A Canadian mining company has recently unearthed a 2,492-carat rough diamond in Botswana, believed to be the second-largest gem-grade diamond ever discovered. The exceptional stone was found at the Karowe diamond mine by Lucara Diamond Corp.
According to reports, this remarkable diamond could be the world’s second-largest, following the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905 during British colonial rule. The Cullinan diamond was subsequently gifted to King Edward VII and now forms part of the Crown Jewels.
Lucara’s President, William Lamb, expressed his elation, stating, “We are overjoyed that this remarkable 2,492-carat diamond has been recovered.”
In response to this extraordinary discovery, Botswana’s authorities declared it the largest diamond ever found in the country. The government announced that the diamond would be presented to the world in a ceremony at the office of President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
While the value of this exceptional diamond remains undetermined, it is said to be the largest diamond unearthed in more than a century and the second-largest ever mined.
It’s worth noting that a larger black diamond was discovered in Brazil in the late 1800s; however, it was found above ground and is believed to be a fragment of a meteorite.
The Karowe Diamond Mine is renowned for its remarkable diamond finds. In 2019, the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond was discovered there and was recognized as the second-largest diamond ever mined globally. It was later purchased by French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The mine is also famous for the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, which was sold for $53 million to a British jeweler.