New diamond mining exhibit installed at the Crater

by Waymon Cox

  Greetings from Crater of Diamonds State Park!  In addition to attending an interpretive program or daily mining demonstration, visitors to the Crater now have another opportunity to learn how to search for diamonds at the park, with the recent completion of a new diamond mining video exhibit!

  The exhibit is located in the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center and features pushbuttons for two videos and a large, high-definition television, suitable for viewing by individuals, families, and groups.  Park maintenance did a great job of building the display window and a room to house the video equipment.

  The two instructional videos in the exhibit illustrate surface searching, dry sifting, and wet sifting diamond hunting methods.  They are concise, but detailed enough to answer many questions visitors may have, like the appearance of rough diamonds and the benefits of each method.  We are currently planning a third video about diamond mining equipment available for rent at the park.

  For park interpreters, one of the most vital missions at the Crater is to teach people how to look for diamonds.  In addition to programs and demonstrations, this exhibit will be a powerful tool to help prepare thousands of visitors for a unique park experience.  It’s also one we hope you’ll take advantage of during your next visit! 

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Search area last plowed:  October 20, 2011

Most recent significant precipitation:  January 25, 2012

Diamond finds for January 15 - 21, 2012 (100 points = one carat):

January 15 - David Anderson, Murfreesboro, AR, 14 pt. white; Timothy Gray, Royal, AR, 8 pt. brown

January 16 - Timothy Gray, Royal, AR, 3 pt. yellow

January 18 - Joanie Weitzel, Albert Lea, MN, 9 pt. yellow

January 19 - David Anderson, Murfreesboro, AR, 5 pt. white