An Arkansas woman is rejoicing after finding a 3.69-carat diamond in Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro last week.
Susie Clark of Sharp County spotted the rock after saying a prayer, so she dubbed the treasure her "Hallelujah" diamond.
Crater of Diamonds is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public, and also produces peridot, garnet, amethyst, and other precious stones. All stones found in the park can be kept by the finder.
Clark first went to the park 33 years ago when her mother and grandmother visited from Germany. This time, however, the excursion was fruitful.
"Are you going to bless me and let me find a diamond today?" Clark asked God on her final day of diamond hunting with her husband. She soon found the glistening, tear-shaped rock.
The diamond, which is about the size of a pinto bean, was found near the park's South Washing Pavilion. Park Interpreter Waymon Cox said recent rainfall cleared some of the soil, and facilitated the find. There is also an increased chance of finding a precious stone after the ground is plowed, which happens on a monthly basis.
"Diamonds are a bit heavy for their size, and they lack static electricity, so rainfall slides the dirt off diamonds that are on the surface of the search area, leaving them exposed," Cox explained. "And when the sun comes out, they'll sparkle and be noticed."
Cox described Clark's diamond as frosted white, and the lucky woman plans to keep the stone. Hers is the largest of the 121 diamonds found in Crater of Diamonds State Park this year.
Park Assistant Superintendent Bill Henderson would not estimate a value of Clark's diamond, instead recommending that she get it professionally evaluated.
