excited to go to the mine. I got there, and saw it was just a field. I was expecting a magical moment. The soil was too wet to sift. We were told to glance over the surface. The water may have washed the diamonds. I learned it takes a trained eye, time, and luck. I want to find a diamond in the field to use for my engagement ring. I am going to attempt to fly back one day when I can spend more time searching. It is quite ironic. I spent 1 year in Iraq in a dessert and hated every moment. I got to the state park, and I enjoyed starring into the dirt for hours and not find anything but average rocks. They say it can be addicting. They are right! I am currently filming a new movie. We have Disney actors, and well know actresses participating. It is about a dog sled team in Vermont. It is a kids adventure comedy for the whole family. “Peace Pups The Movie” produced by Image Studioz.com, starring Peace Pups Dog Sledding. Happy hunting. See you there.
Posted by Sgt Arel, Chad on January 14,2009 | 05:49PM
I wonder if there is a tie in to Robert Hanssen ... Hanssen took raw diamonds from the USSR as partial payment for his "services" betrayel of the US! -------- Former F.B.I. Agent Gets Life in Prison For Years as a Spy - New ... May 11, 2002 ... The former F.B.I. agent Robert Hanssen was sentenced today to life in ... He volunteered to spy first for the Soviet military intelligence ... query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B05E2DF1639F932A25756C0A9649C8B63&se... - 42k - Cached - Similar pages
Posted by Willie on January 14,2009 | 05:50PM
so wonderfull story I find from this article. This is my first time to joint to smithsonian journeys news. Many exciting information we can get here. However in my country we can show many exciting palaces to contribute this magazine.
Posted by broto frinanto on January 14,2009 | 05:54PM
can anyone tell me why there is a penny in the hand . by the diamond
Posted by Kendall on January 14,2009 | 05:54PM
It's blood diamonds coming out of South African mines, too, because they are dug out by the lives and blood of the men who have been exploited for generations, their families living in metal shacks. Arkansas diamonds could be easily identified by a spectrograph, so wassup with the fuss??
Posted by ,inga rainbow on January 14,2009 | 05:55PM
I think it's great I'd like to go I love diamonds
Posted by misty wigington on January 14,2009 | 05:59PM
There are diamonds on Nunivak Island in Alaska!! Look around the eruption bowls...where early volcanoes erupted from deep underground. Seek and ye shall find it!
Posted by johnnybeegoode on January 14,2009 | 06:04PM
I live in Mufreesboro....about five miles from the Crater of Diamonds. If that man found over few diamonds in just a couple of weeks, he's extremely lucky. Some people spend forever and never find anything. Something smells fishy.
Posted by Richard Barbre on January 14,2009 | 06:04PM
Sounds like Bernard Madoff made it to okie. Ed Davis
Posted by on January 14,2009 | 06:06PM
i think blake was lieing through his teeth
Posted by sassy on January 14,2009 | 06:06PM
i want shiny rocks too! D=
Posted by scrappy_=D on January 14,2009 | 06:09PM
laundering
Posted by dou ter on January 14,2009 | 06:09PM
Its too bad the earth is not "billions" of years old. If these idiot liberal scientists used the right time line and priced these stones accordingly there would be a bigger market for lab diamonds. But of course this can never happen. The new world currency is coming is so is the New World Order. We cant ruin the fundamental plans of the people who control us.
Posted by Sergey on January 14,2009 | 06:11PM
Been here 13 years and havent figured out how to fix it yet.
Posted by Jeff on January 14,2009 | 06:11PM
Diamonds can be found in many fields. If the field you are in isn't producing, then swithch...entrepreneurs have been doing so for years.
Posted by Franklin on January 14,2009 | 06:15PM
If he did actually find the diamonds, my hat goes off to him. People should be happy for other people ,especially right now ,if they have the good fortune to have something that wonderful to happen to them, be happy for them and wish them good fortune in the future. You know what they say about karma.
Posted by kathy on January 14,2009 | 06:15PM
that may or may not be real.. i watch this show on tv this guy found real gold in alaska
Posted by Gary Middleton on January 14,2009 | 06:17PM
I'm surprised by much of this article. First off, why is a diamond dealer giving out his client's invoices and sharing purchasing information with other parties? That seems at minimum, a bit unethical? As for Blake, it seems to me that he should be charged with fraud. Plus, I think it mentioned he also sold one? If so, he should definitley be charged with something. Anyone with legal knowledge? Chime in.
Posted by Dre on January 14,2009 | 06:19PM
how do i get there please help me get there i had a dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by matt on January 14,2009 | 06:19PM
To know more about the diamonds on Nunivak Island in Alaska, please email me.
Posted by johnnybeegoode on January 14,2009 | 06:20PM
I feel your agony Janine Guevara. My Father had Alzheimers the last years of his life and then in the blink of an eye he was gone. I would rather believe in the fairy tale. Let people prospect at the site and look for some thing that sparkles in their eye...whether it be a rough diamond or the person at their side.
Posted by Deborah on January 14,2009 | 06:22PM
me and my best friend visited the mine back this past summer and although we didnt find anything but a quartz, we did have fun digging through the mud all day. i would recommend anyone to Crater Of Diamonds...Lots of fun!!!!
Posted by Jennifer Snider on January 14,2009 | 06:23PM
can anyone tell me why there is a penny in the hand . by the diamond Posted by Kendall on January 14,2009 | 05:54PM I am pretty sure the penny is there to show how big the diamond was. I wish I could go hunting for them.
Posted by trish on January 14,2009 | 06:26PM
The penny is there to compare to the size of the diamond.
Posted by Tanya C on January 14,2009 | 06:28PM
Heck. I am going to sell my house,knock two of my front teeth out, buy me an old pickup, marry my first cousin, move to Arkansas, buy me a cabin with a refrigerator and stove on the front porch, and MINE FOR DIAMONDS at that there state park. lol
Posted by henry on January 14,2009 | 06:28PM
can anyone tell me why there is a penny in the hand . by the diamond Posted by Kendall on January 14,2009 | 05:54PM AS A REFERENCE OF MEASUREMENT- EST SIZE.
Posted by CORKEY LOCKLEAR on January 14,2009 | 06:28PM
Reminds me of my own time in the Turqoise Mountains, in an area of Death Valley called The Devil's Playground. Who knows? These rock people are a secretive bunch, and highly neurotic behavior can be said to be the norm. I myself witnessed a rockhound pull an improbably large piece of turquoise from the entrance of the old Toltec Mine. Thirty five years ago and I still don't believe it was legit..
Posted by greathornedlizard on January 14,2009 | 06:29PM
nice, great, and smart!!!!!!! Really cool!!!
Posted by Corina on January 14,2009 | 06:30PM
Its possible. Something like thiscould happen. Or maybe somebody robbed a jewerly store and buried it there. Or just maybe the guy did it and claiming that he found it.
Posted by honeylene on January 14,2009 | 06:31PM
wow! i love diamonds
Posted by julie on January 14,2009 | 06:31PM
I've heard of a lot of amazing miracles so I just think that anything could happen.My favorite miracle is the Jesus cheeto.
Posted by Brian on January 14,2009 | 06:31PM
The penny is there just so you can see the size in comparison to the diamond. If you can make diamonds in a lab, could you even sell the diamonds you found and where would you sell them to?
Posted by kathy on January 14,2009 | 06:32PM
Kendall, the penny is for comparison so you can tell the size of the diamond relative to the size of the penny.
Posted by TM on January 14,2009 | 06:33PM
The penny is to show scale of size of the diamond. Does anyone else know if there are any other atleast semi-precious stones to find there? I read mention of crystals-what kind quartz? garnet or what?
Posted by kevin hatfield on January 14,2009 | 06:33PM
I have been to the Crater of Diamonds park. The Park personnel are pleasant and helpful. there is a visitor center where you can see the underground cone geography. The park itself appears to be an open field but as the article states the entire cone surface encompasses over 80 acres - there are sluices and panning equipment can be rented at the visitor center. Its a great day of fun for kids- If its muddy don't go the blue gray mud well stick to your feet hands everything! Most of the really large finds are made on the surface by people just walking. And the park service routinely uses a bulldozer to plow the open area turning over the soil.
Posted by shunt on January 14,2009 | 06:33PM
I lived in Murfreesboro for several years, and I can tell you that the author needs to do a little better research on Murfreesboro. The conway hotel hasn't been open in years. Rather the Queen of Diamonds Inn (quite new as a matter of fact) the Shamrock hotel and another one whose name escapes me, in additon to the cabins on near by lake Greeson handle the visitors. The area is beautiful, though hunting diamonds is not all that glamorous, but it is a good experience. Salting, lies, claims, the state meddling etc. has long been a part of the park's history.
Posted by Murfreesboro native on January 14,2009 | 06:36PM
Corkery, YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS, CAN YOU?
Posted by henry on January 14,2009 | 06:36PM
Janine g.your father is very lucky to have a loving dougther like you.and im sure your dad loves you very much
Posted by ramiro on January 14,2009 | 06:38PM
Wow I Can't belive it!
Posted by Nicole on January 14,2009 | 06:39PM
the diamond dig is alot of fun.. we didn't find a diamond.. but I brought home a bucket of different colored rocks with me...everyone should go give it a try...take a camera for when everyone gets good and dirty digging..
Posted by Cat K on January 14,2009 | 06:40PM
he just could have gotten a big diamond and smashed it
Posted by eeeeeemma on January 14,2009 | 06:41PM
This is to Kendall from earlier today...with all gems, coins are often used to show the size of the gem...in comparison.
Posted by markds on January 14,2009 | 06:41PM
We spent a couple of days at the park. On the morning of the second day, jmy husband found a 17 point diamond. It is shiny and really nice. We had a Tiffany mounting made and mounted the diamond in it and then on my wedding band. I am very pleased with it. Hope to go back someday. Guess you could say it means more to me than going to the jewelry store.
Posted by janet on January 14,2009 | 06:42PM
Let me see... This guy has been coming for 26 years. I bet he knows what he is looking for. 52 weeks a year times 26 years. I bet he can have a good week. Leave him alone.
Posted by Chris Rasster on January 14,2009 | 06:43PM
The penny shows the size of the stone, but don't worry about it, pretty soon the only minerals we'll need will be lead and gunpowder...
Posted by Bob on January 14,2009 | 06:44PM
DUDE that is awesome. I would love to go to the diamond place,
Posted by Patrick on January 14,2009 | 06:44PM
For Kendall-The penny is there for a size reference. you know what the size of a penny is and so they are using it for comparison to give u an estimate of the size cause everyone's hand size is different. My mind is wasted on to many useless facts.
Posted by Jenn on January 14,2009 | 06:45PM
BEAUTIFUL STORY JAINE,I DROPPED A FEW TEARS
Posted by bill on January 14,2009 | 06:46PM
Wow... 8 grand in the earth... Money in the bank...
Posted by Dan on January 14,2009 | 06:47PM
Kendall, The penny in the hand is for size comparison. Looking at the diamond with nothing near it, makes it hard to judge the size of it. Comparing it to the penny, it still looks like a pretty good-size diamond!
Posted by Jodie on January 14,2009 | 06:48PM
I am not a big fan of diamonds, I think it would be fun to go find a diamond in a park. De Beers has always had the Monopoly on diamonds. Diamonds are not a rare stone, nor or they expensive. De Beers only trickles out a handful every year to make people think they are expensive. They have warehouse full of diamonds. Blah to diamonds
Posted by Not a Diamond friend on January 14,2009 | 06:48PM
What Debeers has done to the industey is awfull anyone looking to find an alteritive should check out apollodiamond i have seen there work, and purchased diamonds from them,had them apraised and they are better in quality than a BLOOD DIAMOND
Posted by Lulu Walter on January 14,2009 | 06:49PM
I had a friend named Dwight here in Austin a about 15 years ago who used to mine crystals in Arkansas. He had some beautiful pieces and could easily have sold them for a fair price and it still would have been a steal...so yeah I believe you can still "mine" some great finds. 32 diamonds in less than a week? He WAS due after all those years of work. I try to be positive but I'm curious as to the outcome of the spectograph. I wish luck to all those seekers of stones and if Dwight is out there somewhere you'll know who you are. If you read this get in touch. Cass
Posted by Cassie Vizard on January 14,2009 | 06:51PM
I went to the Park several years ago with a friend of mine and her 3 children. We spent the whole day there. We had a blast. We dug, we used a sieve and we walked around and stared. All together, we found 4 small pieces of Beryl and I found 1 very small diamond. It certainly was not anything to write home about, but it made my heart swell! I had actually found something. The Beryl pieces were very beautiful. The kids had a blast and their mom said they would be back. I encourage everyone to go if you can. Be prepared to get dirty and wear a hat.
Posted by Julie on January 14,2009 | 06:54PM
The best story I read here is by far the one posted by Janine Guevara on January 14,2009 | 05:47PM Thank you Janine for this heart touching story. May God bless you and show us all to cherish that which we have in hand at this moment and at this time. Because it will never come again.
Posted by Jerry Canning on January 14,2009 | 06:55PM
janine, that was/is a beautiful story.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR PARENTS. I TOO LOST MY STEP FATHER THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING (2007)TO ALZHIMERS.SO I KNOW THE PAIN OF LOSING A LOVED ONE SO SLOWLY. MY MOTHER AND I BOTH WEAR DIAMONDS ON MOST OF OUR FINGERS AND ALTHOUGH THEY EACH HAVE VALUE AND SENTIMENT, RECALLING THE TIMES THROUGHOUT MY LIFE THAT THEY WERE GIVEN TO ME MEANS MUCH MORE THAN THE MONETARY VALUE. YOUR FATHER SOUNDS LIKE A TRUE GEM. PLEASE TELL HIM I THINK HIS WIFE IS A VERY LUCKY WOMAN TO HAVE THAT MEASURE OF LOVE IN HER LIFE. MANY WOMEN LIVE A LIFETIME AND NEVER KNOW WHAT TRUE LOVE HIS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by miss one on January 14,2009 | 06:58PM
i live in arkansas!!
Posted by ecila on January 14,2009 | 06:59PM
Diamonds are a girls best friend and ..... but too many have died in the process. almost as bad as drugs. Diamond park is a super place to take the kids. My memories will be always remembered. No diamonds, but a great time. These diamonds are free and no one dies mining them just so someone can have one on their finger. ALWAYS ASK WHERE YOUR DIAMONDS WERE MINED. I would think the jeweler should be able to tell you.
Posted by raymond on January 14,2009 | 07:00PM
Not only did I find a Diamond at our local beach here in San Diego, But it already had a ring on it. Bill
Posted by Bill Sewing on January 14,2009 | 07:00PM
It could happen. I don't really think he counterfeited them cuz I'm thinking it would actually cost more to make a fake one than what it'd be worth. I don't know. We'll have to see what the authorities come up with I guess!
Posted by Norene on January 14,2009 | 07:06PM
wow i would to visit there one day with my grand kids.and as people say good things come to those who wait.
Posted by jamie on January 14,2009 | 07:08PM
I went there with my little gile we didn't find anything but dirt but she sure had a lot of fun.
Posted by adri on January 14,2009 | 07:11PM
I reccomend not going in summer, it is soooo hot and there are snakes, its a fun trip though when the weather is nice, whether or not you find a diamind
Posted by nina on January 14,2009 | 07:13PM
I, myself, have visited the same diamond mine. I discovered a 51 point white diamond without even digging a hole in the ground. I was out taking pictures of my first diamond hunt location and there it was, lying on the ground. Took it up to be certified and a young girl at the age of 11 found a 1.26 carrot white diamond the same day. So, it is not hard if you want to take the drive. White rough diamonds go for about $10 a point. 51 points is $510. Not to shabby...
Posted by Derek on January 14,2009 | 07:16PM
gosh... can you believe it? just spent 7$ for the entrance then go home with 8000$ in your pocket... wish i could go to Arkansas...
Posted by andy on January 14,2009 | 07:17PM
wonder if i can train a dog to smell diamonds ? ;)
Posted by Les on January 14,2009 | 07:19PM
Kendall, the penny is to give you a known object to compare the size of the diamond to. As you can see, the diamond is one quarter of the size of the penny.
Posted by Frank Black on January 14,2009 | 07:26PM
I went there and all I found was a bunch of mud, but it was fun for the kids. Anything is possible.
Posted by JoAnne on January 14,2009 | 07:32PM
The diamond mine is a wonderful place where we take our students to experience something that is unique to Arkansas. Everyone I know who has found diamonds has found very small ones, but it isn't the size of the diamond that matters to our students, it is the experience. We also have Hot Springs and the Clinton Library, so come on down and pay our state a visit!
Posted by Mrs. Weathers on January 14,2009 | 07:33PM
Kendall, my name too is Kendall. However, unlike you, I know the answer to your question. The penny provides a general source of size reference--everyone knows how big a penny is. Because everyone is familiar with the size of a penny, the general size of the diamond is easier to estimate in a photograph. If it was only the diamond, and no source of size refernce, the diamond could be of any dimension depending on the size and/or scle of the photo. I hope that helps.
Posted by Kendall (a different Kendall) on January 14,2009 | 07:35PM
8,000 only? i thought they would b worth more.
Posted by Kitty Buoy on January 14,2009 | 07:41PM
Yeah well, I found 35 diamonds there in a week!
Posted by Johnny Boyd on January 14,2009 | 07:43PM
i hope i live in arkansas to try my luck, but sad to say i live on the other side of the earth...Philippines.
Posted by girlie on January 14,2009 | 07:46PM
I had visited the diamond mine 1 day on vacation my mother and i thought it would be a good day for my two girls who were 5 and 6 to have fun in the dirt. that day a bus load of kids were having an outing from summer school and i just could not believe one of the 9 years old boy found a diamond we had been there all day and nothing this boy found one in less than 30 minutes i thought it was awesome
Posted by trish alsdurf on January 14,2009 | 07:51PM
Awesome Janine! Tears everywhere. Truly special. Thank you.
Posted by rleigh23 on January 14,2009 | 07:52PM
I would rather have the penny, diamonds are worthless. if everyone knew about debeers, and what they do, you wouldnt pay for one either. if debeers let go of all their diamonds, your 3 carat ring wouldnt be worth a quarter
Posted by jeff beatrice on January 14,2009 | 07:54PM
I say leave that guy who found all those diamonds alone, he took the time to look for them. If he took the time, he earned them. I've carved walrus ivory and fossil whalebone since 1984. Most of the time it's been hard work, and I sold most of my stuff with tears because no one paid the price for them. You have to look at the blood and sweat behind all those hours to appreciate what one has put into something.
Posted by twilly gosuk on January 14,2009 | 07:57PM
Well: 1. Blake's denial of a connection to India certainly is suspicious. However: 2. People do like to reuse photos when selling things - anyone should take a gander at eBay if they doubt me. So, I don't know.
Posted by God on January 14,2009 | 07:58PM
I have also been to the diamond mine in Arkansas. If any one is planning to go just a few words of advice don't go in the summer time. We did and it did get very hot in that area.They did tell visitors of heat in the summer days. Other than that it was fun if you like being in dirt all day.
Posted by AmyBeth on January 14,2009 | 07:59PM
I have been to the mine 3 times now. So far nothing and as some have said, you can look for weeks or longer and not find a thing, yet some have walked in bent over and there it is. While luck plays a big factor, the key is it is down right "FUN". I dont know if it is the thrill that you might find something, or just playing in dirt and mud, lol. If you have not gone. Go even if to just enjoy the experience.
Posted by Rocky on January 14,2009 | 08:06PM
You all need to get off his case. The people complaining about his find are simply jealous. Who cares if he planted a diamond. He has not profited from this. His find has brought more publicity for the park and has not hurt its reputation.
Posted by Jimmy on January 14,2009 | 08:09PM
More power to him.Prospecting that long he deserves it.It usualy takes a lot of dedication and many shovels to get lucky. Just ask Shirley Strawn how many shovels of dirt and serucas she went through before she found the "BIG ONE".
Posted by Daniel on January 14,2009 | 08:25PM
Janine Guevara, what a beautiful story! Wear your mothers ring with pride as I am sure she would have wanted you to have it too, and pass it on to your kids! Thanks for the story.
Posted by Veegee on January 14,2009 | 08:26PM
I'm thinking to go there when is good time of there year to go there ? how much the night will cost at the hotel?
Posted by Mariam on January 14,2009 | 08:26PM
One also has to remember that when you cut a stone, you lose from 30% to 50% of the rough weight, so, for instance, a 3 carat piece of rough might only yield a 1.3 cut diamond. Even smaller if there is a big flaw they have to cut around.
Posted by Veegee on January 14,2009 | 08:30PM
Henry, Bob, and Bill are hilarious. Loved your comments. Adore your sense of humor. Keep it up. LMAO! Could eveyone please stop trying to explain why the penny is in the hand? If they didn't get the answer the first time then we all know why they even asked the question. I visited when I was a child, think it's time to return! :)
Posted by Renee on January 14,2009 | 08:30PM
janine, i feel that same way about diamonds. i cherish the wedding set that my husband bought for me. it is not the largest or the smallest but it is just perfect for me and my memories. i love they way it looks in the sun and i love that it is durable enough to withstand the abuse i put through if something were to happen to it i would be truly heartbroken, nothing can replace the memories a marriage has seen, nothing. thanks for sharing your story with everyone.
Posted by nichole on January 14,2009 | 08:33PM
wow you could actually find stones in that place...that is so cool...i want to go ^_^
Posted by mary on January 14,2009 | 08:34PM
Well:I found a half caret diamond,no flaws,perfect stone ,APPRAISED AT $5,000.00 at Aladdins in 2001 on the floor in front of a slot machine.If the man has the luck ,god bless him .If the diamonds are blood diamonds or fakes ,he'll get caught sooner or later.
Posted by Joseph morehouse on January 14,2009 | 08:34PM
There is always a diamond in our family.so treasure it!
Posted by Tom on January 14,2009 | 08:39PM
Many of you have cute stories....It sounds like this could be a fun afternoon with family and friends even if you don't find diamonds. I'm in Virginia and will go there to visit one of these years.
Posted by Liz on January 14,2009 | 08:41PM
I was reading some of the comments and I was AMAZED by the number of people who had something negative to say.. People, in general, need to learn to NOT jump to conclusion before they know they WHOLE story.. In other words read ALL of the article before you comment... and if you still don't get the idea of it.. well then either get some more education on how to comprehend what your reading better, or don't say anything at all!
Posted by Barbara A Jones on January 14,2009 | 08:43PM
I am sorry about your mom Janine just thing about the good times and keep your dad company GOD BLESS YOU
Posted by lupita palafox on January 14,2009 | 08:46PM
Wow! how amazing this is I believe that they should leave this man alone he was just amazing enough && lucky enough to find something soooo GREAT! =))
Posted by Rachel=) on January 14,2009 | 08:47PM
Wow, I dont know what to believe...If that guy realy did pull out 32 diamonds out of the ground thats just really hard to believe. Plus what are the chances anyone could even found 1 diamond??? i think this is somewhat real and somewhat fake. dont no what to say...even though this article makes me wanna dig for damonds...but just for the fun of it and hopefully maybe i would find one =D
Posted by ryan on January 14,2009 | 08:48PM
There are severe social and environmental impacts associated with diamond mining. C5 carries both ethically sourced and lab-grown gems. Learn more at www.C5company.com Wear Your Commitment.
Posted by Meghan on January 14,2009 | 08:49PM
As a life long resident of Arkansas, I must say that the perception of Arkansans being toothless and cousin marrying is totally stupid on the part of the one who said it earlier. Anyone who has even visited this state knows that Arkansans are some of the friendliest people in the country. We are sick and tired of the stereotypes. OK. Enough time has been wasted on this ignorance. I live in the small community of Daisy where I own a restaurant. It is located about 20 miles from the park on Lake Greeson. I try to get to the Diamond Mine at least once per month. I have found a few diamonds, but none have been very large. .35 carat is the largest I have found. I enjoy the this area. We have great fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming...and mining. We also have some great dining here too.
Posted by Paul Doster on January 14,2009 | 08:50PM
This is to Kevin Hatfield. My Husbands mother is a Hatfield, of the Hatfields & Mccoys. Is that your ancestors also? Where are you from? Might be related! Our relatives ( Frederick Hatfield) Homesteaded in Swan Valley Idaho . Marcella
Posted by Marcella on January 14,2009 | 08:51PM
"Its too bad the earth is not "billions" of years old." Posted by Sergey well just to let u know the earth is 4.6 Billion years old really humans have on been on earth for a bout (learned this in science) The clock has 12 hours and 60 mins in 1 hour and 60 seconds in one min NOW humans only make up of 1 second of Earths history on a clock out of 24 hours
Posted by Jake on January 14,2009 | 08:52PM
Murfreesboro native.....I would have to say that the Author did a fine job of researching this story. You probably just need to do a better job of paying attention. The Author was referring to The Conway Hotel in relation to the years in and around 1906. I would imagine that those were NOT the "several years" that you lived there, due to that being 103 years ago! No where in the article does it refer to that Hotel being "the place" to stay. I doubt there is "a tent city" still standing either! I can't wait to visit!
Posted by Mama Stacy on January 14,2009 | 08:54PM
Hmmm...I think I'd have better luck at taking seven dollars to the casino and hitting on a slot machine than I would at finding a measely diamond. After it cost me a bunch in gas to drive 850 miles plus the cost of food and hotel fees,I'd probably walk away from the site with nothing but muddy clothes. I'll let someone else waste their time digging.
Posted by iloveemeralds on January 14,2009 | 08:59PM
man one of these days i'm going to go there and strike it rich my self. Also, if i find over 10k worth i will give at least 2,000 dollars to the cancer research foundation
Posted by christian on January 14,2009 | 09:01PM
now thats what i call a party favor...
Posted by christina on January 14,2009 | 09:09PM
salted from day 1?
Posted by Joseph on January 14,2009 | 09:13PM
Someone may have said this already, but I didn't have time to read all of the comments. The penny is to show the relative size of the diamond. Also, Janine G, my husband was in the navy & served on the Enterprise, too!
Posted by Meaghan on January 14,2009 | 09:14PM
Man that sounds so stupid, picking up 32 diamonds in less than a week. What a rip!
Posted by Jessie on January 14,2009 | 09:14PM
Talk about fun? I'd rather be dancing and dinning or at the opera. Diamonds and opera both make me cry. But who found a diamond? Me. .75 and I'm keeping it! I'm still crying intermittently with joy! I'll hold my "chip" and pounce for opera tickets! Life is a hidden joy! And now I can show disbelievers the key to good opera seats is fortune found by shear dumb luck!
Posted by Jenna on January 14,2009 | 09:17PM
IF THIS GUY FOUND ALL THOSE DIAMONDS IN A SHORT TIME, GOOD FOR HIM, IF HE DIDNT AND ITS A SCAM, HE WILL GET HIS
Posted by LORI on January 14,2009 | 09:21PM
We happened upon crater park on our vacation this summer. We went in with no expectations and the whole family had a great time. The admission price is reasonable. The cost to rent a bucket shovel and a metal screen kit was also reasonable and well worth the cost. It really was a fun experience. They also have a very nice water park designed for younger kids and a campsite for anything from a tent to an RV.
Posted by paul on January 14,2009 | 09:50PM
I see the Diamond Mine as a chance for people to work together and enjoy nature. I really enjoyed reading the lovely blogs above and will always remember the Kinder ones as we need to be more Human and not so distrusting about those whom may have had good fortune at the Diamond Field! I hope everybody finds thousands of Diamonds there and everyone that goes there gets wealthy! Good Hunting is all I have to say, Doc. Bennett
Posted by Jerry Bennett on January 14,2009 | 10:06PM
Diamonds are forever... For me, diamonds are my love ones. But they don't live long... Just take a look around you and they are everywhere... talking about $10 per point?.... maybe its nice to have diamond hunting... with your love ones. just want to add my diamonds. Cool huh.
Posted by Ernie on January 14,2009 | 10:08PM
To Sergey: "Fundamental(ist) plans" are not carried out by liberals. It's the conservatives, the right-wingers, the "moral majority" evangelicals that deny evolution and claim that the earth is only 6,000 years old who are the fundamentalists and are thus the ones carrying out the plans of the NWO. To Murfreesboro Native: Your criticism of the author is misguided. So what if the conway hotel has been closed for a long time? It is only mentioned historically in the article, so unless it was actually closed BEFORE 1906, your complaint is invalid.
Posted by Gary In Tucson on January 14,2009 | 10:24PM
Thank you Mr.Brendan Borrell Nice article, I wish one day I would also try my luck in this park, seems very interesting way to find diamonds :)
Posted by Malay Hirani on January 15,2009 | 04:24AM
My family and I travelled cross country by RV a couple of years ago. My son saw craters of diamonds on the travel channel and wanted to go. It's out of the way, but we went. It was really a fun thing to do the with the kids. The campground is really great and believe it or not there's a fabulous pool with water activites (not deeper than 3 feet, but it was so hot my husband and I just sat in the pool for over a 1/2 hour just cooling off after our day of diamond digging!) The diamond digging was fun too - although no diamonds. We had fun joking about it. Although it's out of the way, I'd recommend it to anyone, can't say you went mining for diamonds everyday!
Posted by donna on January 15,2009 | 05:25AM
can you imagine how much money this park is making? forget the diamonds, tell people they can find diamonds wherever, and you've struck it rich right there.
Posted by thisdude on January 15,2009 | 07:45AM
Are diamonds found alone or in clusters like many other gem stones?
Posted by 1 old goat on January 15,2009 | 12:40PM