Colossal 2,492-Carat Diamond Unearthed in Botswana: Second Largest in History
A massive 2,492-carat rough diamond, believed to be the second-largest ever discovered, has been unearthed in Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corp. This extraordinary find, second only to the famous Cullinan diamond, showcases cutting-edge mining technology and highlights Botswana's prominence in the global diamond industry. The discovery marks a significant moment in gemstone history and could have far-reaching implications for the diamond market
In a stunning discovery that has sent shockwaves through the gemstone world, Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced the unearthing of an extraordinary 2,492-carat rough diamond in Botswana. This mammoth gem is believed to be the second-largest diamond ever found, surpassed only by the legendary Cullinan diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905.
The "exceptional" stone was recovered intact from Lucara's Karowe mine, thanks to the company's cutting-edge Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) technology. This X-ray transmission (XRT) system is specifically designed to identify and preserve high-value, large diamonds – a feat it has certainly accomplished with this historic find.
William Lamb, Lucara's President and CEO, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled with the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond." The company hailed the discovery as "one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed," marking a significant milestone in the industry.
This colossal gem dwarfs the previously considered second-largest diamond, the Lesedi La Rona, which weighed in at 1,109 carats and was also found by Lucara at the Karowe mine in 2015. The Lesedi La Rona later sold for a staggering $53 million to luxury jeweler Graff.
The discovery comes at a pivotal time for Botswana's diamond industry. As the world's leading diamond producer by value, the country has recently proposed legislation requiring mining companies to sell a 24% stake in their mines to local investors, unless the government exercises its option to acquire the stake.
As the gemstone community eagerly awaits further details, the diamond is set to be presented to Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. In the coming weeks, expert gemologists will carefully evaluate this extraordinary find, potentially rewriting the record books of diamond history.
With this discovery, Lucara cements its reputation as a powerhouse in the diamond mining world, having now found six of the ten largest diamonds ever discovered. As the story of this remarkable gem unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, wondering what secrets and value this 2,492-carat wonder might hold.