In a groundbreaking discovery, a colossal 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed at the Karowe mine in Botswana, operated by Lucara Diamond Corp. This remarkable find, the second-largest stone ever discovered, has sent ripples of excitement through the gemstone industry.
While the true quality of the diamond is yet to be determined, its size rivals that of the famed 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa over a century ago. Karowe mine, known for yielding giant stones, previously produced the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona and an 813-carat stone, both highly coveted Type-IIa gems.
The recent discovery, made possible through advanced x-ray technology, showcases the mine's ability to identify high-value stones within the primary ore body without causing damage. Lucara's CEO, William Lamb, praised the effectiveness of their diamond recovery approach, emphasizing the successful retrieval of this massive, potentially high-quality stone.
The historic Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905 near Pretoria, South Africa, holds the title as the largest diamond ever found. After being cut into several polished gems, the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa became prominent features in the Crown Jewels of Britain.
This momentous find at the Karowe mine comes at a challenging time for the diamond industry, grappling with plummeting prices, oversupply, and competition from synthetic stones. Despite these obstacles, Lucara's discovery provides a glimmer of hope and a testament to the enduring allure and mystique of these mesmerizing gemstones.