The Cullinan Diamond, renowned as the largest diamond ever found, initially weighed 3,106 carats before being cut. Discovered in 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa, it was eventually divided into over 100 stones, with the largest pieces now part of the English Crown Jewels. Now, nearly 120 years later, a newly unearthed gem is challenging its prominence.
Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company, has uncovered a massive diamond in Botswana. The gem, weighing 2,492 carats, was found in the Karowe Mine, located in the central part of the landlocked country. This makes it the second-largest diamond discovered since 1905.
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi unveiled the diamond to the public on August 23, 2024. The gem is currently unnamed and its value has not been determined. A video showcasing the diamond highlights its impressive size.
South Africa has a rich history of producing remarkable diamonds, such as the Excelsior and the Golden Jubilee. The wealth of diamonds in Central and Southern Africa is due to the continent’s tectonic activity, which creates favorable conditions for diamond formation. High temperatures and pressure cause carbon to crystallize into diamonds, which are then transported to the surface by kimberlite pipes during volcanic eruptions. These pipes carry diamond fragments from deep within the Earth’s mantle to the surface. However, only 1 percent of kimberlite deposits contain high-quality diamonds.
Advancements in technology have significantly improved diamond discovery. Modern techniques, including X-ray scanning of ore and sophisticated grinding methods, help identify and extract large diamonds while preserving their integrity.
