By: 
Waymon Cox
 Updated: 
A park interpreter and child using a screen to sift for diamonds
A park interpreter and child using a screen to sift for diamonds

Greetings from Crater of Diamonds State Park! One of the most useful tools in searching for diamonds is a sifting screen. A fine-mesh screen helps you to sift dirt and search through gravel quickly. When used properly, it can greatly increase your chances of finding a diamond! The park rents screens and other tools for diamond searching, but some people like to make their own screens for a more meaningful park experience.

On Friday, May 3, from 9 to 11 a.m., the Crater of Diamonds will host a workshop for visitors interested in building their own box screens to sift for diamonds. During the morning, participants will build screens in the Diamond Discovery Center classroom before taking them into the search area for a hands-on lesson in sifting.

Work gloves and screwdrivers will be provided to assemble box screens from pre-drilled kits. All ages are welcome to attend, but children should bring an adult to help put their screens together. Participants should dress to be outside and bring their own shovels and buckets, if desired. The park will also have equipment available for rent.

Search area last plowed: March 19, 2019

Most recent significant rain: March 30, 2019

Diamond finds for the week of March 24, 2019 (100 points = 1 carat):

  • March 27 – Ian Kitts, Hilliard, OH, 79 pt. white
  • March 28 – Ben Reynolds, Minot, ND, 0.3 pt. white, 0.7 pt. white, 1 pt. brown, 1 pt. yellow
  • March 29 – Ben Reynolds, Minot, ND, 1 pt. brown, 1 pt. white, 1 pt. white, 1 pt. white; Craig Zapf, Muncie, IN, 19 pt. white