When Barry Smith of Germantown, Tennessee, visited Crater of Diamonds State Park on August 16 with his wife and two granddaughters, he never expected to walk away with a treasure. While strolling near the east drain of the park’s designated diamond‑search area, Smith spotted a glimmering speck on the ground. He slipped the stone into his pocket, and park staff later confirmed it was a 2.29‑carat yellow canary diamond.
Family‑focused discovery
The Smith family, who were on a weekend outing, named the stone the “Sage Juniper Diamond” in honor of the two granddaughters who accompanied them. The gem, roughly the size of a black‑eyed pea, joins a short list of notable finds at the park, which allows the public to search for diamonds on a 37‑acre field of eroded volcanic soil.
Rare yellow diamond
Yellow diamonds are the least common color variety recovered at Crater of Diamonds, where most discoveries are white or brown. According to a news release from the park, the Sage Juniper Diamond is the third‑largest stone uncovered there in 2026. In total, 351 diamonds have been registered at the park this year, with visitors typically finding one to two diamonds per day.
What the find means for the park and visitors
Crater of Diamonds State Park, located near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only public diamond‑search site in the United States where anyone can keep what they find. The park’s Diamond Discovery Center evaluates each find, providing an educational experience for families and hobbyists alike. Discoveries like Smith’s highlight the park’s unique blend of recreation, education, and local tourism.
Park officials encourage families to visit, noting that the chance of finding a gem, while modest, adds excitement to a day outdoors. The recent find underscores the park’s appeal to multi‑generational visitors seeking both adventure and a tangible connection to the earth’s natural treasures.
Looking ahead
As the park continues to attract gem‑seekers from across the region, the Smith family’s story serves as a reminder that extraordinary moments can happen in everyday outings. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious weekend explorer, Crater of Diamonds offers a rare opportunity to walk away with a piece of geological history.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
