Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the weight of the recently discovered diamond in Botswana?
What is the weight of the recently discovered diamond in Botswana?
What technology was used to discover the diamond in Botswana?
What technology was used to discover the diamond in Botswana?
Which country is home to the world's largest diamond ever discovered?
Which country is home to the world's largest diamond ever discovered?
What is the name of the diamond previously recognized as the world's second-largest before the recent discovery?
What is the name of the diamond previously recognized as the world's second-largest before the recent discovery?
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What is the estimated age of most natural diamonds?
What is the estimated age of most natural diamonds?
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How are diamonds typically shaped after being found?
How are diamonds typically shaped after being found?
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What process is responsible for the formation of diamonds?
What process is responsible for the formation of diamonds?
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Which of these large diamonds is part of the British Crown jewels?
Which of these large diamonds is part of the British Crown jewels?
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Study Notes
Discovery Highlights
- Lucara Diamond announced the discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana on August 22, 2024.
- This diamond is the second largest ever discovered and the largest in Botswana.
- The record-holder for the largest diamond is the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905.
Diamond Characteristics
- The newly discovered diamond is yet to be named and was found using X-ray technology.
- The Karowe mine, known for exceptionally large diamonds, is where this gem was unearthed.
Previous Significant Diamonds
- The Sewelô diamond, previously recognized as the world’s second-largest diamond at 1,758 carats, was sold to Louis Vuitton in 2019.
- Experts anticipate the new diamond could be valued in the tens of millions of dollars.
Diamond Cutting Process
- Like most large diamonds, the 2,492-carat diamond is expected to be cut into smaller gems.
- The Cullinan diamond was famously divided into nine large and nearly 100 smaller gemstones, with significant pieces incorporated into the British Crown jewels.
Historical Context of the Cullinan Diamond
- Cullinan 1, weighing 530.2 carats, is part of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, used in every coronation since 1661.
- Cullinan II, at 317 carats, is central to the Imperial State Crown, historically worn by Queen Elizabeth II during the State Opening of Parliament.
Formation and Age of Diamonds
- Diamonds form when carbon atoms are subjected to incredibly high pressures deep underground.
- This process occurs at depths greater than 93 miles (150 km), with temperatures exceeding 2,000°F (1,093°C).
- Most natural diamonds are estimated to be over a billion years old, with some exceeding three billion years.
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Description
Discover the fascinating details of the second largest diamond ever found, a stunning 2,492-carat gem unearthed in Botswana. This significant discovery sheds light on Botswana's rich resources and the history of diamonds. Learn about the Cullinan diamond and its historical context in this insightful quiz.
