The second-largest diamond ever unearthed was found in Botswana last week.
Lucara Diamond, a Canadian company, found the huge 2,492 carat stone in the Karowe mine where they had deployed X-ray technology in their search.
The diamond is the biggest reported in over a century, since the ‘Cullinan Diamond’ was discovered in South Africa in 1905, measuring 3,106 carats. That one was cut into gems, some of which form part of the British Crown Jewels.
Weighing about a pound, the massive rock (still unnamed) will go on display in Botswana this week—and its discovery will help fund critical education and healthcare programs in the African county.
A Lucara news release said the “remarkable find” was detected and recovered by the Company’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray Transmission technology, installed in 2017 to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds.
The latest “historic discovery” joins an impressive roster of other significant finds from the mine, including one at 1,758 carats and another at 1,109 carats.
“We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492 carat diamond,” said William Lamb, President of Lucara.
“It represents not only the unparalleled wealth found in Botswana’s soil, but also the remarkable progress the nation has made in developing its diamond industry for the benefit of its citizens.”
The country is the world’s largest diamond producer, with the gems accounting for 80% of Botswana exports and a third of its revenues by value. In recent years, the nation has partnered with the industry to implement rigorous environmental standards and maximize its positive impact on local communities.
