Egg-size diamond unearthed at Cullinan

by eyetee | October 5, 2009 12:00 am

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A 507.55-carat high-quality white diamond discovered at the Cullinan mine in South Africa is said to rank among the top 20 largest rough diamonds ever found.

“Initial indications are that it is of exceptional colour and clarity, which suggest extraordinary potential for its polished yield,” said Johan Dippenaar, chief executive officer of Petra Diamonds Ltd, the mine’s owner. “We now eagerly await the findings of the expert analysis.”

The stone—which weighs just over 100 g and has yet to be named—is most likely a Type II diamond, the company said. The stone was uncovered late last month alongside three other white diamonds: one large stone of 168 carats and two smaller ones weighing 58.5 carats and 53.5 carats.

The Cullinan mine is famous for the exceptionally large stones found there, including the 3106-carat ‘Cullinan’ diamond, the 755-carat ‘Golden Jubilee,’ and the 599-carat ‘Centenary.’ The mine is also the only known source of blue diamonds.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/egg-sized-diamond-unearthed-at-cullinan/