Botswana has made history by unearthing its largest diamond in over a century, weighing a staggering 2,492 carats. The massive stone, estimated to be half a kilogram in weight, was discovered at the Karowe Mine in central Botswana using advanced X-ray technology designed to locate large, high-value diamonds. According to Lucara Diamond Corporation, the Canadian mining company that made the discovery, the diamond is a “high-quality” stone, found intact, and is the second-largest ever dug out of a mine.
The diamond’s immense size has left officials and onlookers in awe and amazement, with Botswana’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, being one of the first to hold the massive stone. The country has a rich history of producing large diamonds, and this latest discovery is no exception. Botswana is the second-biggest producer of natural diamonds behind Russia, and all of the world’s biggest stones in recent years have been unearthed in the country.
The Karowe Mine, where the diamond was found, has a history of producing large diamonds, with four other diamonds over 1,000 carats discovered in the last decade. Prior to this discovery, the Sewelo diamond, found in 2019, was recognized as the second-biggest mined diamond in the world, weighing 1,758 carats. While it is too early to value the diamond or decide how it will be sold, officials are likely to follow the same procedure as with previous discoveries. In 2016, a smaller diamond from the same mine was sold for 63 million dollars, a record for a rough gem.
Largest Diamond Dug Up in Botswana’s Rich Soil (Image via Getty)
The discovery of this massive diamond is a momentous occasion in the history of diamond mining, and its fate remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the diamond will be subject to rigorous testing and evaluation before any decision is made about its sale or use. As one of the largest and most valuable diamonds ever discovered, it is likely to attract significant attention from diamond enthusiasts and investors around the world. Ultimately, the discovery of this massive diamond is a testament to the rich mineral deposits that lie beneath the surface of Botswana, and a reminder of the country’s important role in the global diamond industry.
