A young girl celebrating her 7th birthday unearthed an incredible find during a visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas earlier this month.
Aspen Brown, who hails from Paragould, Arkansas, discovered a 2.95 carat golden brown diamond on September 1st. She was searching in the diamond-rich north side of the park’s 37.5-acre diamond search area when she decided to take a break from the heat. While sitting near some large rocks along a pathway, Aspen spotted a small gemstone which turned out to be her sparkling diamond.
Lucky Discovery Follows Recent Excavation
The Aspen Diamond, as it has been named, is the second largest found by a park visitor this year. The largest was a 3.29 carat brown diamond discovered in March. Aspen’s find comes on the heels of a major excavation project completed last month by the park to manage erosion and expose diamond-bearing gravel.
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“It’s very possible that this diamond and others were uncovered as a result,” noted Caleb Howell, Crater of Diamonds Superintendent. Over 75,000 diamonds have been registered at the park since 1972 when it was established.
What Makes This Park So Special?
Crater of Diamonds is the only diamond site in the world open to the public where visitors can hunt for real gems in their original volcanic source. The park’s 37.5-acre plowed search area sits atop an eroded ancient volcano that brought the diamonds to the surface. Finders can keep anything they discover during their search.
The most common diamond colors found are white, brown, and yellow. Park experts help identify and register discoveries. Since January over 550 diamonds totaling 89 carats have been registered so far in 2023.
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Historic Site in US Diamond History
Some of the most significant diamond finds in American history occurred in this region of Arkansas. Prior to becoming a state park, the land was privately owned by a farmer named John Huddleston who uncovered numerous diamonds while plowing his fields in the early 1900s.
In 1924, the largest diamond ever found in the United States – a 40.23 carat monster – was excavated during an early mining operation on what is now park land.
While Aspen Brown’s birthday diamond may not break records, it certainly has created priceless memories for her and her family. Her serendipitous find serves as inspiration that a fortune in gems may await anyone visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park.
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