Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, valued for their beauty, durability, and rarity. While they are often associated with far-off places like Africa and Russia, did you know that diamonds are actually found in the United States as well?
Here Are 3 Places Diamonds Are Found In The United States
That’s right! There are several locations throughout the country where diamond deposits can be found, and with a bit of effort and know-how, anyone can try their hand at finding these precious gems. These places include:
Kelsey Place- Colorado
Crater of Diamonds- Arkansas
Herkimer Diamond Mines- New York
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at where diamonds are found in the United States and explore the various methods that people use to search for them. Whether you’re a seasoned prospector or just looking for a unique adventure, there’s no better time to discover the diamond deposits that lie hidden in the American landscape.
Places Diamonds Have Been Found In The USA
Kelsey Place- Colorado
Kelsey Lake, located in Colorado, is one of the few places in the United States where diamonds have been found in significant quantities. The area was first discovered to have diamond deposits in the late 1970s, when geologists from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) identified kimberlite pipes in the region – a type of volcanic rock that often contains diamonds.
In 1980, the Colorado State Land Board leased the land to Mile High Resources, which began mining the site for diamonds. However, initial attempts to extract the gems proved challenging, with the diamonds often too small to be commercially viable. It wasn’t until 1996 that a significant diamond find was made – a 28.3-carat gemstone, one of the largest ever found in the United States. This discovery sparked renewed interest in the Kelsey Lake site, with a rush of prospectors descending on the area in the hopes of striking it rich.
Despite the promising results, mining at Kelsey Lake has been sporadic, with several periods of inactivity over the years. The site has changed hands multiple times, and different companies have experimented with various methods of diamond extraction, including both open-pit and underground mining. As of 2021, the Kelsey Lake site is currently inactive, but the history of diamond hunting at the location serves as a testament to the potential for diamond deposits to be found in unexpected places across the United States.
Crater of Diamonds- Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is “hunting ground” for diamonds, and is the only place in the world where you can go there for free and keep anything you find. The history of diamond hunting in this area dates back over a century.
The first diamond discovered in the area was found in 1906 by John Wesley Huddleston, a farmer who owned the land. The discovery sparked a diamond rush, and soon prospectors from all over the country began descending on the area in the hopes of striking it rich.
In 1972, the state of Arkansas purchased the land and turned it into a state park, allowing visitors to search for diamonds for a small fee. The park has since become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the world coming to try their luck at finding a diamond.
Over the years, many impressive diamond finds have been made at the Crater of Diamonds. In 1924, a 40.23-carat diamond known as the Uncle Sam was discovered at the site, one of the largest ever found in the United States. Other notable finds include the Strawn-Wagner Diamond, a flawless 3.03-carat gemstone discovered in 1990, and the Esperanza Diamond, a 8.52-carat stone found in 2015.
In addition to diamonds, visitors to the Crater of Diamonds can also find other precious and semi-precious stones, including amethyst, garnet, and quartz. The park provides visitors with equipment such as shovels and buckets, as well as guidance on how to search for diamonds.
While finding a diamond at the Crater of Diamonds is no easy feat, with only a few hundred found each year, the potential for making a valuable discovery has made the park a popular destination for diamond hunters and adventure seekers alike.
Herkimer Diamond Mines- New York
Herkimer Diamond Mines, located in Herkimer County, New York, is a popular place for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts. The mines are known for their unique and distinctive quartz crystals, which are often referred to as “Herkimer diamonds” due to their clarity and unusual shape.
The history of diamond hunting in this area dates back hundreds of years, with Native Americans being some of the first to discover and use the quartz crystals for tools and decorative items. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to recognize the value of the Herkimer diamonds and began mining the area in earnest.
Over the years, the Herkimer Diamond Mines have changed hands multiple times, with various companies and individuals attempting to extract the valuable crystals from the earth. Today, the mines are a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to search for Herkimer diamonds.
While the Herkimer diamonds are not technically diamonds, they are highly prized for their clarity and unusual shape. The crystals are found in pockets within the rock formations in the area, and miners use hammers and chisels to extract them. Visitors to the mines can rent equipment and receive instruction on how to search for the crystals.
Some notable examples of Herkimer diamonds that have been found in the area include a 32-pound crystal discovered in 2013 and a 14-pound crystal found in 2019. While not as valuable as traditional diamonds, Herkimer diamonds have become a popular and unique addition to jewelry and other decorative items.
Where Can You Freely Dig (Legally) In The USA For Diamonds?
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas: As mentioned earlier, Crater of Diamonds State Park is one of the few places in the world where visitors can search for diamonds and keep what they find. The park charges a small fee for admission, and visitors can rent equipment or bring their own. The park has rules and regulations that visitors must follow, including limits on the size and quantity of stones that can be taken.
Herkimer Diamond Mines, New York: The Herkimer Diamond Mines are a popular destination for rockhounds and gem enthusiasts. The mines charge a fee for admission and provide visitors with tools and instruction on how to find Herkimer diamonds, which are actually quartz crystals. While these crystals aren’t technically diamonds, they are highly prized for their clarity and unusual shape.
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro, Arkansas: This park you can visit and allows visitors to search for diamonds and keep what they find. The cost of admission is affordable, and the park provides visitors with tools and instructions on how to search for diamonds. Visitors are also required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the preservation of the site.
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine, North Carolina: This mine allows visitors to search for rubies and sapphires as well as other gemstones, including moonstones and garnets. The mine charges a fee for admission and provides visitors with tools and instructions on how to find the gemstones.
It’s important to note that while it is legal to search for diamonds and other gemstones on public lands, it is illegal to do so on private property without the owner’s permission.
Additionally, certain states have their own regulations and laws governing the search for and removal of minerals from public lands. It’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before embarking on a diamond hunting adventure to ensure that you are following the rules and regulations.
