Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the weight of the new diamond discovered in Botswana?
What is the weight of the new diamond discovered in Botswana?
Which diamond is recognized as the largest ever discovered?
Which diamond is recognized as the largest ever discovered?
In what year was the Cullinan diamond discovered?
In what year was the Cullinan diamond discovered?
What technology was used to find the 2,492-carat diamond?
What technology was used to find the 2,492-carat diamond?
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What is likely to happen to the 2,492-carat diamond after evaluation?
What is likely to happen to the 2,492-carat diamond after evaluation?
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What is the depth at which diamonds are typically formed?
What is the depth at which diamonds are typically formed?
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Which of the following descriptions best matches the Cullinan 1 diamond?
Which of the following descriptions best matches the Cullinan 1 diamond?
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How old are most natural diamonds believed to be?
How old are most natural diamonds believed to be?
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Study Notes
Botswana Diamond Discovery
- A 2,492-carat diamond was discovered in Botswana's Karowe mine on August 22, 2024.
- This is the second-largest diamond ever found, and the largest found in Botswana.
- The largest diamond ever found is the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905.
- The diamond was discovered using X-ray technology.
- The Karowe mine is known for producing exceptionally large diamonds, including the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond, previously the world's second-largest diamond.
- The Sewelô diamond was sold to Louis Vuitton in 2019 for an undisclosed amount.
Diamond Value and Characteristics
- Experts will take several months to assess the value of the 2,492-carat diamond.
- It's expected to fetch tens of millions of dollars.
- Like many large diamonds, it will likely be cut into smaller gemstones.
- The Cullinan diamond, also a large find, was cut into nine larger gemstones and nearly 100 smaller gems.
- Two of the largest Cullinan pieces are part of the British Crown Jewels.
- The Cullinan I (530.2 carats) is a part of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, used in every coronation since Charles II in 1661.
- The Cullinan II (317 carats) is the centerpiece of the Imperial State Crown, worn by Queen Elizabeth II annually for the State Opening of Parliament.
Diamond Formation and Age
- Diamonds form when carbon atoms are compressed under high pressure deep within the Earth.
- This process occurs at depths exceeding 93 miles (150 km) and temperatures over 2,000°F (1,093°C).
- Volcanic eruptions transport diamonds closer to the Earth's surface.
- Most natural diamonds are estimated to be at least a billion years old, with some exceeding three billion years.
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Description
Explore the remarkable discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana's Karowe mine on August 22, 2024. This significant find is the second-largest diamond ever and showcases the advanced technology used in diamond mining. Learn about the diamond's expected value and its comparison to the historic Cullinan diamond.
