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20% of the world’s diamonds are found in Botswana. (File)
The world’s second largest diamond has been found in Botswana. According to a BBC report, a 2492 carat diamond has been found in a Caro mine of Canadian firm Lucara Diamond. This is the largest diamond ever found after the 3106 carat Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa in 1905.
The Caro mine is about 500 km from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. Earlier in 2019, the 1758 carat Sewelo diamond was found in the same mine. It was bought by French fashion company Louis Vuitton. However, they did not disclose its price.
The picture is of the Crown and Sceptre of the British Royal Family, containing the two largest pieces of the Cullinan diamond.
1,111 carat diamond was sold for Rs 444 crore
Earlier in 2017, the 1111 carat Lesedi La Rona diamond was found in Botswana’s Caro mine, which was bought by a British jeweler for Rs 444 crore. Botswana is one of the world’s largest diamond producers. 20% of the world’s diamonds are produced here.
William Lamb, head of Lucara Diamond firm, said, “We are very happy with this discovery. This diamond was discovered with the help of our Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology. We are trying to cut this 2492 carat diamond.”
Botswana proposed a new mining law last month. Under this, mining companies would have to give a 24% stake to local investors once they get a license.
The world’s largest diamond was cut into 9 pieces
The Cullinan Diamond, which was mined in 1905 from South Africa’s Premier No. 2 mine, is the most valuable diamond ever found. It was named after the mine owner Thomas Cullinan. It was presented to British King Edward VII in 1907. It was then cut into 9 pieces of different shapes and sizes by Joseph Asher of Amsterdam.
The Cullinan diamond is also called the Great Star of Africa. Its largest piece is embedded in the scepter of King Charles of Britain. Its second largest piece is embedded in the Imperial State Crown of the royal family.
What is a diamond and how is it formed?
A special type of rock called ‘kimberlite pipe’ is found about 160 kilometers below the surface of the earth. When magma flows through deep cracks in the earth and accumulates at one place, then a ‘kimberlite pipe’ is formed.
Due to very high pressure and temperature inside the earth, the carbon crystal slowly turns into diamond. It is said that diamond is made of 100% carbon, if it is heated in an oven at 763 degrees Celsius, then the world’s strongest substance diamond burns and turns into carbon dioxide gas. No diamond ash remains in the vessel.
According to the International Institute of Gemology, a natural diamond is made up of 99.95% carbon, while 0.05% is other substances. These may be less, but they can increase or decrease the shine and size of the diamond.