While on a road trip through the American South, a Florida couple uncovered more than just scenic landscapes—they found a 3.36-carat diamond lying in the dirt at one of Arkansas’s most unusual tourist destinations.

Scott and Jennifer Freitas were visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park in southwest Arkansas earlier this month when they made the discovery. The couple, who have a shared interest in gemstone hunting, said the park had long been on their list of must-visit sites.

They named the gem “The Dash Diamond,” in memory of their late dog.

The find is among the largest reported at the park this year, second only to the 3.81-carat “Duke Diamond,” also named in honor of a family pet. Both discoveries continue a long tradition of visitors finding precious stones in an unlikely corner of the country.

“I was stunned when I saw the pictures of the diamond,” said Caleb Howell, the state park’s superintendent. “The shape, clarity, colour, and size made it a beautifully natural gemstone. It was a great reminder of the awesomeness of Crater of Diamonds State Park.”

Crater of Diamonds State Park, located on the site of an eroded volcanic crater, is the only public diamond-bearing site in the United States where amateur prospectors are permitted to search and keep any gems they find. The designated search area spans more than 14.9 ha (37 acres), and the park sees thousands of visitors annually.

According to park officials, more than 300 diamonds have been registered at the site so far in 2025. Since the first stone was discovered there in 1906, the park has attracted gem enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Park staff offer identification services to visitors who find stones, and provide educational resources at the on-site Diamond Discovery Center. Most diamonds found are small, but the rare larger stones keep hopeful eyes trained on the soil.