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Explore 10 Hidden Shiny Facts About Diamond Mine in Arkansas

Imagine stumbling upon a shiny gem that turns out to be a real diamond — sounds like a fairytale, right? Well, not in Arkansas! This state is not just rich in natural beauty but also in diamonds, making it a hidden gem, quite literally. Now, get this: the diamond mine in Arkansas isn’t just a spectacle to behold; it’s a treasure trove where you can play miner for a day and maybe find a sparkler to call your own.

Back in 1906, the first diamond discovery sparked a “diamond rush,” transforming Arkansas into a dazzling hotspot. And here’s the kicker: at Crater of Diamonds State Park, you’re not just sightseeing; you’re on a mission to hunt for your very own diamond. So, grab your gear, and let’s dig into the sparkling world of of diamond mining in Arkansas — who knows, you might just hit the jackpot!

Crater of Diamonds State Park, a 911-acre park in Arkansas, is famous for its 37.5-acre plowed field – one of the few diamond-bearing sites open to the public. For a comfortable visit, the park offers amenities like picnic areas and water fountains. While open year-round, spring and fall offer pleasant weather.

Well, it is more fun to know about the Crater of Diamonds State Park by actually visiting it, so now you must be wondering what this blog is going to offer to you.

In this blog, we’ll dig out some of the most intriguing facts about Crater of Diamonds State Park, which is a very popular diamond mine in Arkansas and also in the world. Let’s mine in!

Fact 1: Historical Marker

Starting right up with the historical marker at the diamond mine in Arkansas. Tucked away at coordinates 34°1′59″N 93°40′13″W, you’ll find a historical marker that’s more than just a signpost. It’s a nod to the spot where diamonds first sparkled on the surface, catching the eye of a farmer kicking off a full-blown “diamond rush.” He soon became known as the “Diamond King,” and his land became the stuff of legends. Before it was a marker, this was just another patch of earth — until those shiny stones turned it into a symbol of dreams.

Today, this marker stands as a tribute to the earth’s glittering bounty and the diamond mine in Arkansas that started it all. It’s not just a piece of history; it’s a symbol of the natural wealth beneath our feet. And while the diamond rush is a tale of the past, the marker ensures the story — and the search for precious gems — continues into the future.

Fact 2: The “Uncle Sam” Diamond

The Uncle Sam diamond not only boasts the title of the largest diamond found in the U.S. but also carries a tale as grand as its size. In 1924, they discovered this gem, which tipped the scales at a hefty 40.23 carats before they cut it. Is it home? None other than Murfreesboro, Arkansas, at what was then the Prairie Creek pipe mine and is now the famed Crater of Diamonds State Park.

This whopper of a diamond was named after its finder’s nickname, Wesley Oley Basham, affectionately known as “Uncle Sam”. The stone’s journey didn’t end there; it underwent a transformation at the hands of expert cutters, emerging as a dazzling 12.42-carat emerald-cut gem. Today, the Uncle Sam diamond resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, sharing its sparkle alongside other legendary gems.

The “Uncle Sam” diamond is the largest diamond ever found at this diamond mine in Arkansas.

Fact 3: Amarillo Starlight Diamond

The Amarillo Starlight diamond’s tale is as captivating as its sparkle. Unearthed in 1975 by W.W. Johnson, a visitor from Texas, this gem was a showstopper at a whopping 16.37 carats. It wasn’t just any find; it was the largest diamond a park visitor had discovered since the diamond mine in Arkansas opened its gates to the public in 1972.

Fast forward, and the Amarillo Starlight transformed. The stone cutter cut it from its original impressive weight to create a stunning 7.54-carat marquise, a shape known for its boat-like elegance. This gem’s journey from the soil of Arkansas to a cut of such finesse is a testament to the park’s unique offerings. And let’s not forget, this diamond’s value has been estimated to be between $150,000 and $175,000 — talk about striking it rich!

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