EIGHTH GRADER FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE FINDS 2.70-CARAT DIAMOND AT ARKANSAS’S CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
Sparkling White Diamond Resembling a Miniature Cube of Ice Is Dubbed the Arkansas Ice
Deep in a footprint Slowik noticed a sparkling 2.70-carat white diamond that resembles a miniature cube of ice.
Over the years stories have been told at the
Crater of Diamonds State Park about visitors who found diamonds in the footprints of other park visitors. On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 14-year-old Peter Slowik of
Strafford, New Hampshire, did just that as he was
surface searching with his dad in the park’s 37 ½-acre diamond search area near the south washing pavilion. Deep in a footprint Slowik noticed a sparkling 2.70-carat white diamond that resembles a miniature cube of ice. And so, he chose to name his diamond the Arkansas Ice.
According to Park Superintendent Justin Dorsey, “Peter Slowik’s diamond is so clear, just like a piece of ice. And, it’s so brilliant that when we looked at it under the microscope, its color even has an icy blue look to it.” He said, “I think when Peter chose to call it the Arkansas Ice, he gave his diamond the perfect name.”
Dorsey noted that Slowik included the word Arkansas in the name because he always wanted to remember this unique experience at the park. Dorsey emphasized, “This is such a great story—to have something like this happen to an eighth grader. What a memory! And, what a legacy since he plans to keep his diamond and pass it down through his family.”
According to Dorsey, “This year has been a good one for our park visitors. There have been many big diamond finds. In fact, nine diamonds have weighed over one carat. And, Peter’s 2.70-carat diamond is the 200th diamond found here so far this year.”
On average, there are two diamond finds a day at the Crater of Diamonds. Diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow. The three most common colors found at the park are white, brown and yellow, in that order.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only diamond-producing site open to the public. The park’s diamond search area—a 37 ½-acre plowed field—is the eroded surface of the world’s eighth largest, diamond-bearing deposit in surface area. The field is plowed regularly by park staff to bring more diamonds to the surface. The park policy is finder-keepers. What park visitors find in the diamond search area is theirs to keep.
The park staff provides free identification and certification of diamonds. Park interpretive programs and exhibits explain the site’s geology and history and offer tips on recognizing diamonds in the rough.
Other semi-precious gems and minerals found at the Crater of Diamonds include amethyst, garnet, peridot, jasper, agate, calcite, barite, and quartz. Over 40 different rocks and minerals are unearthed at the Crater making it a rock hound's delight.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is located two miles southeast of Murfreesboro. It is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
14-year-old Peter Slowik of Strafford, New Hampshire poses with his dad and the Arkansas Ice.
