Our Very Own Diamond Park

When one usually thinks of finding diamonds, one would usually think of the hard and long tedious hours of diamond mining. Little do most people know that we have our own diamond park here in the United States.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park (located near Murfreesboro in Pike County, Arkansas) is a state park that is situated over an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe. Because this park is open to the public and has a finders/keepers policy, it has become the main stomping ground for rockhounds.

It is widely known that park visitors find up to 600 diamonds each year. Over 25,000 diamonds have been found in the crater since it became a park. The latest visitor to find a valuable gem, Dennis Tyrrel, found a 4.42 carat diamond after 30 minutes of digging. Although the park officials weren’t qualified to evaluate the diamond’s worth, it is expected to be worth thousands.

So, here’s an excellent idea for the next vacation period you have: head on over to Crater of Diamonds State Park with a shovel in-hand. You may find a thing or two that may definitely be worth the digging.

Update: Honest Couple Find Exquisite Diamond Ring

The couple has been found!

After finding an engagement ring worth $40,000 in a Tyson’s Corner parking garage, Keith Stetzer decided to take the noble route and search for its original owner. He took the ring to Jonathan Mervis, of Mervis Diamond Center to help him with his search. After numerous false claims, they finally found the couple, Mark and Susan Brahms.

Although Mr. Brahms was present to claim the ring, his wife Susan was out of town but was notified by phone. The Brahms could not be reached for comment, however, they did give the Stetzer’s a reward. The reward was donated to charity.

More Uses for Diamonds

When you think of the word “diamond,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Engagement proposals, weddings, jewelry maybe? As a matter of fact, most diamonds that are mined aren’t even used as jewelry. One that is not too familiar with the usage of diamonds would be very surprised at how they are used and what they are used for.

Diamonds are used in a variety cutting tool such as saws, and other grinding tools. It is the chemical and physical properties of this mineral that give it the superior cutting ability for tools such as these. They are also used for our computers as well. Items such as coatings for computer hard discs and computer microchips have diamonds in them as well.

Specialized applications of diamonds include use in laboratories as containment for high pressure experiments (see diamond anvil cell). Speaking of laboratories, they are also used in microscopes as well. They are also used in high-performance bearings and have limited use in specialized windows.

Diamonds are more versatile than the usual person would think. They are used in a variety of things that we use on a daily basis. Remember, they are around us more than we think and are not only used for jewelry.

Honest Couple Find Exquisite Diamond Ring

When Keith Stetzer went outside to take smoke a cigarette, he never imagined he would come back with a $40,000 diamond ring, but that is what happened.

As Stetzer was finishing his cigarette and putting it out, he noticed what he at first believed to be a fake ring. After picking it up and dusting it off though it became apparent that he had discovered something much more valuable than some costume jewelry.

Stetzer and his wife, Linda, took the ring to a jeweler to have it inspected. The jeweler cleaned it up and discovered that it was a 3.02 carat diamond ring that is valued at around $40,000. The ring also had “Mervis” engraved on the brand, which indicated that the ring was made by Mervis Diamond Center.

Working on as a construction worker, Stetzer and his wife could have used the money, but they realized that if they had lost it, they would want it returned, so they headed to Tysons, which is where Mervis Diamond Center is located. They returned the ring to Jonathan Mervis, who was very impressed by the honesty that the Stetzer’s portrayed.

The hunt is now on for the owners of the ring, which is at least 3 years old. While the Linda and Keith Stetzer might not be rich in possessions, they are rich in decency and honesty.