A diamond is a solid form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure. That’s the technical definition for what we know as one of the most beautiful stones on earth. They’re brilliant prisms that symbolize light, life, purity, and perfection…perhaps that’s what makes them a popular choice for engagement rings. There’s nothing quite like them, except perhaps New Jersey’s own Cape May Diamond. Can you find diamonds in NJ? Sorta – and we love them all the same. These are one of those delightful little natural wonders of New Jersey that might not know about… until now:

This is a tumbled, uncut diamond.
James St. John/Flickr
Diamonds have the highest hardness of any natural material. They are rated a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness. Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years and can come in a variety of colors.
These are polished, uncut Cape May Diamonds.
Clark Perks/Wikipedia
Cape May Diamonds are actually quartz pebbles that can be cut to resemble diamonds. They rate as a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, have a small variance in color, and can be up to 600 million years old.
There are quite a few similarities between the stones, but we love the story of the Cape May Diamonds best.
Bart Hanlon/Flickr
Cape May Diamonds were first discovered by the Kechemeche (Lenni-Lenape) tribe that resided in Cape May County over 400 years ago. They used the crystals for trading purposes, as gifts, and as a sign of friendship and goodwill. The Kechemeche believed the diamonds had supernatural powers that could influence the well-being and good fortune of their possessor. By the 1800s, Europeans were searching Cape May's shores for these sacred stones.

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Sunset Beach is one of the best places to find the beautiful gems!
SomeNameToForget/Flickr
The best time to search for them is at low tide on cold, windy days, ideally shortly after a storm, though they can be found at any time. No tools are necessary but it helps to bring a bag or bucket and a sieve to sift out sand. Look for translucent pebbles, typically around the size of a pea. Prospectors may also find fossils and shark teeth in the area.
If you can't find your own Cape May Diamonds, or would like polished versions, head to Sunset Beach Gifts, right next to the beach!
Jim, The Photographer/Flickr
Though Sunset Beach is away from the hustle and bustle of Cape May proper, it does offer a small food stand and an amazing gift shop. They've got all sorts of goodies, including Cape May Diamonds and diamond jewelry of all sizes and types.
You can even find breathtaking Cape May Diamond rings at Sunset Beach Gifts.
Sunset Beach Gift Shop/Facebook
When cut, they strongly resemble traditional diamonds, with the added benefit of being one-of-a-kind treasures from New Jersey.
After hunting for (and hopefully finding) Cape May Diamonds, check out nearby attractions...
Ryan Linton/Wikipedia
In addition to all the shopping, dining, and museums in Cape May, you can visit the Cape May Lighthouse and a WWII Fire Tower right near Sunset Beach in Cape May Point.

So, can you find diamonds in NJ? Sort of! Were you familiar with Cape May Diamonds? Do you have your own? I do, and I love them. (Thanks, mom!) For more Cape May fun, you’ll definitely want to take a summer day trip to this charming town.

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More to Explore

Can You Find Diamonds in New Jersey?

Tori Jane | October 10, 2022

Can you find diamonds in New Jersey?  

Yes and no. You’re not likely at all to find literal diamonds, however, New Jersey is special in the sense that it has its own “diamonds”. They’re known as Cape May Diamonds, or Diamonds, with a capital D, and they’re gorgeous quartz pebbles found on the beaches of Cape May Point, New Jersey. They are often cut and polished to resemble their more literal diamond neighbors, and they’re honestly just as beautiful. They’re one of those little underappreciated natural wonders in New Jersey that most folks don’t even think about!  

What is the history of New Jersey mining?  

When we say the history of NJ mining goes back – WAY back – we absolutely mean it. Mining in New Jersey dates back as far as the 1600s when copper was initially mined along the Delaware River in what is now Warren County. New Jersey was also home to one of the first iron mines in the US as well, and many others like it followed. The minerals primarily sought after in New Jersey include iron, zinc, copper, graphite, and Franklinite lead. Interestingly, there are no coal mines in New Jersey and very little gold.  

What kind of gemstones in New Jersey can you find?  

If you know where to look, you can find all sorts of amazing, shimmery gemstones in New Jersey! Though it’s illegal to collect in places like New Jersey state parks, you can still look. Among the most commonly found gemstones in New Jersey are beauties like amethyst, agate, opal, quartz, amber, pyrite, and jasper, with many more in between. Be sure to visit some of the beautiful and unusual geological wonders of New Jersey and you’re sure to run into a couple of prime specimens (though no, you cannot take them home). Life in New Jersey is really something special, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors (and all the rocks and minerals you can find out there).  

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