In a remarkable discovery that has captured global attention, the second-largest diamond ever found has been unearthed in Botswana. The massive gem, weighing an astonishing 1,758 carats, was discovered at the Karowe Mine, operated by Lucara Diamond Corp. This incredible find is only surpassed by the famous Cullinan diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and weighed 3,106 carats.
The Discovery
The diamond was found using a new X-ray transmission (XRT) technology at the Karowe Mine, which has been known for producing some of the world’s most significant diamonds. This cutting-edge technology allowed miners to detect and recover the large gem without breaking it, a common challenge in the mining of such colossal stones.
The Diamond’s Features
This extraordinary diamond, yet to be named, is a near gem-quality stone, meaning that it has the potential to be cut into several high-quality polished diamonds. Its size and clarity are expected to make it one of the most valuable diamonds ever discovered, with experts already speculating on its potential worth.
Botswana’s Rich Diamond History
Botswana is one of the world’s leading producers of diamonds, and this discovery further cements its status as a key player in the global diamond industry. The country’s diamond mines have produced some of the most famous gems, including the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, which was also discovered at the Karowe Mine in 2015.
Next Steps
Lucara Diamond Corp. is currently evaluating the diamond to determine the best course of action, which could include selling the stone as is or cutting it into smaller, polished gems. The company is expected to work with leading diamond cutters and polishers to maximize the value of this historic find.
Global Impact
The discovery of the second-largest diamond ever found is not only a milestone for Botswana but also for the global diamond market. Such significant finds tend to drive interest and prices in the diamond industry, and this gem is expected to attract attention from collectors and investors worldwide.
Source: AFRICANA NEWS