In a stunning find, a 4.87-carat diamond, the largest discovered in nearly three years, emerged from the renowned Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism recently shared the details of this remarkable discovery, highlighting the captivating allure of the park for diamond enthusiasts.
The story unfolds with Jerry Evans of Lepanto, who, just ten minutes into his first visit to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, stumbled upon a dazzling treasure without even realizing it. Accompanied by his girlfriend, Evans embarked on a diamond-hunting adventure at the renowned park, known for allowing visitors to search for diamonds in a designated area.
During their exploration, Evans picked up what he initially thought was a clear piece of glass from the top of a plowed ridge. With the excitement of the moment, he placed the find in his pocket, along with other items collected during their visit. Little did he know that what he considered a potential piece of glass held the secret of being a genuine 4.87-carat diamond.
Reflecting on the discovery, Evans shared, “I thought it might be a piece of glass, it was so clear. I really didn’t know. We were picking up everything thinking it was a diamond.” This sentiment captures the essence of the diamond-searching experience at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, where the untrained eye can easily overlook the true nature of these precious gems.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park stands out as a unique destination, offering visitors the opportunity to unearth diamonds and other gemstones. The park’s open-access diamond search area has turned diamond prospecting into a thrilling activity for both locals and tourists. The excitement of finding a genuine diamond, combined with the picturesque surroundings, contributes to the park’s popularity.
Arkansas is home to one of the rare diamond-bearing sites globally that is open to the public, adding to the allure of the Crater of Diamonds State Park. The recent discovery, being the largest in nearly three years, adds another chapter to the rich history of the park and underscores the ongoing potential for visitors to make significant finds.
The news of Evans’ discovery is likely to resonate within the community of diamond enthusiasts, inspiring others to try their luck at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered beneath the plowed ridges of this unique and accessible diamond-bearing site in Arkansas.