Florida’s limestone-rich geology might not scream “diamonds,” but our state’s unique mineral deposits have surprised many treasure hunters over the years.

Let’s be honest – finding diamonds isn’t easy, and you don’t want to waste time searching in the wrong places. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve researched and found the most promising spots where you might get lucky.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best locations across Florida where diamonds have been found before. We’ve talked to local gem hunters, checked geological surveys, and gathered tips from experienced collectors to create this list.

How Diamond Forms Here

Diamonds form deep within the Earth, about 90 to 200 kilometers below the surface, where conditions are extreme.

Here, carbon atoms are subjected to intense heat—around 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius—and immense pressure, about 45 to 60 kilobars. This environment causes the carbon to crystallize into diamond structures over millions to billions of years.

Over time, erosion and weathering expose these stones, making them accessible for mining.

What’s amazing is that each diamond’s journey from deep within the Earth makes it unique, with its own shape, size, and clarity.

The Types of Diamond

Diamonds are classified into various types based on their structure and color. Here are some of the popular types of diamond:

Black Diamond

Black diamonds, also known as carbonados, are truly one-of-a-kind. Unlike their clear cousins, these stones are opaque and have a matte finish.

They don’t sparkle in the traditional sense but have a unique, mysterious charm all their own.

What makes black diamonds special is their age and formation. Most are believed to be 2.6 to 3.2 billion years old, making them some of the oldest gemstones on Earth.

Their dark color comes from numerous inclusions and the presence of graphite or other minerals.

Recently, a massive black diamond called “The Enigma” made headlines. Weighing 555.55 carats, it showcases the growing interest in these unusual stones.

Yellow Diamond

Yellow diamonds shine with a vibrant, sunny hue. Their color ranges from light yellow to deep, intense shades.

This beautiful color comes from nitrogen atoms in the diamond’s structure. These atoms absorb blue light and reflect yellow, giving the stone its unique appearance.

Unlike clear diamonds, yellow diamonds are graded based on their color intensity. The deeper and richer the yellow, the more valuable the stone. This grading system is different from the one used for colorless diamonds.

Blue Diamond

The color of the blue diamond can range from a soft, icy blue to a deep, vivid shade. This striking blue comes from boron in the diamond’s crystal structure. It’s a rare occurrence in nature, making these diamonds very uncommon.

One cool thing about blue diamonds is how they react to ultraviolet light. Many of them show a unique glow called fluorescence. This can make their color even more impressive under certain lighting.

Blue diamonds have some famous examples. The Hope Diamond is probably the most well-known. It’s known for being the largest diamond weighing 45.52 carats. It’s current value is estimated to be US$200–350 million.

Red Diamond

Red diamonds are incredibly rare and highly prized. Their distinct red color comes from structural imperfections in the diamond’s crystal lattice, not from chemical impurities like other colored diamonds.

These diamonds are so rare that very few have ever been found. Each discovery of a red diamond is a significant event in the gemstone world.

Their rarity makes them even more valuable than pink or blue diamonds, which are already considered extremely precious.

Some famous red diamonds have captured public attention. The Moussaieff Red from Brazil and the Kazanjian Red Diamond from South Africa are notable examples.

In 1987, a red diamond (Hancock Diamond) sold at auction for a record-setting $927,000, highlighting the extraordinary value placed on these rare gems.

Pink Diamond

Pink diamond’s color can be a soft, delicate pink or a deep, vivid rose. What’s interesting is that scientists aren’t entirely sure why they’re pink. It’s thought to be due to a twist in their crystal structure, not because of any specific element.

These diamonds are incredibly scarce. For every million carats of rough diamonds mined, only one carat might be a pink diamond. This rarity makes them highly prized by collectors and jewelers.

Even small pink diamonds can be worth a lot because of their rarity. They’re often used in high-end jewelry, where their unique color makes a big impact.

Green Diamond

Green diamonds are some of the most unusual and unique colored diamonds. Their color can range from a light mint to a deep forest green

What makes them special is how they get their color. It’s not from a chemical element, but from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years.

This natural coloring process is incredible. It happens when diamonds are near radioactive rocks deep in the earth. The radiation changes the diamond’s crystal structure, creating the green color.

Green diamonds often show unique light effects. Some might have a strong glow under certain lights, adding to their allure.

What Rough Diamonds Look Like

Rough diamonds can be challenging to identify. Here are a few proven techniques that will make it easier for you to identify the rough diamond:

Check for a Glassy or Waxy Luster

One of the most noticeable features of a rough diamond is its luster. Uncut diamonds often have a glassy or waxy appearance.

This is because the rough surface scatters light differently than a smooth, cut surface.

Look for an Octahedral Shape

Rough diamonds typically take on an octahedral shape, which resembles two pyramids joined at the base. This shape is a result of the diamond’s cubic crystal structure.

However, not all rough diamonds will have a perfect octahedral form, as they can be distorted or irregular due to natural forces during formation.

Assess the Density and Weight

Diamonds are known for their density and weight. A rough diamond will feel heavy for its size compared to other stones.

You can test this by holding the stone in your hand and comparing it to a known non-diamond.

Look for a Crystalline Texture

When examining a rough diamond, you may notice a distinct crystalline texture on its surface.

This is due to the diamond’s atomic structure and can help distinguish it from other minerals or synthetic stones.

A Quick Request About Collecting

Tips on where to look

Once you get to the places we have listed below there are some things you should keep in mind when you’re searching:

Look in Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are a great place to start. These rocks form from layers of materials that have settled over time.

Diamonds can be found in these layers. Look for areas where the rock has been worn down or eroded. This is where diamonds might be exposed.

Explore Riverbeds

Rivers are another excellent spot. Over time, water carries diamonds downstream. Look for gravel beds in rivers. These spots can hold diamonds that have been washed away from their original location.

Pay attention to bends in the river. These areas often collect heavier materials, including diamonds.

Check Old Mining Sites

Old mining sites are worth exploring. Many diamonds were left behind during past mining activities.

Look for areas where mining was done in the past. Even if the site is no longer active, it can still be a good place to find hidden gems.

Investigate Hillsides

Hillsides can also be promising. Erosion can expose diamond-bearing rocks. Look for loose soil or rock on slopes.

These areas may reveal diamonds that have been pushed to the surface over time.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the better places to start looking for diamonds in Florida:

Fort Drum Crystal Mine

Fort Drum Crystal Mine is a unique mining site in Okeechobee County, Florida. Located at 28320 NE 55th Ave, this mine shows off Florida’s rich geological past from over 3 million years ago.

The main digging area, Ruck’s Pit, is where you can search for gems and minerals. The site has loose, gem-quality calcite crystals and crystal clusters scattered throughout.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April when the ground is easier to dig.

Peace River

Peace River flows through southwestern Florida, stretching 106 miles from Polk County to Charlotte Harbor. This blackwater river is famous among rock and fossil hunters because of its rich gravel beds.

The river’s geology is special because it sits in the Bone Valley region. The riverbed has layers of sand, clay, and limestone that hold many treasures.

The best spots to look for diamonds and other gems are in the gravel bars and sandy banks along the river. Many people search near Arcadia, where the water is shallow and gravel beds are easy to reach.

You’ll find lots of fossils here too, especially shark teeth and ancient mammal bones. The river’s constant movement brings new material downstream, so every trip can lead to new discoveries.

Skinner Mine

The Skinner Mine sits in Jacksonville, Florida, within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. This historic mining site is located in Duval County, in the northern part of Florida.

The mine is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, known for its flat landscape and rich mineral deposits. The best spots to look for diamonds are in areas where water has worn away the top soil.

The mine’s location near the coast means it has unique deposits of heavy minerals in its sandy soil. The combination of coastal processes and sediment build-up over time has created good conditions for finding diamonds.

Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park is located in northeast Hillsborough County, Florida, just a short drive from Tampa. The park is famous for its rare Class II rapids, which are unusual in Florida’s typically flat landscape.

The best spots to look for stones are near the rapids and along the riverbanks where the water has pushed minerals into natural collection points. You can find various minerals in these areas.

The park’s swampy areas and live oak hammocks also create unique conditions where minerals collect over time.

Popular spots include the areas around the suspension bridge and the shallow parts of the river where the water moves slowly.

Crystal River

Crystal River sits along Florida’s Gulf Coast in Citrus County. The area is built on ancient limestone formations from the Oligocene epoch, which makes it rich in minerals and fossils.

The Crystal River Quarries are the main spots where people look for diamonds and other gemstones. These quarries have exposed layers of limestone that formed millions of years ago.

Besides diamonds, rockhounds can find many other stones here like agate, moonstone, and quartz. The Crystal River Preserve State Park offers good spots for gem hunting, especially where freshwater meets saltwater.

Places Diamond has been found by county

After discussing our top picks, we wanted to discuss the other places on our list. Below is a list of the additional locations where we have succeeded, along with a breakdown of each place by county.