Huge Rough Diamond Discovered In South Africa
9/29/2009 8:25:52 AM David Berkovits
A recent gem dug up at the historic Cullinan mine in South Africa weighs 507 carats. It is believed to be the 19th biggest diamond ever discovered.
Petra Diamonds, the AIM-listed company which announced the find, suggests that the diamond may form part of Britain's crown jewels. Petra said that the diamond was found last Thursday. The unnamed diamond is speculated to be a type II diamond and is currently being examined by experts.
According to Petra chief executive Johan Dippenaar, “the Cullinan mine has again given the world a spectacularly beautiful and important diamond. Initial indications are that it is of exceptional color and clarity, which suggest extraordinary potential for its polished yield.”
A Petra spokesman said that a slightly smaller rough diamond sold for $18.4 million last year.
Petra acquired a large percentage of the Cullinan mine last year. The site produces about 25 % of the world's diamonds. An impressive 3,106 carat diamond was discovered there in 1905. It was broken into 9 pieces. The largest piece is called the ‘Great Star of Africa’ and was considered to be the biggest cut diamond ever for many years. The second largest piece is part of the imperial state crown.
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