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Crater of Diamonds. Digging for Diamonds Best How to Guide.
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Updated: April 2024
If you have never been digging for diamonds, now’s the time! This is such a unique adventure that could pay off in a big way. Or at minimum, it can be a fun new activity to enjoy.
Before grabbing your shovel, read this article to uncover all the secrets to successful diamond-digging.
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Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas
One of the few places in the world where you can mine for diamonds and KEEP what you find is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
Hunt for treasures in our 37-acre dirt field and keep anything you discover! Finders, Keepers. But before you set out on your adventure, take a look at our visit tips…
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Diamond Digging Preparations
What’s the perfect outfit and gear for a diamond hunt? Do we opt for adorable overalls, sturdy boots, gloves, or even a trusty shovel?
On the warmer days, dress to keep cool, but also keep the legs covered (to protect from dirt and rocks). Boots are a good choice when walking the dirt fields. On cooler days, wear plenty of layers that can be taken off as you warm up in the sun.
No equipment purchase is necessary prior to visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park. For our trip, we reserved a campsite for Sunday night and left on Saturday after quickly purchasing groceries.
Arrival at Crater of Diamonds State Park
As we pulled into Crater of Diamonds, we saw the other “miners” preparing to dig. Decked out in full gear, layers of clothes, overalls tucked into big boots, loaded backpacks, and wagons full of equipment, they were fully prepped… and a little intimidating.
Our first stop was the visitor’s center where we purchased our mine tickets for $10 per person. We also picked up some souvenirs before returning to the van to prepare for the fields. We were excited to learn that dogs are permitted on the field, so we brought our furry friend, Penny, along with us.
After slipping on my 2 layers of pants, 3 shirts, jacket, hat, and gloves, I was ready to go! We were relieved to see they offered mining equipment rental just before entering the mining field ($12 for a basic set of 2 sifters, a shovel, and a bucket, plus a $45 refundable deposit).
Bigger, more expensive, rental sets are available. We agreed the simple set would fit our needs. Although, in hindsight, we didn’t need them at all.
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Methods of Digging for Diamonds
Situated in the equipment rental area are multiple displays that educate you on the various stones you may find in the field. In addition to providing visitor information, the center also features a room with exhibits showcasing the appearance of a raw diamond.
We were so pumped to hit the field that we completely skipped the essential educational material. Sadly, that approach didn’t work well and is not advised.
Just five minutes in, and we were already scouring our phones for videos on what to spot and how to spot it.
Robert’s preferred method was the “walk and look.” This method worked for a local 14-year-old who found a 7.44-carat diamond after 30 minutes of walking. Unfortunately, Robert wasn’t as lucky with this approach.
I began with the dig and sift method. Because of the dirt conditions, this method didn’t work well.
We later learned it is wise to know when the last rainfall and plowing occurred when determining when and how to search for a diamond. Recent rains and plowing can bring diamonds to the surface.
I found the method that worked best for me was crawling on my hands and knees, playing in the top inch of loose soil to look for gems and diamonds.
Diamond Digging at Crater of Diamonds
I had low expectations of finding a diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park. But, because of my love of unique and pretty rocks, this method kept me occupied for hours in hopes of finding one of the other commonly found gems and minerals- amethyst, agate, jasper, quartz, and barite.
When I first caught a glimpse of something shiny, my heart skipped a beat. Because it was small and jagged, I decided it was likely a piece of glass. I gently laid it next to all of my saved stones for identification later.
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The second glint I saw was a bit different. It was very small and round, so I crossed my fingers and placed it in a small paper bag for safekeeping.
Cleaning stations are available to wash your sifted materials. Although you can keep any rocks/gems/diamonds you find, you must leave all dirt behind. “Finders, Keepers” is the rule on all rocks, gems, stones, and diamonds.
After digging up a storm, we skipped the rock cleaning station and dashed off to the identification center.
Diamond Digging Results
I placed my first shiny object onto the mat, to which the identification lady immediately said “glass” without hesitation. I expected that.
When questioned about the frequency of glass discoveries, she nonchalantly gestured towards a hefty container labeled “GLASS” sitting to her left.
Next, I pulled out the small paper bag with my prized piece in it, carefully opened it, and slid out my second shiny object. She looked, hesitated, tilted her head, wrinkled her nose a little, then declared- “GLASS.”
Fine. But I’m keeping my diamond. Not bad for my first time digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
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Final Thoughts on Crater of Diamonds
Overall, Crater of Diamonds was an affordable, fun experience for all ages…and dogs! For the 2 of us, $32 for hours of fun and hopes of being one of the 1-2 people a day that find a diamond was well worth it!
I enjoyed my time at this park and with my “diamond” in tow (and a bag full of pretty rocks/gems/stones), we retired to the campsite for the night to enjoy some dinner, drinks, and relaxation inside Crater of Diamonds State Park.
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What a fun activity! I love doing outdoor activities that involve searching or foraging for things, this sounds like such a good time (regardless of whether “real” diamonds are found or not :)). Thank you for sharing!
That sounds like a fun activity! I recently started to look out for gold in rivers/creeks during our camping trips with a good success rate. Nothing that will pay hugely, but fun to do anyway 🙂
I’d absolutely give this a try!
I’m not versed enough to search in the rivers yet, but hope to learn and explore that one day!