10 Best Places to Find Diamonds While Metal Detecting 

Ever dreamt of unearthing a diamond on your own? Join us as we delve into the thrilling world of diamonds while metal detecting and reveal the best places worldwide to strike it rich. Ready for adventure?

Best Places to find Diamond Metal Detecting

First of all, Diamonds cannot be detected by metal detectors since they are not metals.

But with signs of gold and indicator minerals, there’s a high possibility of finding diamonds and gemstones nearby.

During one of my recent trips to Colorado, to visit a friend, I found some valuable information that renewed my interest in metal detecting once more. 

He was also a metal detectorist like me, and something he told me made my metal-detecting senses go beep!

He said that he uncovered some precious stones during a recent metal-detecting session in his area. So then he showed what he had discovered: a small piece of diamond. 

I was super excited and determined to find some diamonds through metal detecting too. 

I have researched where I can find diamonds and got really lucky in collecting some diamond treasures as well.

Here’re my top locations to find diamonds while metal detecting,

  1. Arkansas
  2. Colorado
  3. Wyoming
  4. Montana
  5. North Carolina 
  6. New York 
  7. California
  8. Nevada 
  9. Wisconsin
  10. Ohio 

Even though through extensive research I was able to find these places, finding diamonds by metal detecting is not an easy task since it is not a metal.

It is almost deemed an impossible task to find diamonds by metal detecting. But the biggest sign that diamonds are nearby is gold. Finding gold nuggets may lead you to discover diamonds and gemstones.

These are not the only places to detect diamonds. There are several places all around the globe and I have included them as well for our readers from all around the world. 

So hang around till the end and find out more about each of these locations, and some tips and tricks I followed to find some diamonds through metal detecting. 

So let’s jump straight into the article about the best places to find diamonds while metal detecting. 

Tip for detecting diamonds
Tip for detecting diamonds

Best States to Find Diamonds by Metal Detecting in the United States 

Check for areas you can find gold to detect diamonds because displaying signs of gold nuggets may lead you to diamonds.

Plus, you can check for the following indicator minerals as Magnetite, Copper filled agate, Pyrrhotite, and Iron-rich boulders using your metal detectors that are signs of diamonds or gold are nearby.

According to my experience here are the top 10 states in the United States to find diamonds through metal detecting. 

These states have recorded abundant diamond mines or placer deposits of diamonds, which have been detected and found by previous metal detectorists. 

1. Arkansas

Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in the Murfreesboro area in Pike County, Arkansas.

This area has been an active diamond mine since the early 1900s. 

Diamonds and Gemstones found from Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas
Diamonds and Gemstones found from Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas

The significance of this area is that the mine owners allow the general public to detect diamonds. 

And if you are lucky with finding any diamonds, you can keep it with you. 

This is one of the best places situated in the United States to metal detect diamonds, for anyone who is starting or interested in diamond while metal detecting. 

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas

2. Colorado

Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado has a rich history of uncovering diamonds from the earth. 

This is no longer an active diamond mine, so the enthusiasts could freely roam around and detect diamonds. 

Other locations in the state of Colorado are the State Line Kimberlite district and the Sloan Ranch have reported small occurrences of diamonds in the recent past. 

With my friend, who is in Colorado, I have gone on a couple of trips to the Kelsey Lake Diamond mine in search of diamonds. 

Even though I wasn’t able to uncover even a tiny piece of diamond, there have been reports and stories of people finding diamonds from these sites. 

So suggest to my fellow metal-detecting enthusiasts around Colorado to pay a visit to one of these sites and try their luck with metal-detecting diamonds. 

Diamond detecting area in Fort Collins, Larimer County in Colorado
Diamond detecting area in Fort Collins, Larimer County in Colorado

3. Wyoming

Wyoming and Colorado states are situated closer together. So a part of the State Line Kimberlite District mine extends into the Wyoming States too. 

As the mine is extending into the state, just like in Colorado, you can free metal detect any diamonds in this area.  

Apart from these locations, Leucite Hills volcanic field in Wyoming has reported some diamond findings in the past. 

So these areas might be perfect for someone who is starting a diamond while metal detecting.

Leucite Hills volcanic field in Wyoming
Leucite Hills volcanic field in Wyoming

4. Montana

El Dorado Bar near Helena, Montana is also known for its diamond presence among the locals. 

The area expanding through the Lewis and Lark counties has yielded diamonds in the past and is now a popular location for all the metal detectorists around the vicinity of Montana state.

This is also one of the few places in the United States where people could detect diamonds freely. 

El Dorado Bar in Montana for diamond detecting
El Dorado Bar in Montana for diamond detecting

5. North Carolina 

In Alexander County of North Carolina, the Emerald Hollow mine is found. This is an abandoned gemstone mining lace 

Among gemstones, diamonds also have been found in this location. 

Diamond detecting area near Emerald Hollow mine in North Carolina
Diamond detecting area near Emerald Hollow mine in North Carolina

6. New York

Herkimer County in New York is known for its Herkimer diamonds. These are double-terminated quartz crystals that resemble diamonds. 

In this area, you can metal-detect diamonds with proper clearances from the authorities. 

Herkimer diamonds in New York
Herkimer diamonds in New York

7. California 

I have lots of Californian friends and I was very surprised to find California on the list.

The state is known for its rich history in gold mining, but I never thought there would be diamonds too. 

In much of my disbelief, people who loved near the gold mine area have told me that some of the locals were able to find some small diamond pieces by chance. 

So I was more determined to find some with my metal detector. My goal was to find gold with my metal detector since metal detectors cannot detect diamonds directly.

If there’re signs of gold, there’s a good chance of finding diamonds from those areas as well.

There are a few locations in the state of California where you can also be successful in finding diamonds. 

The Oroville Dam spillway area in Butte County, the Klamath River area in Siskiyou County, and the Sloan Ranch area in northern California are some good spots to find diamonds.

Diamond detecting area near Oroville Dam spillway in California
Diamond detecting area near Oroville Dam spillway in California

8. Nevada

Even though there have been multiple attempts from me to uncover diamonds in the state of Nevada, I haven’t been lucky. 

History suggests that there were some deposits of diamonds in the ate of Nevada. 

Locals say the diamond deposits are found in the Sloan Ranch area that extends into the Nevada state.

So if you are curious to find diamonds from Nevada, I suggest you start from here. 

Diamond detecting area near Sierra Nevada in Nevada
Diamond detecting area near Sierra Nevada in Nevada

9. Wisconsin 

The state of Wisconsin also had its fair share of diamonds in the past. The Wolf River area is widely popular among the locals for finding small tiny diamonds. 

So if you are someone from Wisconsin, this is a great place to start your metal-detecting journey. 

Diamond detecting area near Wolf River area in Wisconsin
Diamond detecting area near Wolf River area in Wisconsin

10. Ohio 

There have been small deposits of diamonds in Ohio according to data from the geological maps. These are probably situated in the glacial deposits. 

These can be discovered easily compared to other locations. 

Adams Lake in Ohio is great for detecting diamonds and gemstones
Adams Lake in Ohio is great for detecting diamonds and gemstones

Other Top Locations in the United States to Find Diamonds While Metal Detecting

There have been some other locations apart from these states where people have been successful in finding diamonds through metal detecting. 

1. Utah 

The Marysvale volcanic field in Central Utah has recorded some deposits of diamonds. Yet these smaller deposits haven’t been recognized as places to mine on an industrial scale. 

So, metal detecting enthusiasts have a good chance of finding some untouched diamonds from this area.

Diamond detecting in Marysvale volcanic area in Utah
Diamond detection in Marysvale volcanic area in Utah

2. Washington 

The glacial deposits in the Greenwater River area have reported a few smaller diamonds. 

3. Oregon  

Central Oregon areas like Green Ridge and Jackson Butte had minor occurrences of diamonds these were associated with volcanic rocks. 

Diamond detecting area in Green Ridge, Oregon
Diamond detecting area in Green Ridge, Oregon

Locations Popular for Finding Diamonds on Each Continent 

Here are some of the places all around the world for our international audience. 

If you are closer to any of these locations, I suggest you try your luck with metal-detecting golds or indicator minerals such as Magnetite, Copper filled agate, Pyrrhotite, and Iron-rich boulders to find diamonds in these places. 

Diamonds found by detectorists
Diamonds found by detectorists

Here’re the best countries in each continent to find diamonds as metal detectorists.

North America

There is a significant amount of diamond deposits all over the continent of North America. 

Mostly these deposits are found in the United States but, locations in the continent where diamonds are found lie within Canada. 

1. Canada

Here are some locations in Canada where you can find diamond deposits.

  • Diavik Diamond Mine, Northwest territories
  • Ekati Diamond Mine, Northwest territories 
  • Gahchi Kue Diamond Mine, Northwest territories
  • Victor Diamond Mine, Ontario  

These locations in Canada are mostly diamond mines.

To metal detect in these areas you need proper clearances and permissions from the authorities or the owners of these properties. 

Diamond mine in British Columbia, Canada
Diamond mine in British Columbia, Canada

South America

South American region is well known for its gold deposits all around the world the lesser known facts about these gold mining areas and gold fields are, they are good deposits for small diamonds too. 

The river beds and bedrock deposits are some of the major areas where diamonds are found in South America. 

1. Brazil

Brazil is one of the major gold-producing countries in the region. Apart from gold mining, the county is also known for its diamond deposits. 

Diamond is heavily mined on an industrial scale in Brazil, with proper clearances from the authorities, you can also metal detect in these areas for diamonds. 

Some of the popular diamond mines in Brazil are, 

  • Diamantina Diamond District Mine , Minas Gerais State
  • Chapada Diamantina Diamond District mine, Bahia State
  • Alto Paranaiba Diamond District Mine, Mias Gerais State 

So if you are someone from the South American continent, you could try your luck with diamonds while metal detecting in these areas. 

Diamond detecting area in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
Diamond detecting area in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Africa

The African continent is known as the land of diamonds. From colonial times, Africa has been one of the major producers of diamonds and precious gemstones. 

The continent with a rich history of diamonds has some areas and locations for you to detect diamonds. Here are some of the locations I was able to find, 

1. Botswana

Some locations in Botswana where you can metal detect diamonds are, 

  • Orapa Diamond Mine, Boteti District
  • Jwaneng Diamond Mine, Southern District
  • Lethakane Diamond Mine, Boteti District
  • Karowe Diamond Mine, Boteti District
Diamond mine in Orapa Botswana
Diamond mine in Orapa Botswana

2. South Africa

Some destinations in South Africa to find diamonds by metal detecting are,

  • Kimberley Mine, Northern Cape Province
  • Venetia Diamond Mine, Limpopo Province
  • Cullinan Diamond Mine, Gauteng Province
  • Finsch Diamond Mine, Northern Cape Province  

I suggest you try out metal detecting in some of these locations if you live close by. 

Kimberley Diamond Mine South Africa
Kimberley Diamond Mine South Africa

3. Angola

Angola is another state in the African continent that is known for its abundant deposits of diamonds locations where you can find diamonds in metal detecting are, 

  • Catoca Diamond Mine, Lunda Sal
  • Lulo Diamond Mine, Lunda Norte
  • Camafuca-Camazambo Diamond Mine, Lunda Norte 

4. Congo

There have been large diamond fields that were excavated and searched for diamonds extensively now most of these diamond fields are abandoned. 

This portrays a perfect opportunity for someone who is living in the state of Congo to start their metal detecting journey here.

Here are the locations of these diamond deposits in Congo, 

  • Kasai Diamond Field, Kasai
  • Mbuji Mayi Diamond Field, Kasai-Oriental
  • Tshikapa Diamond Field, Kasai  

5. Namibia

Namibia is one of the major countries which is producing diamonds in the region. Namibia has one of the largest offshore diamond mines near its coast. 

Here are the locations in Namibia where you can find diamonds by metal detecting,

  • Debmarine Offshore Diamond Field, Atlantic Coast of Namibia 
  • Luderitz Diamond Field, Karas 

Europe

The major diamond producer in the European region is Russia. Apart from Russia, Nordic countries like Norway, Finland, and Sweden also have some minor diamond deposits within their countries.

Here are all the laces you can find diamonds in Europe,

1. Russia

  • Mir Diamond Mine, Yakutia
  • Udachny Diamond Mine, Yakutia
  • Aihal Diamond Mine, Yakutia
  • Nyurba Diamond Mine, Yakutia
  • Arkhangelsk Diamond Mine, Arkhangelsk Oblast

Apart from these, there are some other diamond mines in Russia, which you can metal detecting with proper permission from the authorities. 

Kimberlite pipe Mir in Russia
Kimberlite pipe Mir in Russia

2. Sweden

  • Norra Karr Diamond Deosits, Jonkoping County
  • Vastana Diamond Deposits, Varmland County

3. Norway

  • Forde Diamond deposits, Sogn og Fjordane 
  • Ovre Eiker Diamond deosits, Buskerud

4. Finland

  • Kuusamo Diamond Deposits, Northern Ostrobothnia
  • Kuhmo Diamond deposits, Kainuu
Large diamond found when metal detecting
Large diamond found when metal detecting

Asia

There are only a few regions in Asia where diamond deposits are recorded. Those regions lie within, India and China here are the locations of each deposit, 

1. India

  • Panna Diamond Mines, Madhya Pradesh
  • Golconda Diamond Mines, Telangana
  • Wajrakaraur Diamond Field, Andhra Pradesh 

Out of these three, Golconda diamond mines are a historical mining site so just like any metal detecting procedure, you should have proper permission to metal detect diamonds from the authorities. 

2. China

  • Anhui Diamond Mines, Anhui 
  • Shandong Diamond Mines, Shandong
  • Liaoning Diamond Mines, Liaoning 

Australia 

Australia is the only country in the Australian continent that have records of diamond deposits here are the locations of these deposits in Australia,

  • Argyle Diamond Mine, Western Australia
  • Ellendale Diamond Mine, Western Australia
  • Merlin Diamond Mine, Northern Territory
  • Rio Tinto’s East Kimberley Mine, Western Australia 
Western Australia , Lake Argyle , Argyle Diamond Mine
Western Australia, Lake Argyle , Argyle Diamond Mine

Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to find diamond metal detecting with exact locations.

Botswana, renowned for its high-quality diamonds, produced approximately 23 million carats of diamonds in 2020, making it the world’s leading diamond producer by volume

www.reuters.com
Diamonds found when metal detecting
Diamonds found when metal detecting

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

What’s unique about diamond hunting in Herkimer County, New York?

Herkimer County is known for its “Herkimer diamonds,” which are double-terminated quartz crystals that resemble real diamonds, providing a unique metal detecting experience.

Do you require any permissions when searching for diamonds?

Yes. Just like any other metal detecting procedure, permission is needed for searching the property for diamonds as diamonds are high-value precious items, permission is required to avoid legal issues permissions should be obtained by either the authorities or the owners of the lands. 

Is it possible to find diamonds by metal detecting?

Yes, you can find diamonds while metal detecting by following the signs of gold, coal, and indicator minerals such as Magnetite, Copper filled agate, Pyrrhotite, and Iron-rich boulders.

It is challenging to find diamonds by metal detectors since they are not metals and diamonds are not buried in the depth ranges of the metal detectors.

Usually, diamonds are buried a few meters down from the earth’s surface. Even though the facts prove it is not possible to find diamonds, there have been reports of people who found diamonds with their metal detectors. 

Are there any specific indicators to look for when searching for diamonds?

The indicators you can look for during metal detection for diamonds are, Kimberlite pipes of volcanic rock formations and alluvial deposits of sediments may suggest the presence of diamonds. 

Can diamonds be found in areas known for gold?

Yes, areas with gold often have diamonds too. For instance, California, known for its gold mining history, also has locations where diamonds have been found, such as the Oroville Dam spillway area and the Klamath River area.

How can a metal detector help in diamond hunting if it can’t detect diamonds directly?

While it’s true that metal detectors can’t detect diamonds directly, they can detect indicator minerals like Magnetite, Copper filled agate, Pyrrhotite, and Iron-rich boulders, which often signal the presence of diamonds nearby.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about the Best Places to Find Diamond While Metal Detecting?

In this article, I’ve deeply explored the best places to find diamonds while metal detecting with some tips to find diamonds since they cannot be detected directly witty regular metal detectors.

The best places to find diamonds include Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, USA, the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada, the Diamantina Diamond District Mine in Brazil, Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine in Colorado, and the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia.

You need to search for gold, coal, or indicating minerals to find diamonds. That’s why they are so rare and difficult to find which made them super expensive in value.

Diamond is not an easy thing to find during metal detecting. but the rewards will be so much higher if you are persistent to find diamonds through metal detecting. 

I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best places to find diamonds by metal detecting. So, get your metal detectors ready and start searching for some diamonds! 

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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