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A Texas man discovered an unexpected treasure during a family trip this winter – all thanks to his sons and wife’s Siri search.
Arkansas State Parks recently shared news of the discovery, which was made at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County. James Ward, 41, unearthed the 2.09-carat brown diamond on December 30.
Ward, who lives in Cypress, Texas, was visiting the park with his wife Elizabeth and their two young sonsAdrian, 9, and Austin, 7.
Visiting the park was the 7-year-old’s idea, according to Elizabeth Ward.
“One day we were watching TV and Austin came over and said, ‘Mom, mom, is there any place in or near Texas where we can mine for the crystals?‘”, the mother recalls.
James Ward of Cypress, Texas, found the diamond while visiting the Arkansas park with his wife and two young sons. (Arkansas State Parks)
She quickly searched with Siri and found information about Crater of Diamonds State Park.
“I sent James the link and he was like, ‘Oh wait, it’s only six hours. We can go!'” Elizabeth Ward added.
“Listen to your children talking about their dreams and what they want to do!”
The gemstone, named Ward Diamond, was found on the family’s second day of searching.
The first day was long and cold, but 9-year-old Adrian encouraged the family to return the next day when the gem was found.
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“I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was different from anything I had found,” the father said.
Waymon Cox, assistant park superintendent, compared the diamond to a kernel of corn.
“[It has] a dark yellowish brown tint and a beautiful metallic shine [that’s] characteristic of all Crater diamonds,” Cox said.
Park officials described the Ward Diamond as having a dark yellowish-brown hue and a metallic sheen. (Arkansas State Parks)
He added that crater diamonds were formed The upper mantle of the Earth — and “were transported to the surface by an ancient volcanic vent” millions of years ago.
“Most are chipped, broken or have defects from the immense geological forces they have endured,” Cox said.
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“Given its current size, you can imagine how much larger Mr. Ward’s diamond could have been as a complete crystal.”
It’s unclear what lies ahead for the diamond – and Ward said he’s willing to sell it or keep it.
The diamond emerged on the second day after cold weather interrupted the family’s first attempt. (Arkansas State Parks)
“I’ll have to see how much it’s worth first,” he said.
Ward also encouraged other park visitors not to give up on their first day of digging.
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“Listen to your children talking about their dreams and what they want to do!” » added his wife.
Arkansas State Parks told Fox News Digital that park employees “are not trained to grade or evaluate diamonds or other rocks and minerals.”
“I’ll have to see how much it’s worth,” Ward said of his rare find. (Arkansas State Parks)
“Our main training is to correctly identify and record diamonds for guests who find them,” the official said.
“Anyone interested in having their diamonds appraised or graded can speak to a certified gemologist, who has undergone special training to properly appraise their diamonds. quality of precious stones and estimate the value.”
Ward’s discovery adds to a growing list of significant gems found by visitors to Crater of Diamonds National Park.
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An Oklahoma family discovered a 2.79-carat diamond in Crater of Diamonds State Park in September, using tools purchased at a dollar store.
In April, a Minnesota resident unearthed a stunning 3.81-carat stone. brown diamond at the park – a find he compared to a candy wrapper.
