Minnesota Farmer Strikes Diamond Gold at Arkansas State Park

David DeCook, an amateur rockhound hailing from Minnesota, experienced the thrill of a lifetime during a recent family trip to Arkansas. On April 21, 2025, while exploring the renowned Crater of Diamonds State Park, DeCook unearthed a breathtaking 3.81-carat brown diamond. This extraordinary find marks the largest diamond discovered at the park thus far in 2025, according to Arkansas State Parks officials.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park holds the distinction of being the only diamond-producing site in the world accessible to the public. Visitors are invited to search for diamonds and keep any gems they discover, making it a unique and exciting destination for adventurers and treasure hunters alike.

According to a press release issued by Arkansas State Parks, DeCook was enjoying a family vacation when he stumbled upon the precious stone. The discovery unfolded in a rather understated manner. DeCook calmly approached the spot where he had spotted the diamond, picked it up, and examined it closely.

Perhaps fueled by a touch of sibling rivalry, DeCook playfully teased his brother, Derek, exclaiming, "Oh, you’re going to be mad once you see what I found!" The anticipation and excitement surrounding the find were palpable, even in DeCook’s jesting remark.

Several days after the initial discovery, DeCook returned to the park to officially register his remarkable find. In a testament to his affection for his canine companion, DeCook christened the diamond "the Duke Diamond," paying homage to his beloved dog.

DeCook, who identified himself as a farmer during an interview with FOX 9 Minneapolis, offered a down-to-earth description of the diamond’s appearance. He likened its initial look to that of a "candy wrapper," adding, "Real shiny looking, kind of like a Werthers candy wrapper… As you get closer to it, you can tell it’s a diamond pretty quick."

The unexpected nature of the discovery left DeCook in awe. "I was very surprised, I guess, and never thought I’d find one that big," he admitted. "You just never know what you’re gonna find. It’s a chance of a lifetime."

Arkansas State Parks officials highlighted the favorable weather conditions that followed DeCook’s discovery, further enhancing the prospects for diamond hunters. Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox noted, "April has been a very wet month at the park, with more than 12 inches of rain."

Cox further explained the relationship between rainfall and diamond discoveries at the park. "Many of the park’s largest diamonds are found on top of the ground," he said. "As rain falls in the search area, it washes away the dirt and uncovers heavy rocks, minerals, and diamonds near the surface."

The Duke Diamond stands as the most significant find at the Crater of Diamonds State Park since January 2024, when Julien Navas, a visitor from France, unearthed a remarkable 7.46-carat diamond. Navas, in a romantic gesture, named the gem after his fiancée, Carine.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park has a rich history of producing notable diamonds, attracting visitors from around the globe seeking their own gem-hunting adventure. The park’s unique geological formation, a volcanic pipe, is the source of the diamonds found within its boundaries.

Diamonds are brought to the surface through volcanic activity, and over millions of years, erosion has exposed these precious stones, making them accessible to park visitors. The park’s search area consists of a plowed field where visitors can dig, sift, and screen for diamonds.

The park provides visitors with information about diamond identification and offers tools for rent, making it accessible to both experienced gem hunters and first-time visitors. Park staff are available to assist with identifying potential diamond finds, adding to the educational and engaging experience.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park provides a compelling blend of natural history, geological wonder, and the thrill of the hunt. For David DeCook, his visit to the park resulted in an unforgettable discovery, a testament to the park’s enduring appeal and the possibility of finding a diamond treasure waiting just beneath the surface. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring gem hunters, reminding them that a once-in-a-lifetime discovery could be just one dig away. The legacy of the Duke Diamond will undoubtedly add to the allure of the Crater of Diamonds State Park, drawing in more visitors who dream of uncovering their own sparkling fortune.