Ritika Janiya
A huge 2,492 carat—the biggest in more than a hundred years—diamond has been found in a Botswana Karowe Mine. The exact price is unknown, but a similar gem from 2016 sold for $63 million. The historic find in Botswana has really stirred the globe and is expected to make a big splash.
Something very amazing has happened in Botswana: a 2,492-carat diamond, the biggest found in 119 years, has been discovered at the Karowe Mine. The diamond is massive—almost half a kilo—so big, in fact, it is just an idea below. For reference, this is like having some kind of really huge, heavy rock that is worth a fortune!
This fabulous gem was uncovered using special X-ray technology by the Canadian mining company, Lucara Diamond Corporation. Imagine possessing a shiny treasure so huge that it appears to be a giant’s diamond. In fact, it is the largest diamond anyone has found since the Cullinan Diamond in South Africa back in 1905; it was an unbelievable 3,106 carats and, after being cut into gems, some became part of the British Crown Jewels.
Because the diamond from Botswana is yet in its rough form, we really have no idea of its worth. But just like one excavated at this very mine in 2016, though a tad smaller in size, it sold for a whopping $63m. That means this new diamond could be even more!
It is a most valuable discovery of this giant diamond. It was so impressive that it was taken to Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on a special visit. He was so surprised that he called over a senior government official to have a look too. He said, “Wow,” and added, “It’s overwhelming. I am lucky to have seen it in time.” His reaction shows just how amazing this find really is.
It was discovered in Botswana, a massive producer of diamonds. Actually, it’s only outdone in the world for natural diamond production by Russia. Large diamonds have indeed been known to come from the Karowe Mine. Already, within the last ten years, the mine has turned up four other diamonds that were over 1,000 carats each.
LUCARA: “This find is truly history in the making,” commented Naseem Lahri, who is the Managing Director for Lucara in Botswana. He looks at it as a proud find, shining the light on his country’s diamond-producing heritage. That comes into what this find truly means and how important it is to the country and the diamond industry.
Diamonds such as this are produced deep beneath the surface of the Earth when carbon atoms are squeezed together under extreme pressure. Most diamonds are considered to be at least one billion years old, while others may even be close to three billion years in age. So, when a diamond such as this is uncovered, it is not only a pricey gem but a relic that spans a great portion of history and has moved across time.
As the scientists and bidders get to know this new diamond, it will be under scrutiny to understand its exceptional features and ultimately determine its value. These processes could be time-consuming, but a find of such historical proportions already breathes waves of excitement and anticipation into the diamond world.
The finding is more than a great discovery; it is emblematic of Botswana’s contribution to the global diamond industry and a testament to the unimaginable treasures that lie deep in our Earth. Now that will be a giant sitting in a mystery heap waiting for its true value to be revealed and making its mark within this world of precious gems.
So the next time you will ever hear of some giant diamond, Botswana immediately flashes into your mind, together with the thought of how exciting it must be to be finding such a magnificent treasure. It is a glistening reminder that there are still surprises that will drop your jaw lying around the most unlikely corners.
