Diamond Rocker: Iconic Mining Machinery from Arkansas

This photograph captures a diamond rocker, a piece of machinery used in the process of mining for diamonds in Arkansas. Specifically, these equipment types were integral to operations at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Since its establishment as a state park in 1972, Crater of Diamonds has allowed visitors to search for real diamonds and keep any they find, making it a unique location for both tourists and gem enthusiasts.

Arkansas is notable for the discovery of the worlds first recorded diamond, the Uncle Sam diamond, found in 1924. The presence of the diamond rocker in this historic image underscores the mining activities in the region during the early 20th century, a period when diamond prospecting surged in Arkansas. Operators utilized various techniques, including the rocker, to sift through soil and gravel, effectively separating heavier gem stones from lighter rock and dirt. This method played a pivotal role in uncovering some of the most significant diamonds in the parks history.

The photograph, taken by the Bain News Service, illustrates not just a piece of machinery but also an era of exploration and economic excitement in Arkansas. It serves as a visual reminder of the ingenuity and hope that drove individuals to seek fortune in the rugged terrain of one of Americas most unique geological treasures.