An extinct volcano in Arkansas hosts the only public diamond mine on Earth
5 days ago
- #diamonds
- #mining
- #Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas allows the public to dig for diamonds and keep what they find.
- The park sits on an ancient volcanic pipe that brought diamonds to the surface around 100 million years ago.
- Commercial mining attempts from 1906 to 1972 failed due to low diamond concentration.
- Arkansas chose to maintain the site as a public park instead of leasing it to a mining company.
- Visitors have found over 35,000 diamonds since the park opened in 1972.
- The park operates on a 'finders keepers' policy with no revenue sharing or restrictions.
- The search area is regularly tilled to bring new material to the surface.
- Visitors can use basic tools, either rented or brought along, but motor-driven equipment is prohibited.
- A travel blogger noted a mix of casual visitors and serious diggers with various equipment.
- Diamonds found can be small; for example, 10 nuggets might sell for around $15 on Etsy.