Travelers have the opportunity to search for their own diamonds in the rough in some U.S. states.
In July, Will and Marshall Barnet stopped at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park during a road trip to try their hand at mining.
During their sift, the father-son duo saw something glittering and pulled out a 2-carat diamond, FOX 10 reported.
“Wet sifting is one of the most effective methods to search for diamonds,” said Park Interpreter Ashlyn Keys in a press release.
“The search area has two wash pavilions, with water troughs and tables, for visitors to wet sift. Using screens to separate dirt from the gravel allows you to go through more material in less time, giving a better chance of finding a diamond,” Keys said.
It is estimated that the mining industry in the U.S. is worth an estimated $83.2 billion in 2020, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Interior.
Below, see a list of places where hopeful treasure seekers might discover their own gems.
Arkansas: Where Dreams Sparkle in the Soil
In Murfreesboro, Arkansas, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a sprawling 37-acre playground for amateur miners. The thrill of sifting through soil, the prospect of uncovering a shiny treasure, brings a sense of childlike wonder. Over 35,000 diamonds have been unearthed by dedicated visitors. The park’s visitor center invites guests to view dazzling uncut diamonds while providing insights into the fascinating world of geology. Searching for diamonds costs $15 for adults, and $7 for children.
Role Coleman Mining: A Striking Experience
Journey two hours southwest to Jessieville, Arkansas, where Role Coleman offers an extraordinary mix of crystal mining and exhilarating ziplining. Imagine feeling the winds of adventure as you glide over shimmering crystal formations below. Visitors must bring their own tools or can purchase them at the gift shop, as no rentals are available. The prices are reasonable: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and just $5 for children aged 7 to 15. Here, nature intertwines with excitement, creating memories that glisten just as brightly as the gems themselves.
Opal Opportunities in Northern Nevada
Denio, Nevada, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking to mine their own opals. Local staff guide newcomers through the basics of digging, igniting sparks of curiosity. The facility recommends visitors bring personal tools, yet limited tools are available on-site. Digging fees vary, ranging from $75 to $190, depending on the type of experience. Just a stone’s throw away lies Bonanza Opal Mine, perched 5,300 feet above sea level. Besides the opal mining experience, one might catch glimpses of native wildlife in this rugged, picturesque desert setting.
“Check out the hollowed-out areas of the cave walls at ground level for signs of early inhabitants or for pack rat middens,” suggests the mine’s site. Full day and half-day mine experiences are available, with prices starting at $50.
Quartz Crystal Hunting in Herkimer
Herkimer, New York, stands as another fascinating site where seekers can dig for quartz crystals, some nearly 500 million years old. Visitors can even transform their finds into personalized jewelry, cementing their treasure-hunting experience with a tangible memory. Prices for three-day passes start at $45 for adults and $39 for children, adding to the charm of the adventure.
The allure of gem mining—whether unearthing a dazzling diamond or a brilliant opal—stirs something deep within every traveler. Each flick of the shovel, each gentle sift of the sand, encapsulates the thrill of discovery, mingling with aspirations of uncovering treasures that have slept beneath the earth for ages. Seeking gems isn’t simply about the shiny rewards found; it’s a reflective journey that connects individuals to history, geology, and the whims of fortune.
One could argue that every stone tells a story, whispering secrets of the planet’s ancient past and offering each finder a chance to add their own chapter to its story. In the words of miners past, “Every stone has a tale.” So, while you might not always uncover the next great treasure, the experience itself, filled with laughter and anticipation, proves to be the most precious gem of all.
