You won’t believe the mineral and gemstone thefts that have rocked our great state of Texas. From small-town displays to famous collections, these sparkly crimes left folks across the state in shock.
Our Texas soil yields treasures that tempt even the most upstanding citizens to consider a life of crime. Valuable specimens pulled from our hills, caves, and mines have vanished in the dead of night. The thieves who target these geological wonders leave communities scratching their heads and lawmen hunting for clues.
Texas museums and private collectors have suffered some mighty bold robberies over the years. Display cases that once held dazzling specimens stood empty after brazen thieves made off with irreplaceable treasures. These weren’t just ordinary rocks—they were pieces of Texas history.
Some of our state’s most valuable gold and gem specimens disappeared without a trace. Others were recovered through good old Texas detective work and the determination of local sheriffs. Each story shows both the dark and bright sides of our Texas spirit.
The Greatest Rock, Mineral, Gem, and Gold Heists In Texas
Let’s look at the biggest rock and gem thefts in Texas history. From dusty West Texas towns to busy city museums, these bold robberies left everyone wondering who would dare steal our state’s shiniest treasures:
NASA Moon Rock Heist – $30,000,000+
In 2002, a group of NASA interns orchestrated a daring theft at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, targeting one of the agency’s most prized possessions: lunar samples collected during the Apollo missions.
These moon rocks, invaluable to scientific research and considered national treasures, were stored in a secured facility with limited access.
The interns, leveraging their insider knowledge and access, managed to steal a 600-pound safe containing the lunar samples. Their plan, however, was far from sophisticated. They attempted to sell the moon rocks by posting advertisements online, a move that quickly drew the attention of authorities.
An undercover FBI operation was set up, leading to their arrest in an Orlando hotel room where they believed they were meeting potential buyers.
The heist not only resulted in legal repercussions for the individuals involved but also raised serious concerns about security protocols within NASA. The stolen moon rocks were contaminated during the theft, rendering them less useful for scientific study.
The value of the crime today
The stolen Apollo moon rocks would be worth approximately $30 million today.
WWII Quedlinburg Treasure Heist – $45,000,000+
In the chaotic final days of World War II, a remarkable art theft unfolded that would remain concealed for decades. U.S. Army Lieutenant Joe Tom Meador, stationed in Quedlinburg, Germany, stumbled upon a cache of medieval treasures hidden by local authorities to protect them from the ravages of war.
Among these were the Samuhel Gospel, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript with a jewel-encrusted cover, and other priceless reliquaries and artifacts.
Exploiting the turmoil of the time, Meador illicitly shipped these artifacts back to his hometown of Whitewright, Texas. For years, he kept them hidden, occasionally showing them to close acquaintances but never revealing their true origin.
It wasn’t until after his death in 1980 that the existence of these treasures came to light. His heirs, unaware of the artifacts’ provenance, attempted to sell them, drawing attention from art historians and law enforcement.
The ensuing investigation in the late 1980s uncovered the true identity of the artifacts and their journey from Quedlinburg to Texas. Ultimately, the treasures were returned to Germany, but the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in protecting cultural heritage during times of conflict.
The value of the crime today
The Quedlinburg treasures would be worth approximately $45 million today
Witte Museum Diamond Theft – $2,450,000+
In 1968, the Witte Museum in San Antonio experienced a shocking theft that has since become a legendary unsolved mystery. The centerpiece of this crime was the McFarlin Diamond, a stunning 49.73-carat, canary-yellow emerald-cut gemstone valued at $365,000 at the time.
The diamond was generously donated to the museum by oilman T.B. Slick in 1949 and had been a prominent exhibit, captivating visitors with its brilliance.
On June 14, 1968, in broad daylight, a thief brazenly smashed the glass display case housing the McFarlin Diamond and swiftly absconded with the gem.
Despite the prompt response from law enforcement and an extensive investigation, the diamond was never recovered. The thief was eventually apprehended, but the whereabouts of the McFarlin Diamond remain unknown to this day.
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged regarding the fate of the McFarlin Diamond. Some speculate that it was cut into smaller stones to avoid detection, while others believe it remains hidden, awaiting rediscovery.
The case has inspired books and articles, cementing its place in Texas folklore as one of the most daring jewel thefts in history.
The value of the crime today
The McFarlin Diamond, originally valued at $365,000 in 1968, would be worth approximately $2.45 million today.
“King of Diamonds” Jewel Burglar – $6,000,000+
In the 1960s, Dallas was plagued by a series of audacious jewel thefts that left the city’s elite in a state of unease. The perpetrator, dubbed the “King of Diamonds,” targeted affluent neighborhoods such as Preston Hollow and Highland Park, infiltrating the homes of prominent figures and making off with millions in jewels.
His victims included oil heiress Margaret Hunt Hill, corporate magnate Jim Ling of LTV, and philanthropist Ruth Sharp Altshuler.
The burglar’s modus operandi was both daring and meticulous. He often entered homes while the occupants were present, sometimes even as they slept, demonstrating a brazen confidence.
Despite extensive investigations by local law enforcement, the FBI, and even international agencies like Scotland Yard and Interpol, the “King of Diamonds” was never apprehended.
Decades later, the mystery of the “King of Diamonds” continues to intrigue. In 2024, journalist Rena Pederson published “The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief,” delving into the unsolved case and exploring the possible identity of the burglar.
The value of the crime today
The jewels stolen by the “King of Diamonds,” estimated to be worth $6 million today, underscore the significant financial impact of his thefts.
Karat 22 Jewelry Store Heist – $7,200,000+
In February 2011, Houston’s Karat 22 Jewelers became the target of a meticulously planned heist that resulted in the loss of approximately $6 million in gold, diamonds, and luxury watches.
The perpetrators, identified as brothers Kelvin and John O’Brien, along with accomplice Jason Kennedy, executed the burglary with precision, cutting through the store’s roof and a six-inch concrete and steel vault to access the valuables.
The thieves demonstrated a high level of sophistication, disabling advanced security systems and leaving minimal evidence at the scene. Their method involved melting down the stolen gold within hours to obscure its origin, facilitating quick liquidation for cash.
The proceeds funded lavish lifestyles, including the purchase of luxury vehicles and real estate.
The investigation into the heist was extensive, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The case revealed that the O’Brien brothers had been involved in over 30 similar burglaries across Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida over an 11-year period, amassing nearly $17 million in stolen goods.
The perpetrators faced significant legal consequences, with Kelvin O’Brien receiving a life sentence for his involvement in the burglary.
The value of the crime today
The $6 million stolen in the Karat 22 heist in 2011 would be equivalent to approximately $7.2 million today.
The Texas Centennial Key – $500,000+
In 1936, Texas celebrated its 100th anniversary of independence with the Texas Centennial Exposition held at Fair Park in Dallas. A ceremonial key, described as “a key like none the world had ever seen before,” was created to open the gates of the exposition.
This extravagant key, adorned with gold and diamonds, symbolized the grandeur of the celebration. In 1952, this one-of-a-kind key vanished from a Dallas jeweler’s display in an unsolved burglary.
Despite investigations, the key was never recovered, and its disappearance remains an enduring mystery in Texas history. The loss of the Centennial Key represents not just the theft of a valuable artifact but also the disappearance of a significant symbol of Texas heritage.
The case remains unsolved, leaving room for speculation and intrigue about the fate of this historic treasure.
The value of the crime today
Considering the key’s gold and diamond composition, it would likely be valued at approximately $500,000 today.
Neiman Marcus Insider Jewel Theft – $500,000+
Between 2007 and 2008, Manuel Alvarez, a security officer at the upscale Neiman Marcus store in Dallas, exploited his position to steal jewelry from the store. Over time, he surreptitiously took at least 400 pieces of jewelry, with an estimated worth between $200,000 and $400,000.
Alvarez, along with accomplices, sold many of these stolen items on eBay, converting the illicit goods into cash. The thefts went unnoticed initially due to Alvarez’s role in security, which allowed him to bypass typical safeguards.
However, discrepancies in inventory and suspicious online sales eventually led to an investigation.
In 2008, Alvarez was apprehended and pleaded guilty to transportation of stolen goods in interstate commerce and aiding and abetting. He was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to make restitution of more than $323,000.
This case underscores the potential risks posed by insider threats and highlights the necessity for robust internal controls within organizations to prevent such fraudulent activities.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry would be worth approximately $250,000 to $500,000 today.
TCU’s Stolen Pre-Columbian Gems – $400,000+
Between 1999 and 2001, Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth experienced a significant theft of pre-Columbian artifacts. The collection, donated to the university in the mid-1990s, included gold ornaments, jade carvings, and other precious relics, valued at approximately $266,000.
The artifacts were stored in a campus storage room, awaiting cataloging and display. In 2001, it was discovered that 105 artifacts were missing.
An investigation revealed that a university employee, Kerry “Kliff” Word, had systematically stolen the items and sold many on the black market. Word exploited his access to the storage facilities to commit the thefts over an extended period.
Despite the severity of the crime, Word received only probation for his actions. Most of the stolen pieces were later recovered, but the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the management and security of valuable collections within educational institutions.
The value of the crime today
Considering the increasing value of cultural artifacts, the stolen items, valued at $266,000 in 2001, would be worth approximately $400,000 today.
Antique Jewelry Shop “Shoplifting” Heist – $105,000+
In October 2023, a high-end antique store in southwest Houston fell victim to a daring theft. Two individuals entered the store posing as customers. They engaged the staff in conversation to divert attention.
During this distraction, they managed to steal vintage jewelry valued at $100,000. The stolen pieces included century-old jewels, representing significant historical and monetary value. The theft was executed swiftly, leaving the store owners shocked at how quickly their valuable items vanished in plain sight.
Despite surveillance footage capturing the suspects, they remain at large. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities that high-end retailers face, even when standard security measures are in place.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry, valued at $100,000 in 2023, would be worth approximately $105,000 today.
South American Jewelry Robbery Ring – $3,500,000+
In the mid-2010s, Texas experienced a surge in violent robberies targeting traveling jewelry salesmen. An organized gang, linked to South American theft groups, orchestrated these crimes.
They meticulously stalked their victims, often for days, before executing the robberies. Their tactics included violent confrontations, resulting in significant losses for the victims.
One particularly heinous incident occurred near the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where a jewelry salesman was murdered during a robbery. The gang’s operations were extensive, with their string of robberies netting over $3 million in stolen valuables.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took notice and launched an investigation. By 2017, the FBI agents successfully dismantled the ring and prosecuted its members.
The value of the crime today
The stolen valuables would be worth approximately $3.5 million today.
Town East Mall “Wall Bust” Burglary – $2,000,000+
Mesquite’s Town East Mall was the scene of a daring heist in January 2023. Burglars executed a Hollywood-style break-in by smashing through a concrete wall from an adjacent vacant Sears store to access a jewelry shop.
The thieves breached the back of the store after hours, making off with more than $2 million in diamonds and jewelry. The audacity and planning of the heist shocked local law enforcement.
Investigators were left puzzled by the gaping hole in the mall wall, a testament to the burglars’ boldness. The incident underscored vulnerabilities in mall security, especially concerning vacant adjacent properties.
Despite extensive investigations, the perpetrators remained at large, leaving the community on edge. The heist served as a stark reminder of the lengths to which criminals would go to execute high-stakes robberies.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry, valued at over $2 million in 2023, would be worth approximately $2.1 million today.
International Gem Show Theft – $1,500,000+
In 2022, a significant theft occurred at the International Gem & Jewelry Show in Houston. The event, held at the NRG Center, attracted numerous jewelers and enthusiasts. Among the exhibitors was Iftikhar Sayed, owner of Sayed Creations, a jewelry business.
On a Sunday evening, as the show was concluding, Sayed and his wife were preparing to leave. During this time, a thief seized the opportunity to steal a suitcase containing fine jewelry estimated to be worth $1 million. The theft occurred in a matter of seconds while Sayed momentarily looked away.
The stolen inventory was uninsured, leaving Sayed devastated by the loss. At 72 years old, he faced the daunting prospect of starting over without his valuable merchandise.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry would be worth approximately $1.05 million today.
U.S. Marine Jewelry Store Heists – $575,000+
In 2023, a series of bold jewelry store robberies unfolded in Houston. The perpetrator was identified as an 18-year-old U.S. Marine. He was linked to two significant smash-and-grab incidents.
The first occurred at a David Yurman store, where approximately $380,000 worth of diamonds and watches were stolen. The second heist targeted another jewelry retailer, resulting in additional losses.
Surveillance footage captured the Marine using a sledgehammer to break into display cases. His actions were swift and calculated, allowing him to escape before law enforcement arrived.
The stolen items included high-end watches and diamond jewelry, contributing to the substantial financial impact on the affected businesses. Authorities eventually apprehended the Marine.
During the arrest, they recovered a cache of stolen jewels and his military dog tags from his getaway vehicle. The Marine faced charges of first-degree felony theft.
The case drew significant media attention due to the suspect’s military background and the high-profile nature of the robberies.
The value of the crime today
The stolen items would be worth approximately $575,000 today.
El Rancho Supermarket Smash-and-Grab – $610,000+
In December 2024, a brazen robbery took place at the El Rancho Supermercado on Gus Thomasson Road in East Dallas, Texas. Around 4:40 p.m., multiple suspects executed a smash-and-grab theft targeting a family-owned jewelry business operating within the supermarket.
Surveillance footage revealed at least four individuals approaching the jewelry display. They used hammers to shatter the glass cases, swiftly grabbing approximately $600,000 worth of jewelry.
The entire incident unfolded in a matter of seconds, leaving employees and shoppers in shock. One of the store owner’s sons, Angel Cuenca, was present during the robbery. He attempted to intervene but was overwhelmed by the speed and aggression of the thieves.
His mother, who had built the jewelry business from the ground up, was devastated by the loss. The family had invested years of hard work and sacrifice into their business, making the theft a significant emotional and economic blow.
The Dallas Police Department launched an investigation, appealing to the public for information.
The value of the crime today
The stolen jewelry would be worth approximately $610,000 today.
Fort Worth Postal Jewels Theft – $500,000+
Between June 2011 and December 2012, Fort Worth became the backdrop for a significant breach of trust within the U.S. Postal Service.
Hubert Lavell McDonald, a postal carrier, exploited his position to pilfer hundreds of jewelry items from the mail system. These packages, en route to Cash America International, Inc. (CAI), contained valuables totaling over $400,000.
McDonald’s method was straightforward yet audacious. Identifying parcels from CAI, he intercepted them during his delivery route, extracting the jewelry within. The thefts continued unchecked for over a year, causing significant financial losses to the company and undermining trust in the postal system.
The scheme began to unravel when federal agents, acting on suspicions, executed a search warrant at McDonald’s residence on March 9, 2012. The search yielded a gold Bulova watch belonging to CAI, among other stolen items.
Confronted with the evidence, McDonald admitted to the thefts, leading to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
In October 2013, McDonald pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution exceeding $400,000 to CAI.
The value of the crime today
The value of the theft would be approximately $500,000 today.
