The “Jones Diamond,” also known as the “Punch Jones Diamond,” “The Grover Jones Diamond,” or “The Horseshoe Diamond,” was a 34.48 carat (6.896 g) alluvial diamond found in Peterstown, West Virginia by members of the Jones family. It remains the largest alluvial diamond ever discovered in North America.
How much did the Jones diamond sell for?
At the time of discovery it was the only diamond ever discovered in West Virginia, the second largest diamond ever found in the United States, and the largest alluvial diamond ever found in North America. In 1984, Jones’ descendants sold the diamond for $67,500.
Why are there no diamonds in West Virginia?
Diamonds don’t exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928. … The diamond is an uncut naturally formed dodecahedral crystal, with 12 natural facets, weighing 34.48 carats and has a white color with a bluish tinge.
How did those diamonds get to Virginia?
All Virginia diamonds were found in unconsolidated sediments, rather than in their original geologic context. They were carried by water and deposited downstream from their original location.
Are diamonds found in Virginia?
DIAMONDS IN VIRGINIA
Sites include the Vaucluse mine; “Dewey Diamond”, Manchester; Tazewell County area; “Punch” Jones Diamond, Peterstown, WV.; Mount Horeb kimberlite; Whitehall mine, and the Front Royal peridotite.
What is the largest diamond in the world?
At present, the largest diamond ever recorded is the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan was subsequently cut into smaller stones, some of which form part of British royal family’s crown jewels.
What happened to the Jones diamond?
The diamond was then sent to the Smithsonian Institution for display and safekeeping until 1964 when it was returned to the Jones family, still in Virginia. The family kept the gem in a safe deposit box at the First Valley National Bank in Rich Creek until 1984.
Are there diamonds in West Virginia?
Diamonds don’t exist naturally in West Virginia, yet one of the largest ever found was discovered accidentally in a horseshoe pit in Monroe County in 1928.
Has there ever been gold found in West Virginia?
There are no commercial gold mines operating in West Virginia. Despite the lack of gold found within quartz, very small quantities of gold can be found within the state. As with almost any state, very tiny specks of gold have been reported to be found in several creeks and rivers.
Are there emeralds in USA?
Tucked in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains in western North Carolina, Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the United States that’s open to the public.
Can you find diamonds in quartz?
Diamonds have a specific gravity of 3.1–3.5. Quartz has a specific gravity of 2.6–2.7. In placer deposits, tumbled quartz pebbles and diamonds can appear similar. The difference in specific gravity, however, allows panning or sluice methods to separate the two minerals.
Where can I dig for diamonds in the US?
The only active diamond mine in the country is the Crater of Diamonds Mine near Murfreesboro, Pike County, Arkansas. There, recreational prospectors have been finding up to a few hundred carats of diamonds per year since the early 1970s. Many colored diamonds have been found at Crater of Diamonds.
What to look for when digging for diamonds?
Spread the dirt with the shovel blade to look for gravel. Due to high amounts of iron, heavy rocks and minerals at the park are usually red or brown. Diamonds are also heavy for their size and may be found near these colorful rocks and minerals,” he said. “In areas where more water collects, dig a little deeper.
Is there gold in VA?
Gold in Virginia is predominantly found in the “gold-pyrite” belt, which spans about 9 to 15 miles in length and runs for 140 miles along the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is part of the Piedmont region that features high areas of gold production in both the Carolinas.
Where can I dig for gems in Virginia?
Morefield Mine, Amelia, Virginia
The Morefield Mine, just under an hour from Richmond, VA, is known for its vast amount of amazonite. Prospecting here may also reward you with garnet, amethyst, beryl, topaz, and many other minerals.
Are diamonds found in rocks?
It is the hardest of naturally occurring substances. Diamonds are usually found in igneous rock formations and alluvial deposits. Most diamonds are billions of years old.