Botswana Unveils Largest Diamond in Over a Century: 2,492-Carat Gem from Karowe Mine Revealed by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Lucara Diamond Corp
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
3 minutes read. Updated 10:04PM GMT Fri, 23August, 2024
Botswana has revealed the discovery of the largest diamond found in over a century and the world’s second-largest diamond ever unearthed. The extraordinary 2,492-carat gem, which was presented in a ceremonial viewing on August 22, 2024, is a monumental find for the southern African country and the global diamond industry.
The diamond was showcased at a high-profile event at the office of Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, where the head of state, visibly awed by the gem’s grandeur, described the moment as overwhelming. Holding the diamond, Masisi expressed his amazement with a heartfelt “wow” and invited senior government officials to witness the historic event.
Lucara Diamond Corp., the Canadian mining company responsible for this remarkable discovery, reported on August 21 that the diamond was recovered from their Karowe Mine, situated in northern Botswana. Utilizing advanced X-ray technology, the company identified the stone as a high-quality, intact specimen. However, it remains too early to estimate its value or determine the sales strategy.
This latest find surpasses previous records held by diamonds from Botswana’s Karowe Mine. The mine has consistently produced exceptional stones, including the 2019 Sewelo diamond, which weighed 1,758 carats and was acquired by French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The new diamond’s size positions it as the largest discovery since the Cullinan Diamond of 1905, which weighed 3,106 carats and was later cut into gems, including those adorning the British Crown Jewels.
Botswana’s status as a leading diamond producer is reaffirmed by this discovery. It follows a trend of remarkable finds in the region, which has consistently produced the world’s largest diamonds. The discovery underscores Botswana’s prominence in the global diamond market, second only to Russia, and highlights the ongoing significance of its diamond mining industry.
Diamonds are formed under intense pressure deep within the Earth’s crust, with some natural stones dating back over 3 billion years. The Karowe Mine has proven to be a significant source of these ancient treasures, consistently yielding high-value diamonds that shape the global market.
