Tennessee, bordered by Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, and Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

Its western edge meets the mighty Mississippi River, creating a unique landscape perfect for adventure seekers.

For those who are looking for diamonds in Tennessee, get ready. We’ve meticulously sourced the best locations to save you time and energy, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to strike it rich in this gem-filled state.

Get ready to uncover the sparkle hidden within Tennessee’s beautiful terrain!

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 in the state to start looking for diamonds in Tennessee:

Coker Creek

Coker Creek, located in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Monroe County, is a great place for rockhounding enthusiasts. This charming unincorporated community lies along Tennessee State Route 68, just south of Tellico Plains.

While Coker Creek is renowned for its rich gold deposits, the area’s unique geological features make it an exciting destination for diamond hunters.

The gravels and creek beds are where prospectors have successfully panned for placer gold, a result of erosion from the ancient mountains. The serene landscape, dotted with sparkling streams and lush forests, creates an inviting atmosphere for adventurers.

Kingston area

Located in the southeastern part of Tennessee, the Kingston area in Roane County is known for its rich geological history. It has seen diamond discoveries in the past, making it a notable spot for gemstone enthusiasts.

The area’s unique landscape features a mix of rolling hills and creeks, providing ideal conditions for diamond hunting.

You can explore the gravels along the banks of the Clinch River and its tributaries, where diamonds may have been washed down over time.

The Kingston area is also famous for its sedimentary rock formations, which can sometimes yield unexpected finds.

Hotwater Branch Placer Workings

The Hotwater Branch Placer Workings is located in the southeastern part of Tennessee. This area is known for its unique geological features, including ancient riverbeds that have eroded over time, creating ideal conditions for diamond deposits.

While diamonds are rare in Tennessee, they have been found here, alongside other minerals like garnets and sapphires.

Gem hunters can explore the gravels and creek beds, where the movement of water has naturally concentrated these precious stones. The combination of rich soil and the natural flow of water makes this location particularly promising for finding diamonds. 

Luttrell

Luttrell, located in the eastern part of Tennessee, offers a unique setting for gemstone enthusiasts. Nestled between Copper Ridge and Clinch Mountain, this rural area features the picturesque Flat Creek, a tributary of the Holston River.

The geological diversity shaped by the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley range makes Luttrell an intriguing spot for rockhounding. The area is known for its historical marble quarrying, hinting at the presence of limestone and marble deposits.

For those exploring Luttrell, the west bank of Flat Creek is the ideal spot to sift through gravel beds and creek banks. Here, you can uncover various interesting stones and minerals, making it a rewarding experience for rockhounds.

Whippoorwill Branch Placer Workings

The Whippoorwill Branch Placer Workings is located in the southern Appalachian Highlands of Monroe County, near Tellico Plains.

This historical site, known for its gold mining past, offers a unique opportunity for gemstone enthusiasts to hunt for diamonds. The area’s mountainous terrain and rich geological history make it an intriguing location for finding these precious stones.

Prospectors can explore the creek beds and gravel bars, where the remnants of past mining efforts reveal potential diamond deposits. The placer workings feature numerous pits and trenches, indicating that bedrock is close to the surface.

This accessibility allows for effective panning and sluicing, making it an exciting spot for those eager to uncover sparkling treasures hidden within the natural landscape.

Places Diamond has been found by county

Now that we’ve covered our top selections, we’d like to highlight the other locations on our list. Below, you’ll find a compilation of additional spots where we’ve had success, complete with a detailed overview of each area by county.