A Historic Discovery: Enormous 2,492-Carat Diamond Unearthed in Botswana
In a groundbreaking discovery, a colossal 2,492-carat rough diamond has been uncovered in Botswana, marking it as one of the largest gems ever found. This extraordinary find, believed to be the second-largest diamond in history, was revealed by Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp., adding another milestone to their record of remarkable discoveries.
The massive stone, discovered at Lucara’s Karowe mine, is thought to be the biggest since the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond holds a historic place as the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, with pieces of it adorning the British royal crown jewels.
Lucara Diamond Corp. has lauded this new discovery as a “remarkable” and “exceptional” gem, highlighting the significance of the find in the diamond industry. The diamond was detected and recovered using the company’s advanced Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology, which is specifically designed to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds. This state-of-the-art technology played a crucial role in ensuring the diamond’s intact recovery.
William Lamb, Lucara’s president and CEO, expressed the company’s excitement, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.” This discovery further solidifies Lucara’s reputation as a leader in unearthing some of the world’s most valuable diamonds.
Before this monumental find, the second-largest diamond discovery was the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, also uncovered by Lucara at the Karowe mine in 2015. This diamond was later sold to luxury jeweler Graff for a staggering $53 million.
Lucara has made a name for itself by discovering six of the top 10 largest diamonds in history, a feat that underscores the richness of the Karowe mine and the company’s expertise in diamond recovery. The newly discovered stone is set to undergo a thorough evaluation in the coming weeks to determine its value and potential future.
Botswana, recognized as the world’s leading diamond producer by value, is not only a significant player in the diamond industry but also a country keen on ensuring that its resources benefit the local economy. Last month, Botswana proposed a law that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake in their mines to local investors, unless the government opts to acquire the shareholding.
The 2,492-carat diamond is scheduled to be presented to Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi, marking a moment of national pride and reinforcing the country’s status as a global diamond powerhouse.
As this monumental diamond takes its place in history, it serves as a testament to the enduring allure and mystery of these precious stones, and the ongoing advancements in technology that make such discoveries possible.
