Crater of Diamonds Newsletter

Crater geologic map

Looking at the Crater landscape in a different way

Have you ever wondered why the rocks in your garden are different from those in your friends across town? Over my years as a geologist many people have told me that they have thought of similar questions. So, they also enjoy learning the stories behind the different types of rocks and about geology, the study of the Earth’s history. The Crater is a unique geologic place—only one other area in the United States has diamonds, the Stateline Province of Wyoming and Colorado. So, the Crater, because it is in Arkansas, provides the closest opportunity for most people in the Eastern United States to visit a real diamond mine in the crater of a volcano.

However, the Crater volcano is just a small part of the overall geologic history of this part of southwest Arkansas. For those of you that would like to learn more about the geologic history of both the diamond mine and the surrounding area, you are invited to attend a workshop at the diamond mine on Sunday, September 16^th, from 1:00-4:00 PM.

The workshop has two parts. We are pleased that Doug Hansen, a geologist from the Arkansas Geological Survey and an expert on the geologic history of southwest Arkansas, will take part in the workshop. His presentation will set the stage for the period of southwest Arkansas geologic history that included the eruption of the Crater volcano. Then, I will zero in with a presentation on history of the particular volcanic eruption that created the Crater.

However, listening to presentations is not as much fun as actually looking at the rocks where they are exposed. So, Doug and I will lead a field trip to visit some of the more interesting local geologic areas. First, we will go out on the diamond mine and look at the different types of rocks that resulted from the Crater volcanic eruption. Then, Doug will lead us to several stops in the Murfreesboro area that show the rocks that were formed before and after the Crater eruption.

The workshop costs $10.00 per person. Please wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, put on sunscreen, and bring a hat and a bottle of water. The workshop presentations will be held at the Diamond Discovery Center classroom, and the field trip to the Murfreesboro area will be in private cars. Attendees will pay for the workshop at the front desk of the park’s visitor center.

Another item of interest, this time for your TV viewing calendar, is the upcoming new CNBC special called “The Diamond Rush”. A segment of the broadcast was filmed at the Crater and features the diamond search area and park staff. Also, long time diamond miner, Glenn Worthington is shown with his largest two diamond finds. The segment airs twice on Monday, August 27th, at 8PM and again at 11PM central time. The following link contains more information about the broadcast: http://www.cnbc.com/id/48443306.

Search area last plowed: July 18, 2012; Most recent significant rainstorms: July 26, 2012, 1.7 inches

August 7 - Sara Laros, Murfreesboro, AR, 2 pt. white, 2 pt. white, 6 pt. white, 8 pt. brown, 26 pt. white, 31 pt. brown

August 8 - Marissa Parker, New Richmond, OH, 16 pt. white; Shelby Parker, New Richmond, OH, 22 pt. white