The discovery of the world’s second largest diamond on August 22, 2024 sent shock waves throughout the gem industry. This colossal gem, mined from the depths of the earth’s crust, has attracted the attention of gemologists, collectors and diamond lovers worldwide. In this blog, we will explore the details of this remarkable diamond, including its origin, characteristics and current value.
The Mine and Discovery
On August 22, 2024 Botswana’s known Karowe Mine was the site of a remarkable discovery, a diamond. A colossal 1,634 carat diamond was ever found and this is the second largest. But the Karowe Mine is famous for its world class diamonds, with the Lesedi La Rona dug out of the carapace in 2015.
The discovery was made when this diamond was about 150 metres straight down into the Earth. The diamond — and the chromite in which it was imbedded — was hidden in a kimberlite chimney, a volcano formed from rock that can contain diamonds. The discovery was possible thanks to advanced X-ray transmission (XRT) technology used to detect the diamond.
Characteristics and Weight
It is a type IIa stone free of almost nitrogen impurities. This makes the gem so classically clear and transparent. The diamond is unique and very valuable as it has a pale yellow color.
It alone weighs in at 1,634 carats, one of the largest diamonds ever found. Larger is the Cullinan Diamond found in 1905. Before it was cut down into smaller pieces, the Cullinan weighed 3,106 carats.
Who Found the Diamond?
It wasn’t by chance. The work had been done carefully by a team of geologists and miners. High energy X-ray XRT scanners were the ones to identify the diamond. Second, these scanners can see the diamonds, if large, inside the rock. This technology would have probably overlooked the gem.
The diamond was then extracted carefully once identified. The gem was not damaged; special tools were used. It was then removed and securely transported to a laboratory, where further study was conducted.
The Journey of Discovery
This discovery was made after years of preparation. Karowe Mine had been studied well. The area was mapped by geologists to discover the most optimal places for mining. XRT technology was then used to scan ore to help detect diamonds buried deep.
The entire process was dependent on modern tools and the expertise of people. Every step from first scan to last extraction had been done with precision.
The Current Value of the Diamond
Appraising a diamond of this size and quality is no simple task. However, based on its carat weight, clarity and color, experts estimate that this diamond could fetch more than $150 million. The rarity of the diamond, combined with its exceptional size and clarity, make it a highly sought after gem. The final value of the diamond is likely to be determined at an auction, where collectors and investors from around the world have the opportunity to bid for this exceptional gem.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the world’s second largest diamond is a testament to advances in mining technology and the enduring appeal of gems. This diamond, like those before it, will undoubtedly become a symbol of wealth, power and beauty. Their discovery also underlines the importance of Botswana as a leading diamond producing country, contributing significantly to the global supply of these precious stones.
Conclusion
The discovery of this diamond on August 22, 2024 marks an important historical moment in the world of precious stones. The journey of the diamond from the depths of the Earth to the surface is a story of human ingenuity, cutting edge technology and the eternal appeal of diamonds. While the world awaits the next chapter in the story of this diamond, one thing is certain: this gem will be remembered as one of the greatest discoveries in the history of precious stones.
