by Alfredo Carpineti
A 1,111-carat diamond has been discovered in a mine in southern Africa. According to the mining company, the gem is the largest find in more than a century, and the second largest discovered in the world so far.
It was recovered in the Karowe mine, 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. It was unearthed by the Lucara Diamond Corporation, which also dug up two further whoppers: an 813-carat stone and a 374-carat stone.
The diamond measures 6.5 by 5.6 by 4 centimeters (2.5 by 2.2 by 1.6 inches). It's a Type IIa diamond: These are made almost completely of pure carbon, which makes them clear in color. While obviously incredibly valuable, it was impossible to price after the discovery: The stone couldn’t be inspected on site as it was larger than the scanner available. The price of a diamond depends on cutting, optimal shape, final color, and the presence of imperfections.
The largest diamond ever found is the Cullinan diamond. It was originally 3,106 carats and was cut into nine distinct stones, belonging to the British Royal family.
Botswana is the world’s second biggest diamond producer in term of volume and the first in terms of value. Since the 1990s, the mining of diamonds has guaranteed prosperity to the country, which has experienced a significant economic growth.
