Murfreesboro in Pike County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
End of a Mystery: What is Below the Surface?
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025
1. End of a Mystery: What is Below the Surface Marker
From 1990 to 1997, Arkansas State Parks and several international mining companies conducted tests in two phases to help answer these questions.
During Phase 1, core samples were collected with a drilling rig to measure the size and shape of the diamond bearing crater. At that time the crater was found to be the 8th largest diamond deposit in the world, reaching more than 669 feet deep and containing more than 46 milion cubic yards of ore.
During Phase II, mining companies processed more than 9,000 tons of ore and recovered 210 diamonds weighing 47:48 carats. This confirmed that there are many diamonds in this large deposit. However, gem quality was not commercially profitable at the time, and interest in further testing diminished.
See exhibits in the visitor center and Diamond Discovery Center for more details about the mine evaluation program and results.
Erected by Crater of Diamonds Arkansas State
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 34° 2.02′ N, 93° 40.329′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, in Pike County. It is on State Park Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro AR 71958, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains and in Caddo Territory. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Star of Arkansas (within shouting distance of this marker); A Multifaceted History (within shouting distance of this marker); Mine Shaft / Guard House
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025
2. End of a Mystery: What is Below the Surface Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
