Dad and son ‘try their luck’ at diamond park — and find second-largest gem this year
A father and son on a “boys’ week” road trip found “something special” during their impromptu visit to a famed Arkansas state park, officials said.
Arizona resident Will Barnett and his son Marshall learned about Crater of Diamonds State Park from a relative and decided to stop there on their journey and “try their luck at finding a genuine diamond,” according to an August news release from park officials.
While sifting through the soil July 27, Will spotted a “glimmering gem,” park officials said.
“Marshall, you should take a look at this!” Will called out to his son.
Staff confirmed the duo, who were “shaking with excitement,” had found a 2-carat diamond — the park’s second-largest diamond registered this year, officials said.
Staff said the diamond is rectangular and “about the size of a pencil eraser.”
The gem is light brown, resembling the color of iced tea, and has two large facets that catch the light.
The dad and son chose to name the diamond “Minor Find” as Will calls his son “minor miner,” according to park officials.
“Minor Find” became the 36,500th diamond registered since 1972 when Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas State Park, according to officials.
Park officials said visitors find one to two diamonds every day.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is in Murfreesboro, about a 110-mile drive southeast from Little Rock.
This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Dad and son ‘try their luck’ at diamond park — and find second-largest gem this year."
