By It’s a find for the record books. The largest diamond found in more than a century has been unearthed in Botswana. The massive 2,492-carat gemstone, now the second-largest diamond ever discovered, was revealed to the world on Thursday during a viewing ceremony held by the Botswana government.
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi presented the fist-sized stone, which weighs approximately half a kilogram, to a captivated audience. As one of the first to hold the gem, Masisi expressed his astonishment, remarking, “It is overwhelming. I am lucky to have seen it in my time.”
VIDEO: Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi shows reporters a massive 2,492-carat diamond — the second largest ever found in the world — that was discovered in the north east of the country by a Canadian mining company pic.twitter.com/x5M2JSTqMu
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 23, 2024
The diamond, which remains unnamed, was unearthed at the Karowe Mine, operated by the Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp, according to The Associated Press. The company, which recovered the diamond using advanced X-ray technology designed to locate large, high-value stones, described the gem as “exceptional” and of “high quality.” Lucara’s managing director in Botswana, Naseem Lahri, shared her pride, stating, “This is history in the making. I am very proud. It is a product of Botswana.”
Lucara Diamond Corp.’s President and CEO, William Lamb, echoed the excitement surrounding the discovery, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.” As the world eagerly awaits further developments, the diamond’s journey from the Karowe Mine to its eventual sale will undoubtedly be closely followed.
Although the value of the diamond has yet to be determined, its historical significance is undeniable. The gem’s discovery marks the largest diamond find in 119 years, second only to the legendary Cullinan Diamond. Discovered in South Africa in 1905, the Cullinan Diamond weighed an astonishing 3,106 carats and was ultimately cut into several gems, some of which now adorn the British Crown Jewels.
While officials are still deliberating on how the diamond will be sold, it is clear that its discovery will be a landmark event for Botswana and the global diamond industry. For context, a smaller diamond from the same Botswana mine fetched a record $63 million in 2016, highlighting the potential value of this latest find.
In comparison, a larger but less pure black diamond was found in Brazil in the late 1800s. However, that diamond, believed to be part of a meteorite, was discovered above ground, making the Botswana find all the more remarkable as it was mined from deep within the Earth.
Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is renowned for its stable democracy, vast wilderness, and rich wildlife, including the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is one of the world’s largest diamond producers, contributing significantly to its economy. Botswana is celebrated for its conservation efforts and commitment to sustainable tourism.
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