Arkansas Diamond Hunter Unearths Rare 6-Carat Gem

Pearadin, originally from Missouri, relocated to Murfreesboro specifically to sustain his pursuit after a casual 2013 visit ignited his obsession. His persistence yielded over 300 smaller stones before he spotted this fingernail-sized prize glowing in a gravel pile this past January. The discovery was captured on video, showing the moment the pair realized the scale of their find.

While Pearadin suggests the stone could fetch $1 million among collectors, professional appraisals offer a more grounded outlook. An expert speaking with The Associated Press estimated the diamond’s market value at closer to $250,000, noting that final pricing depends on the gem’s clarity, cut, and weight retention after professional polishing. The park remains a unique destination where visitors pay a $15 fee to hunt on an eroded volcanic crater, a rarity in an industry typically defined by high-security commercial mining.