Grandfather finds hidden treasure in plain sight as park officials 'dumbfounded' by discovery

A grandfather from Tennessee recently walked away from an Arkansas state park with a remarkable discovery : a yellow diamond.

He made the discovery at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County, Arkansas State Parks announced Aug.

29.

At the time, Barry G.

Smith of Germantown, Tennessee, was searching for diamonds in the park with his two granddaughters, Sage and Juniper.

STUNNED COUPLE UNEARTHS 150-POUND MYSTERY HIDDEN BENEATH THEIR BACKYARD FOR DECADES ​"Not expecting anything more than a fun time, the family rented a wagon and basic kit from the park and began their diamond search," Arkansas officials said in a statement about the Aug.

16 discovery.

After about 30 minutes of searching, Smith spotted something glimmering in the East Drain section of the park — but initially mistook it for mica, a glittery and common mineral.

The grandfather placed the gem in his shirt pocket and didn't think much of the find until he had it inspected at the park's Diamond Discovery Center, he said.

"After further inspection, staff confirmed that Smith had found a gorgeous 2.29-carat yellow diamond," the release said.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER MYSTERIOUS FACE HIDDEN FOR CENTURIES IN BOOK OF REVELATION CITY The diamond surprised even park officials. ​"I was dumbfounded when I first saw the diamond," facility supervisor Ralph Hall said in a statement.

"Its overall shape and color immediately reminded me of the Pearadin Schumacher American Dream Diamond found earlier this year," Hall added.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER MASSIVE ARTIFACT DEPICTING PHARAOH THOUGHT TO HAVE CHALLENGED MOSES IN EXODUS Park officials indicate that yellow diamonds rank as the rarest variety found in the park, with the majority of visitors discovering brown or white stones instead. ​"Yellow diamonds are created when nitrogen is absorbed into the crystal structur e during formation," the ADPHT noted.

"Nitrogen impurities absorb blue light and reflect yellow wavelengths, giving the diamond its yellow hue." Smith told park officials he was "absolutely" excited about his discovery.