12 Best Places To Find Diamonds In The US

By Dr. Keith Jackson - Geology PhD

| Updated

12 Best Places To Find Diamonds In The US

By Dr. Keith Jackson - Geology PhD

Updated

Diamonds are among the most sought-after treasures in the world. These shiny gems have a magic that draws us in. But where do they come from and how do they end up glittering on rings, necklaces, and crowns?

This article is your guide to the thrilling world of diamond hunting. We’re going to explore the best places in the US where these gems are waiting to be discovered. From open lands to secret spots, we’ve got the scoop on where to start your quest!

Best Places To Uncover Diamond

Several locations in the US are renowned for diamond finds, primarily due to our country’s geological diversity, which hosts a variety of mineral-rich environments. Here are some notable places where you can find diamonds:

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

A group of kids digging through the grounds of the Crater of Diamonds State Park

At Crater of Diamonds State Park, you’ve got a real shot at finding your own diamond. It sits on a volcanic crater where, long ago, eruptions pushed diamonds to the surface. Now, it’s a field where anyone can search.

The ground varies from dirt paths to gravel areas. You’ll see people sifting soil and walking with their eyes glued to the ground, hoping to spot that special sparkle.

What’s cool is that this park has given valuable diamond finds, like the “Uncle Sam” diamond, the largest ever discovered in the U.S. at over 40 carats!

Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine, Colorado

Freedom Diamond ring from Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine, one of the largest diamonds ever found

Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine is nestled in the rugged landscapes of Colorado, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting exploration opportunities.

This mine was once open for commercial diamond mining and is known for some pretty big finds. For example, the largest diamond ever found in North America, a whopping 28-carat gem, was discovered here!

The terrain around the mine is a mix of rocky landscapes and greenery, making it a cool spot for hiking and exploring, even though active mining has stopped.

State Line Kimberlite District, Colorado/Wyoming

A raw kimberlite from the State Line Kimberlite District

The State Line Kimberlite District, right on the border of Colorado and Wyoming, is known for its kimberlite rocks, one of the main homes for diamonds deep below the ground.

The terrain here is a mix of rugged hills and plains, giving you a real adventure vibe as you explore.

Over the years, folks have found various types of diamonds here. While it’s more of a place for scientists, the stories of diamonds here are inspiring for rockhounds, too.

Glade Creek, Georgia

A serene view of Glade Creek with its lush green surroundings

Glade Creek is a hidden gem where the thrill of discovery is around every corner. Nestled in the lush, green landscapes of Georgia, it winds through forests and over rocks, creating a beautiful, peaceful setting for any adventure.

The area around Glade Creek is rich with a variety of rocks and minerals, offering a perfect spot for those eager to learn about the natural world.

You can find natural diamonds kimberlite or lamproite rocks here. You can also likely find them in alluvial deposits.

Twin Knobs No. 1 Mine, Arkansas

Aerial view of the thick forest surrounding the Twin Knobs No. 1 Mine

Twin Knobs No. 1 Mine in Arkansas has rolling hills and the kind of soil that tells a story of ancient volcanoes.

Long ago, these volcanoes sent kimberlite all the way to the surface. These rocks bring diamonds up from deep down.

You can find diamonds mixed in the soil around these old volcanic paths. Erosion has spread them around, making it easier for you find and identify diamonds here.

Cedar Mountain, Wyoming

A mesmerizing view of Cedar Mountain from afar

Cedar Mountain is full of hills and valleys covered in grass and sagebrush, with the big, blue sky stretching overhead. But what makes it stand out are the kimberlite pipes hidden beneath the surface.

These are like underground tunnels that were created by old volcanoes and are known for carrying diamonds up from deep inside the earth.

Thanks to these kimberlite pipes, Cedar Mountain is a great spot for anyone dreaming of finding diamonds.

Leucite Hills, Wyoming

Picturesque view of Leucite Hills

Leucite Hills is an extraordinary place in Wyoming. It’s dotted with hills and flatlands, giving you lots of different places to explore.

What’s really special about Leucite Hills is its rocks. This place is famous for its rare volcanic rocks that you won’t find just anywhere.

It’s particularly known for lamprophyre dikes, which are sometimes associated with diamonds and other rare minerals.

Iron Mountain, Wyoming

A distant view of the incredible outcrops of the Iron Mountain

With its towering presence and the vast, open landscapes around it, Iron Mountain in Wyoming is an adventurer’s dream. The ground here has rocks and minerals that have been shaped over countless years.

Iron Mountain is especially interesting because it’s known for its kimberlite pipes, deep underground channels that are famous for carrying diamonds to the surface.

Its terrain, with a mix of rocky outcrops and natural beauty, offers a perfect backdrop for your exploration.

Searcy, Arkansas

Stunning view at Camp Wyldewood in Searcy

Searcy in Arkansas might not be famous worldwide but has its own little secrets waiting to be discovered by keen eyes. This town is nestled among green landscapes with gentle hills and clear streams.

Around Searcy, the ground is more than just dirt and grass; it hides sparkling treasures.

You can wander around the area’s outcrops, places where the rock comes right out of the ground, and search for shining diamonds.

Deming, New Mexico

View of the vast desert area in Deming

Deming is a town in New Mexico that’s surrounded by vast deserts and rugged mountains, offering a backdrop of natural beauty that’s hard to beat. The land here is sprinkled with the occasional sparkle of a diamond.

Imagine stumbling upon a shiny gem while wandering through the wilderness. That’s exactly what happened in Deming.

A farmer found a 3.85-carat diamond in his field back in 1955, and years later, a young boy discovered a 5.16-carat diamond, showing that diamonds do indeed hide in this area.

Snake River, Idaho

Gorgeous aerial view of the winding waters at Snake River

Snake River is an adventurer’s dream in Idaho, with its fast-flowing waters and scenic views. The river carves its way through mountains and valleys, creating a landscape that’s both wild and inviting.

This area isn’t just known for its breathtaking beauty. Among its gold and quartz, there have been surprising finds of diamonds along the river.

Now, these diamonds may be rare, but the possibility of finding one here adds an extra layer of excitement to exploring Snake River.

Brown County, Kansas

The shore of a lake at the Brown County State Park

Brown County is a place in Kansas where the quiet beauty of the plains meets the excitement of discovery. With its wide-open spaces, gentle hills, and clear skies, it’s a peaceful spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.

This area might not be the first place you think of for diamonds, but it’s full of geological surprises.

A while back, someone found a diamond here, proving that even in the most unexpected places, treasures can be hidden.

About Dr. Keith Jackson - Geology PhD

Keith Jackson is an avid rockhound who is constantly exploring new sites to expand his collection. He has worked as a professional Geologist for over 20 years and holds a PhD in Geology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Masters Degree in Geology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Bachelors Degree in Geology from the University of Connecticut.

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