Diamond Discovery Center
At the Crater of Diamonds State State, you will dig for diamonds in a 37 1/2-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe. This is the eighth largest,diamond-bearing deposit in the world surface area.
You'll pass through the park's Diamond Discovery Center on your way to the diamond search area. This fascinating interpretive center serves as your gateway to the search area by offering an in-depth introduction to the unique adventure of searching for diamonds. Tour the exhibits. Visit with the park interpretive staff. Here, you’ll learn to recognize diamonds in the rough. You’ll be taught the three different search methods used here at the Crater of Diamonds. And, you’ll be introduced to the diamond hunters’ hall of fame featuring photographs of the faces of successful diamond prospectors that you might recognize on the search area while you hunt for diamonds here, too.
Watch the on-demand “Diamond Hunting 101” video or one of the diamond searching demonstrations by a park interpreter.
In this building you'll rent the digging tools and screens for your diamond prospecting. And, here is where you will return later to have your material identified by a park staff member. If you've found a diamond, it will be certified, too.
Along with the exhibit gallery, this two-level, barrier-free building includes vending machines and restrooms/changing rooms for the adjacent Diamond Springs water playground. The upper level features a 1,600-square-foot classroom where the park gift shop is located temporarily while the park visitor center is under renovation in 2009.