In an extraordinary find, Botswana has unveiled a diamond weighing an astonishing 2,492 carats, marking it as the second-largest diamond ever discovered. The colossal gem was unearthed at the Karowe mine, known for its rich deposits of high-quality diamonds. This discovery places it in the spotlight alongside the world’s largest diamond, found in South Africa in 1905, which weighed a remarkable 3,106 carats.
Lucara Diamond Corporation, the company behind this groundbreaking find, revealed the discovery through a statement. The diamond's identification was made possible by advanced X-ray detection technology at the Karowe mine, showcasing the high-tech methods used in modern gemology. This technology has proven crucial in accurately locating and assessing such monumental gems.
The new diamond surpasses another significant find from the same mine in 2019, which weighed 1,758 carats. This reinforces Botswana’s reputation as a premier diamond-producing country, contributing around 20% to global diamond production. Lucara Diamond Corporation’s CEO, William Lamb, expressed immense pride and excitement about the discovery, emphasizing its importance in the diamond industry.
While the diamond’s exact price and quality details have yet to be disclosed, its size and significance have already captured the attention of the gem world. This discovery not only highlights Botswana’s vital role in global diamond production but also sets the stage for future breakthroughs in the industry.