1,111 carat diamond found in Botswana
Nov 24, 2015 2:05:38 GMT
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Post by diane9247 on Nov 24, 2015 2:05:38 GMT
The largest gem quality diamond in over a century was recently found in the Karowe mine of Botswana, operated by Lucara Diamond Corp. of Vancouver, Canada. It is "about the size of a tennis ball." The Lucara diamond is the largest discovered since the Cullinan II diamond (the "Second Star of Africa") was found in South Africa in 1905. (Source) That diamond weighed over 3,100 carats and was cut into nine gems. A 317 carat gem from the Cullinan II is in the collection of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
The Lucara Diamond
photo
One source estimated the Lucara to be worth $70m or more. However, this is a theoretical figure, as the diamond industry has a glut of diamonds. Deciding how to cut a large, rough diamond can take years of analysis and consultation, making the job of a diamond cutter highly stressful. Botswana is one of Africa's most stable and firmly democratic countries, with a large middle-class and relatively little corruption. It is also the world's biggest diamond producer.
Read about the science of diamonds, and the highly complex industry and politics surrounding them, HERE.
Karowe Diamond Mine.kmz (983 B)
The Lucara Diamond
photo
One source estimated the Lucara to be worth $70m or more. However, this is a theoretical figure, as the diamond industry has a glut of diamonds. Deciding how to cut a large, rough diamond can take years of analysis and consultation, making the job of a diamond cutter highly stressful. Botswana is one of Africa's most stable and firmly democratic countries, with a large middle-class and relatively little corruption. It is also the world's biggest diamond producer.
Read about the science of diamonds, and the highly complex industry and politics surrounding them, HERE.
Karowe Diamond Mine.kmz (983 B)