What Do Diamonds Look Like?

How do you know if you've found treasure in our Arkansas diamond mine? First study the basic attributes of diamonds found at the Crater:

Shape:
Diamonds found at the Crater are typically smooth and well rounded. Their shape resembles a polished stone with smooth sides and rounded edges.

Size:
The average size of a diamond is about the size of a paper match head, approximately 20 - 25 points. Points are an increment of measurement of diamonds. There are 100 points in a carat. Look for something small. A 1-carat diamond is about the size of a green pea.
What might you find when digging for diamonds at the Crater?

Appearance:
Diamonds feel like they have an oily film on them. This characteristic prevents diamonds from being dirty. Diamonds have a metallic luster like new steel or lead. They will not be clear like glass. They do not have a solid dull look like the Jasper rocks. Diamonds are translucent. You can typically see into them but not through them.

Color:
The most common colors of diamonds are white, yellow and brown.

The park offers free rock and mineral identification at the Diamond Discovery Center. Diamonds are weighed and certified free of charge for the finder