“In a momentous discovery, a colossal 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed at Botswana’s renowned Karowe Mine, marking the second-largest diamond ever found”
A remarkable discovery has once again placed Botswana on the global diamond map, as a 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed at the famed Karowe mine. This extraordinary find, announced on August 22 by William Lamb, Chairman of Lucara Diamond Corp, has captured the world’s attention due to its sheer size and the mystery surrounding its potential value.
The massive gem was discovered using advanced X-ray technology, which is designed to detect high-value stones embedded deep within the ore. While Lucara has yet to disclose the diamond’s exact value or quality, its significance is undeniable. Weighing in at 2,492 carats, this diamond is second only to the legendary Cullinan diamond, which was found in South Africa in 1905 and weighed a staggering 3,106 carats.
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi personally inspected the colossal diamond, acknowledging it as not only the largest ever found in Botswana but also the second-largest in the world. The government expressed pride in this historic find, highlighting Botswana’s crucial role in the global diamond industry.
Photographs released by Lucara show the diamond, which is about the size of a human palm, sparkling with untapped potential. However, the true beauty and worth of this gem will remain unknown until a detailed assessment is conducted. It is yet to be seen whether this massive stone will be transformed into high-quality gems, much like its famous predecessors.
Botswana, known as one of the world’s leading diamond producers, heavily relies on this industry, which accounts for 30% of its GDP and 80% of its export revenue. The Karowe mine, operated by Lucara, has a history of yielding enormous diamonds. In 2015, it produced the Lesedi La Rona, a 1,109-carat diamond that was valued at $53 million at the time.
While the Cullinan diamond still holds the title of the largest diamond ever found, this new discovery from Botswana is a reminder of the earth’s hidden treasures, waiting to be uncovered and marveled at. The world now watches as this stone’s journey continues, from raw discovery to potential masterpieces.
