Albuquerque police are searching for a thief who took a diamond from a secure case inside the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
Museum officials say the uncut 3-carat diamond was taken from the museum's volcano exhibit. Custodial staff reported it missing around 9:30 a.m.
Detectives have collected forensic evidence from scene.
The diamond had been kept in the case for the past 28 years.
The executive director, Charles Walter, says the museum provides educational experiences based on real specimens and it's a real disappointment that someone would steal from a museum.
The museum says it's repairing the exhibit case and will re-open the volcano exhibit as soon as possible.
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