Whole Lotta Rough: Third Largest Gem Found In Botswana
By Rob Bates | June 17, 2021
"What is likely the third largest piece of gem-quality rough ever unearthed—weighing 1,098 cts.—was recently unearthed at the Jwaneng mine in Botswana.
So far, the only gemstones found that are bigger are the 3,106.75 ct. Cullinan Diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905, and the 1,109 ct. Lesedi la Rona, which was discovered at Botswana’s Karowe mine in November 2015.
The discovery, made on June 1, is the largest diamond find in the history of Debswana—the 50-50 partnership between De Beers and the government of Botswana—which owns the mine. The diamond was found because of new technology that preserves big stones, which in the past were crushed during the excavation process.
The diamond was described in a release as “high gem-quality,” but a De Beers spokesperson said no further information was available.
The diamond was presented today to Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, president of Botswana—an event commemorated on the country’s government Twitter feed.
As far as how it will be sold, the release said, “Debswana will work with the government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers to value and sell the diamond to ensure it returns maximum benefit for the people of Botswana; and will communicate further plans to bring this unique treasure to market in due course.”
Perhaps the only comparable diamond is ... "
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