I visited the "crater of diamonds" last week for the 4th of July. I did not find anything, but it was still fun. If you are thinking about going,
I highly recommend that you read the book, "Genuine Diamonds in Arkansas" before you go (especially if you are traveling from another state just to go to the diamond mine). I bought it at a gift shop before I left. I have since read the entire thing, and am now very anxious to get back and try again. This book is a must have! Not only does it give you a very detailed history about the mine, there is some great information, great pictures, and very helpful tips. I have not read a book cover to cover since I was in college (and even then I was all about cliff notes

, and I could not put this thing down. The guy who wrote it has practically spent his whole life hunting, and learning about the diamonds. It will really get ya motivated and is a great reference book. I will definitely have more confidence going into my next dig. You can purchase the book for $12 at
www.diamondsinar.com .
Happy Hunting!
-L. Snipan
PS: It is VERY HOT in Arkansas this time of year, and there is NO SHADE on the field. It is also very helpful to hunt right after a good rain, which there is not a whole lot of right now. I am going to wait and go back in the fall!