Botswana Diamond Discovery is World's Second Largest Ever

A massive diamond unearthed in the African country of Botswana is believed to be the second largest ever found. The shiny, uncut stone is already drawing praise. It's big enough to cover a grown person’s palm. 

“It is overwhelming," Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi said at an event Thursday hosted by mining company Lucara. It found the gem in its Karowe mine. “I am lucky to have seen it in my time,” he said.

The diamond remains unnamed for now. But it will likely earn a title before long. It weighs 2,492 carats (498.4 grams). That makes it the largest diamond found since 1906. That's when the world-famous 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa. Lucara has found a number of other large diamonds. One of those is the 1,109 carat Lesedi La Rona diamond. It sold in 2017 for $53 million. And Lucara also found the 812 carat Constellation. It sold for $63 million.   

Lucara homed in on the giant gemstone through the use of X-ray technology. The tech helps the company “identify and preserve" the rare gems. That's according to a press release. X-rays allow the mining company to locate diamonds and other stones buried in soil and stone. Then, it can extract them without harming the gems.     

Dozens of large diamonds have been found in Botswana's mines this decade. It is the world’s second-largest producer of uncut diamonds, behind Russia. Diamonds are formed deep beneath the Earth’s surface. They form when carbon atoms are fused together under immense pressure over millions of years. The process makes diamonds the hardest naturally-formed substance on Earth. That makes them useful as a polishing, drilling, and cutting tool. But Botswana’s latest treasure will likely find fame as jewel, not a tool.      

Reflect: What are some ways that finding something valuable can change how people feel about their own country or community?

Photo of 2,4,92-carat diamond courtesy of Diamond Corporation.