2,492-Carat Diamond Discovery in Botswana

Study Notes

On August 22, 2024, Lucara Diamond announced the discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana.
The gemstone is the second largest ever found worldwide.
The diamond represents the largest one discovered in Botswana.
The biggest diamond to date is the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905.
The newly-discovered stone was found in the Karowe mine using X-ray technology.
The Karowe mine is known for producing exceptionally large diamonds.
The mine previously produced the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond.
In 2019, Louis Vuitton acquired the Sewelô diamond for an undisclosed price.
Determining the value of the 2,492-carat diamond will take months.
The gemstone is expected to be worth millions of dollars.
The Cullinan diamond was cut into nine larger gems and nearly 100 smaller ones.
Two of the biggest Cullinan stones are part of the British Crown jewels.
The 530.2-carat Cullinan 1, was added to the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross in 1910, which has been used in every coronation since 1661.
The 317-carat Cullinan II is the centerpiece of the Imperial State Crown.
Queen Elizabeth II wore the Imperial State Crown annually for the State Opening of Parliament.
Diamonds form when carbon atoms are squeezed together under high pressure deep underground, at depths of over 93 miles (150 km) and temperatures exceeding 2,000°F (1,093°C).
Diamonds are carried closer to Earth's surface by volcanic eruptions over time.
Most natural diamonds are at least a billion years old; some are over three billion years old.