Full Breakdown
Tennessee Grandfather Unearths Rare 2.29-Carat Yellow Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
9/1/2026, 9:45:55 PM
Core Event
On August 16, Barry G. Smith of Germantown, Tennessee, was visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County, Arkansas, with his wife and granddaughters, Sage and Juniper. While searching the East Drain area, Smith spotted a glimmer that he first thought was mica. After placing the stone in his pocket and later presenting it to the park’s Diamond Discovery Center, staff confirmed it was a 2.29-carat canary-yellow diamond. Smith named the gem the “Sage Juniper Diamond” in honor of his granddaughters.
Park Context and Diamond Rarity
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only public diamond-bearing site in the United States where visitors may keep any gems they find. The park typically yields one to two diamonds per day, most of which are brown or white. Yellow diamonds are described by park officials as the least common color discovered at the site, formed when nitrogen becomes incorporated into the crystal structure during formation.
Discovery Details and Statistics
- The diamond measures roughly the size of a black-eyed pea.
- It is the third-largest diamond registered at the park in 2026.
- Park officials reported that 351 diamonds have been registered by visitors in 2026.
- No official value has been released; the park notes that its staff are not trained to grade or appraise gemstones.
Official Reactions
Arkansas State Parks explained the scientific basis for the stone’s hue, noting that nitrogen impurities absorb blue light and reflect yellow wavelengths. The agency also advised that anyone wishing to have a diamond graded should consult a certified gemologist with specialized training. Facility supervisor Ralph Hall expressed surprise at the find, saying the diamond’s shape and color immediately recalled a notable recent discovery at the park.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Its overall shape and color immediately reminded me of the Pearadin Schumacher American Dream Diamond found earlier this year,” — Ralph Hall
- “Yellow diamonds are created when nitrogen is absorbed into the crystal structure during formation,” — Arkansas State Parks
- “Nitrogen impurities absorb blue light and reflect yellow wavelengths, giving the diamond its yellow hue.” — Barry G. Smith
- “Anyone interested in having their diamonds graded or appraised can reach out to a certified gemologist, who has had special training to properly grade gemstone quality and estimate value.” — An official
