A New Diamond Giant: 2,492-Carat Rough Stone Makes History
A particularly rare diamond was recently discovered in Botswana, marking one of the most significant discoveries of its kind in history. The rough diamond, weighing an impressive 2,492 carats, is the second largest in the world, following the famous 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905.
Details of the Discovery
The diamond was unearthed in the Karowe mine, situated approximately 500 kilometers north of Botswana's capital, Gaborone. Operated by the Canadian firm Lucara Diamond, the discovery was announced in a recent statement. The Botswana government has confirmed that this gem is the largest diamond ever discovered in the country.
Background on the Diamond Industry in Botswana
Botswana is renowned as one of the world’s leading diamond producers, contributing about 20% of global diamond production. The diamond industry is crucial to the country’s economy, providing substantial revenue and employment opportunities. This newly discovered diamond is a remarkable testament to the region’s mineral wealth.
Further Details
While detailed information regarding the exact quality or value of the newly discovered diamond has yet to be released, a similar 1,109-carat diamond, also found in the Karowe mine in 2016, was sold for $53 million in 2017. Known as "Lesedi la Rona," meaning "Our Light" in Setswana, this diamond is one of the largest rough diamonds ever discovered. It is classified as a type IIa diamond, signifying extreme purity and the absence of nitrogen impurities.
The Lesedi la Rona diamond, discovered in November 2015 and publicly announced in 2016, had a major impact on the diamond industry. Following its acquisition, the diamond was expertly cut and processed, yielding exquisite luxury jewelry showcased at international exhibitions and high-profile events.
The discovery and sale of the Lesedi la Rona underscored the significance of Botswana's mines as sources of exceptionally high-quality diamonds. The current discovery further underscores the importance of ongoing exploration at the Karowe mine and other similar locations. This find has the potential to introduce new, high-value gemstones to the global market, promising to add a remarkable new chapter to the legacy of diamond mining.
