Crater of Diamonds Newsletter

Visitors Enjoyed Crater Gem and Mineral Show

By Margi Jenks

Mickey Phillips displays his faceted gems at the Crater Gem and Mineral Show on Saturday.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park was more sparkly than usual on Saturday, June 5, 2010. Visitors enjoyed a visual treat looking at and purchasing the wares of 7 vendors who came from Louisiana, Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas to participate in our Crater Gem and Mineral Show.

Four of the 7 vendors were local area businesses. Jeanine’s Fine Jewelry, from Nashville, brought sparkling jewelry. Russell Flaherty, of Murfreesboro and Hot Springs, had gorgeous wire-wrap pendants made from Crater of Diamonds agates. Glenn Worthington, from Murfreesboro, sold the third edition of his book and DVD, Genuine Diamonds Found in Arkansas. A father and son pair from Hot Springs, Aaron and Obe Willix, had piles of lovely tumbled and polished rocks. In addition, Mike Howard from the Arkansas Geological Survey identified a number of specimens that were brought in by our visitors.

From Louisiana Larry Maguire exhibited and demonstrated all kinds of lovely polished rocks made into wire-wrap pendants. Kevin Aroind and his wife, from Arizona showcased mineral specimens and fossils. The largest display came from Tyler, Texas, and was a treat for the eyes. Mickey Phillips (M Designs) brought a large display of his faceted gems, everything from watermelon tourmaline to rubies and sapphires.

This year was the first time in several years that the Crater of Diamonds has held a Gem and Mineral Show. With this success, next year we hope to expand the show to two days. Because our visitor center will be open for business by next summer, we also hope to bring more vendors with an even larger variety of beautiful, sparkling and fascinating gems and minerals.

Larry Maguire exhibits and demonstrates polished rocks made into wire-wrap pendants during Saturday's Crater Gem and Mineral Show.

Search area last plowed: May 27, 2010, Last major rain: June 6, 2010

Total diamonds so far in 2010 - 261

Diamonds registered May 31th^th to June 6th (100 pts. = 1 carat):

May 31 - Malgozate Kluch, Warsaw, Poland, 4 pt. yellow; Zbignew Kluch, Chicago, IL, 5 pt. white

June 1 - Kenny and Melissa Oliver, Rosston, AR 6 pt. white; Beth Gilbertson, Salida, CO, 3 pt. brown, 15 pt. white

June 2 - Rebecca Millender, Dallas, TX, 10 pt. white; Kenneth Shoemaker, Murfreesboro, AR, 1 pt. yellow, 1 pt. white, 2 pt. white, 4 pt. white

June 3 - No diamonds registered

June 4 - Meagan Rouse, Olive Branch, MS, 57 pt. brown

June 5 and 6 - No diamonds registered