Arkansas Rockhound Discovers Rare ‘Candy-Like’ Diamond at State Park

Arkansas Rockhound Discovers Rare ‘Candy-Like’ Diamond at State Park

An amateur rock collector recently struck gold while exploring a state park in Arkansas. David DeCook, a resident of Minnesota, unearthed a remarkable 3.81-carat brown diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park on April 21.

This diamond, named ‘the Duke Diamond’ after DeCook’s dog, marks a significant find as it is the largest recorded in the park so far in 2025, according to officials from Arkansas State Parks.

The Discovery Journey

In an official press release, the park authorities revealed that DeCook stumbled upon the gem during a family trip to the park. He casually walked over to a spot where he had noticed the diamond, picked it up, and inspected it closely before calling his brother, Derek. Instantly, the sibling rivalry ignited when David jokingly warned, ‘Oh, you’re going to be mad once you see what I found!’

Describing the Gem

DeCook later returned to the park to register his extraordinary find. In an interview with FOX 9 Minneapolis, he shared his excitement about the diamond, describing it as resembling a candy wrapper.

‘It looks kind of shiny, like a Werther’s candy wrapper,’ DeCook said. ‘As you get closer, you can tell it’s a diamond pretty quickly.’ His excitement and surprise were palpable as he admitted, ‘I was very surprised, I guess, and never thought I’d find one that big.’

DeCook highlighted the uniqueness of such finds, emphasizing the thrill of discovery: ‘You just never know what you’re gonna find. It’s a chance of a lifetime.’

Recent Weather Enhances Diamond Hunting

Arkansas State Parks officials noted that just after DeCook’s discovery, the area received substantial rainfall—an encouraging sign for diamond hunters. ‘April has been a very wet month at the park, with over 12 inches of rain,’ said assistant park superintendent Waymon Cox. This wet weather creates optimal conditions since many of the park’s significant diamond finds occur on the surface.

Cox elaborated on how rain impacts diamond hunting, stating, ‘As rain falls in the search area, it washes away the dirt and uncovers heavy rocks, minerals, and diamonds near the surface.’

A Look Back at Historical Finds

The Duke Diamond stands out as the most significant discovery at Crater of Diamonds State Park since a tourist named Julien Navas found a 7.46-carat diamond in January 2024. Navas chose to name that diamond after his fiancée, Carine, adding a romantic twist to his treasure hunt.

The park, which allows visitors to search for diamonds on its grounds, has a rich history of successful finds. The chance to uncover such stunning gems attracts rock enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

What Makes Crater of Diamonds Special?

Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is unique as it is the only publicly accessible diamond mine in the world. Visitors pay an admission fee for the opportunity to search for diamonds and various gemstones across a 37-acre field.

This site offers enthusiasts the chance to dig and unearth their own treasures. Since the park opened in the 1970s, it has seen hundreds of thousands of visitors, many of whom have left with valuable finds.

Each year, park staff encourages guests to stay hopeful, reiterating that every day could yield another spectacular discovery. DeCook’s recent find serves as an inspiration to many treasure seekers.

Understanding the Value of Diamonds

Diamonds are rated based on the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The Duke Diamond’s exquisite 3.81-carat size attributes to its visual appeal and potential market value. However, the intrinsic value often lies in the story behind the discovery—much like DeCook’s thrilling tale.

A Spark of Inspiration

The excitement of discovering a diamond in nature resonates with countless treasure hunters. It symbolizes adventure and the sublime possibilities that lie beneath our feet. DeCook’s positing of finding a diamond the size of the Duke Diamond is a poignant reminder that exploration can lead to extraordinary results.

Whether a seasoned rock collector or a casual visitor, the allure of Crater of Diamonds State Park continues to draw many searching for their own slice of fortune. DeCook’s story ignites a passion for exploration and reminds us all about the beauty of serendipity in our quests.