From the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast to the Gulf of Mexico in the south, from the Chattahoochee River to the Mississippi state line in the west, Alabama is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

If you’re itching to unearth these precious stones, you’re in luck. We’ve done the legwork for you, scouring the state to find the top diamond-hunting spots.

Save time and energy by focusing on these six amazing locations we’ve handpicked for your diamond adventure in Alabama.

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.

The types of Diamond you can find around the state

Alabama is home to various geological features that contribute to its mineral diversity, including the presence of diamonds.

The state is particularly known for its white diamonds, which are commonly found in alluvial deposits, as well as green diamonds, characterized by their unique coloration due to natural radiation exposure.

These diamonds are typically recovered from rivers and sedimentary layers, highlighting Alabama’s rich geological history and mineral resources.

Some Great Places To Start

Here are some of the best locations to search for diamonds in Alabama. These places offer unique opportunities for both amateur and experienced gem hunters.

Birmingham Area

Birmingham, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in north-central Alabama, is known more for its industrial minerals than gemstones.

However, in 1928, a 4 carat diamond crystal of faint yellow color was found in the alluvium near Birmingham, sparking excitement among rockhounds.

While diamonds are extremely rare in the region, Birmingham’s unique geology offers opportunities for exploring.

The city’s rich history of mining has left behind a landscape dotted with old quarries, exposed bedrock, and gravel deposits – perfect spots for rockhounding enthusiasts

Prescott Siding

Located in the southern part of Alabama, Prescott Siding in St. Clair County is a charming area near Brompton, known for its rural landscape.

This site is notable for its history of gemstone finds, including a remarkable 2-carat greenish crystal discovered in alluvium.

The region’s geology features a mix of sandstone, shale, and limestone, which contributes to its unique sedimentary deposits.

While diamonds are not commonly associated with this area, the gravel beds and nearby creeks provide an interesting opportunity for rockhounds. Rockhounders can explore these sedimentary deposits, which may yield various stones. 

Vestavia Hills area

The Vestavia Hills area is located in the southern part of Alabama. Nestled atop Shades Mountain, part of the Appalachian foothills, this region features hilly terrain and rich geological diversity.

The sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, contribute to the area’s mineral wealth. For those interested in rockhounding, exploring the gravel beds and creek banks along Chabba Creek can yield interesting finds.

The natural water sources have eroded the surrounding rocks, creating deposits that may reveal quartz specimens and other minerals.

This location’s combination of geological features and natural processes makes it an intriguing spot for those looking to discover unique stones in Alabama.

Goat Rock Dam Area

Located in the southeastern part of Alabama, the Goat Rock Dam Area in Lee County is a picturesque spot known for its serene lake and lush surroundings.

This area is not only a beautiful recreational site but also a hidden gem for those seeking diamonds. The region’s unique geological features, including the presence of gravel beds and sandy creek banks, create ideal conditions for gemstone hunting.

While diamonds are rare, enthusiasts have reported finding them in this area, making it a notable location for aspiring gem hunters.

The dam itself, along with nearby creeks, provides excellent spots to sift through gravels where diamonds may be washed down from upstream sources.

Smiths Area

Located in the southeastern part of Alabama, the Smiths Area in Lee County is an intriguing spot for gemstone enthusiasts. This area is a part of the Piedmont region which offers a variety of minerals that can pique the interest of rockhounds.

For those exploring the Smiths Area, local creeks and gravel deposits are promising places to search. These environments can yield various minerals, making it a worthwhile venture for collectors.

Places Diamond has been found by county

Here is a list of the other locations we found the best for diamond hunting in Alabama, organized by county: