How to Search for Diamonds in Crater of Diamonds State Park

Co-authored by Sam Lagor, MSc

Last Updated: January 6, 2023 References Approved

When visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, there are three popular methods of searching for diamonds: Surface searching, dry sifting, and wet sifting. The more you know about each option, the more enjoyable your stay will be at the world's only public diamond mine!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Surface Searching

1
Choose a small area to search in.
2
Look closely on top of the soil for diamonds uncovered by rain or wind. Do not move anything until the surface of your spot has been surveyed.^{[1]
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Research source} Use a hands lens or magnifying glass to help you find rocks off all sizes.

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3
Search underneath rocks and dirt clods for diamonds.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dry Sifting

1
Select a spot on the search area that has loose, dry soil.
2
Pour only two handfuls (or scoops) of dry dirt into your sifting screen at one time.^{[3]
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3
Sift the dirt through your screen with a quick agitating motion over one spot.^{[4]
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4
Spread out remaining gravel and search for a diamond!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wet Sifting

1
Dig a bucketful of dirt from the search area and carry it to one of the provided washing pavilions.
2
Pour part of the dirt into a sifting screen, until soil mounds over its top.
3
Sift all loose soil from your screen in water with a quick agitating motion.^{[5]
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4
Remove all material larger than about one-quarter inch from your screen.
5
Hold the frame of your screen on both sides around the center and lower it evenly into the water about one-half inch.
6
Quickly rock your screen back-and-forth, until water washes small materials toward the center of your screen.
7
Balance the screen on your fingertips, submerging it in water, and tap it up and down until the water spreads your material out into an even layer again.
8
Turn your screen one-quarter turn.
9
Repeat steps 6-8 for about one minute (eight or ten repetitions). Rock it, tap it, and turn it!^{[6]
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10
Tap the screen one more time in the water to spread the materials out.
11
Remove your screen from the water, and allow water to drain from your screen for a few seconds.
12
Flip your screen upside-down in a smooth motion over a flat surface, landing it evenly (like turning a cake from a pan).
13
Search the surface of your gravel pile for diamonds, especially focusing on the center!

Expert Q&A

Question

If I found a raw diamond, how do I authenticate it at home?

Sam Lagor, MSc
Geologist
Sam Lagor is a Geologist with over eight years of experience. He specializes in engineering geology (dams, bridges, and tunnels) and mineral exploration (gold, lead/zinc, andindustrial minerals). Sam holds a BS in Geology from St. Lawrence University and an MS in Geology from The University of Vermont. He is also a member of the Geological Society of America and the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Sam Lagor, MSc

Geologist

Expert Answer

One way you can see if a diamond is real is to check its hardiness. Diamonds are a 10 on the hardiness scale, which means they are the strongest mineral. Scratch the stone in question on various surfaces, like a copper penny, glass plate, or ceramic disc. If the stone can scratch these items, it could be a real diamond.
Question

What method of searching has resulted in finding the most diamonds?

Community Answer

Wet sifting is the most successful way of finding diamonds.
Question

What are the round sifting screens called?

Community Answer

Sifting screens are called "classifiers", because they are used to "classify" the soil in different grades of fineness. They're often used by people searching for gold, silver, and gems, including diamonds.

Warnings

Diamond mining is hard work! Drink plenty of water while searching, especially during hot days. The search area is handicap accessible, but keep any physical limitations in mind when choosing which method of searching is best for you.

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