Largest Diamond in Over Century Found in Botswana

 

A 1,111 carat "high quality diamond" has been discovered at a mine in Botswana, said to be the biggest find in more than a century, according to the mine company

It measures 65mm x 56mm x 40mm and pictures of the clear-looking gem show it to be the size of a small orange.

The gem, only second in size to the Cullinan diamond which was unearthered in South Africa in 1905, was mined by Lucara Diamond Corp.

"The magnificent stone, which originated from the south lobe of Lucara's Karowe Mine, is the world second largest gem quality diamond ever recovered and largest ever to be recovered through a modern processing facility," the Stockholm listed company said a statement.

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Des Kilalea, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said the stone would be worth at least $35m, based on previous sales, and possibly up to $50m. Another industry professional estimated its value at $70m to $80m.
Lucara sold a similar type of stone, weighing 342 carats, for $20.55m in July