Second largest diamond found
Canada-based Lucara Diamond has unearthed after several large diamonds, including the largest in more than a century, were recovered in Botswana.
The company said the 1,111-carat stone was found on the south lobe of its Karowe mine in the southern African nation, declaring it the world’s second-biggest gem-quality diamond ever recovered after the Cullinan diamond which features in the Crown Jewels.
Lucara said that it was yet to be fully examined and processed, meaning it was impossible to put any kind of value on it.
The company will be determined by its color and clarity and how it is cut.
After Lucara announced the gem’s discovery, it confirmed 24-hours later that two further stones – the largest being an estimated 813 carats – had been found as well at the same mine, reports CBC.
The magnificent stone, which originated from the south lobe of Lucara’s Karowe Mine, is the
world’s second largest gem quality diamond ever recovered and the largest ever to be recovered
through a modern processing facility. The stone was recovered by the newly installed Large
Diamond Recovery (“LDR”) XRT machines. The stone measures 65mm x 56mm x 40mm in size
and is the largest ever to be recovered in Botswana.
The focus, however, was on the Type IIa diamond – which measured 65 mm by 56 mm by 40 mm.
William Lamb, company’s chief executive, said: “This historic diamond recovery puts Lucara and the Karowe mine amongst a select number of truly exceptional diamond producers.
William Lamb, President and CEO, commented, “This historic diamond recovery puts Lucara and the Karowe mine amongst a select number of truly exceptional diamond producers. The significance of the recovery of a gem quality stone larger than 1,000 carats, the largest for more than a century and the continued recovery of high quality stones from the south lobe, cannot be overstated. Our focus on mining the south lobe, which is delivering value beyond expectation, has been perfectly timed with the commissioning of our recent plant modifications, enabling the recovery of these large, high quality exceptional diamonds.”
Nasdaq Stockholm) Lucara Diamond
Corp. (“Lucara” or the “Company”), the high quality diamond producer with assets in Botswana,
is pleased to announce the recovery of a 1,111 carat gem quality, Type IIa diamond.
The Cullinan diamond was a 3,106-carat stone found in the Premier mine in South Africa in 1905.
It was cut into several polished gems to form the Great Star of Africa and Lesser Star of Africa.
