1.06-carat Silver Moon after being cut
North America’s largest diamond (40.23 carats) and more than 75,000 other diamonds have been found in a field southeast of Murfreesboro since farmer John Huddleston discovered the first gems in the field in 1906. Since 1972, this plot of volcanic pipe located about three miles southeast of Murfreesboro has been preserved as Crater of Diamonds State Park, the world’s only site where anyone can dig for diamonds and keep what they find.
The Crater is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a state park with special activities scheduled for March 15 and the following spring break week. The park’s Diamond Discovery Center offers an audio-visual presentation giving tips on diamond hunting. Diamond displays and exhibits detailing the site’s history and geology can be found in the park’s visitor center. The park also has a campground, hiking trails, a picnic and play area, and the seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park. 870-285-3113.
