RAW DIAMOND
Posted on 04/29/2010 1:48:27 PM PDT by JoeProBono
MURFREESBORO, Ark., - A Missouri man said he discovered a 4.89-carat diamond at Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Mack Evans, 67, of Diamond, Mo., said he discovered the jellybean-sized jewel, which officials said is the largest found at the park so far this year, during a recent visit to the state park, which is the world's only diamond producing site open to the public, the Joplin Globe reported Thursday.
Evans said most diamonds form a single crystal, but his find was an aggregate of multiple crystals.
"I almost threw it away," Evans said. "I had seen a lot of diamonds. I have never seen anything like this."
Visitors to the state park, near Murfreesboro, are allowed to dig all day and keep their findings for a $7 entrance fee.
"We have more than 40 other rocks and minerals that you can find," park interpreter Waymon Cox said.
RAW DIAMOND
I was just watching a program about this place last night, via DVR.
You might find it quite surprising to learn there are diamond mines in Arkansas, let alone ones where you can keep anything you find. Until 2002, there was a commercial diamond mine on the borders of Colorado and Wyoming. Today there is only one diamond mine in the United States, and that is in Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro. Of all the state attractions, this is the only place where you can combine diamonds with trout fishing. This is the region known as the Diamond Lakes Region, with all the outdoor activities you might expect of lake tourism.
“Park interpreter”??
Have there been more people at this state park the last 18 months while the economy was cratering?
We need to understand the parks. Before they all go jihad too.
A couple of my kids and I went last year, didn’t find any diamonds, but one was found the day before we got there.. Just an FYI its a dry county, so take your own beer or it a 50 miles around trip for a case...
Hmmmm. I think I’ll pass....thanks for the heads up! lol
I think they showed that on the program last night.
That’s what they call guides these days. They “interpret” the park to you. It has nothing to do with translating one language to another.
My father and the Sheriff of Sugar Island did the same thing. Sugar Island is on the St. Marys river just across from canada. To age the white lightening they put the barrel on the back of Chets boat and ran around the river for 45 minutes...its a rough river lots of bouncing...
Easy shot.........even for me......
Rabid coon stole it from a 4 year old after it bit the poor kid........
For FReepers with younguns, there isn’t much better than; “You wanna go diggin in the dirt?”
Cheap fun bonding-time is what I say.
After a good heavy rain is the best time too. IIRC, “The Star of Arkansas” was found here.
Yikes,
That is HILARIOUS!
“Oh dear, I am in dread fear for my life. Please protect me from your frightful beast!”
This is the same Mack Evans that used to pastor the Central Christian Center in Joplin.
Fine man and an excellent teacher.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.