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A Texas man found an unexpected treasure during a family trip this winter — all thanks to his sons and his wife’s search for Siri.
Arkansas State Parks recently shared news about the discovery, made at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County. Forty-one-year-old James Ward discovered the 2.09-carat brown diamond on Dec. 30.
Ward, who lives in Cypress, Texas, was visiting the park with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two young sons, Adrian, 9, and Austin, 7.
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Visiting the park is a 7-year-old’s idea, according to Elizabeth Ward.
“One day we were watching TV, and Austin came up and said, ‘Mom, Mom, is there anywhere in Texas or nearby where we can dig for crystals?'” the mother recalled.
James Ward of Cypress, Texas, found the diamond while visiting an Arkansas park with his wife and two young sons. (Arkansas State Parks)
He did a quick search with Siri and found information about Crater of Diamonds State Park.
“I sent the link to James, and he’s like, ‘Oh wait, that’s only like six hours. We can go!'” added Elizabeth Ward.
“Listen to your children about their dreams and what they want to do!”
The precious stone, named the Ward Diamond, was found on the second day of the family’s search.
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 than anything I had found,” said my father.
Waymon Cox, the park’s assistant superintendent, compared a diamond to a kernel of corn.
“[It has] dark yellow hue and a fine, metallic sheen [that’s] characteristics of all Crater diamonds,” Cox said.
Park officials described the Ward Diamond as dark brown in color with a metallic luster. (Arkansas State Parks)
He added that the crater diamonds formed in the Earth’s surface – and were “carried up by an ancient volcanic plume” millions of years ago.
“Most have been crushed, fractured or combined with faults from the massive geological forces they’ve endured,” Cox said.
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“Looking at its current size, you can imagine how big Mr. Ward’s diamond was as a perfect crystal.”
What’s next for the diamond is unknown – and Ward said he’s open to selling it or keeping it.
The diamond appeared on the second day after the cold cut short the family’s first attempt. (Arkansas State Parks)
“I have to first see how much it is,” he said.
Ward also encouraged park visitors not to give up on their first day of digging.
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“Listen to your children about their dreams and what they want to do!” added his wife.
Arkansas State Parks told Fox News Digital that park staff are “not trained to weigh or measure diamonds or other stones and minerals.”
“I’ll have to see how much,” Ward said of his rare find. (Arkansas State Parks)
“Our basic training involves identifying and registering diamonds from visitors who have found them,” said the official.
“Anyone who is interested in having their diamonds graded or appraised can access a certified gemologist, who has received special training to accurately assess gem quality and value.”
Ward’s discovery adds to the growing list of treasures found by visitors at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
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An Oklahoma family found a 2.79-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park back in September, thanks to tools they bought at the dollar store.
In April, a Minnesota resident discovered a stunning 3.81-carat brown diamond in a park – which he compared to a candy wrapper.
