World’s Second Largest Diamond | 09 Sep 2024

Source: IE

Recently, a 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest in the world, was discovered at the Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. The largest diamond ever found remains the Cullinan diamond, weighing 3,106 carats, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905.

• The diamond was recovered using Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology which enhances the identification and preservation of large diamonds.
• Botswana, a major diamond producer, relies heavily on the gem for 30% of its GDP and 80% of its exports. 
• About Diamond:
  • Diamond, an allotrope of carbon, is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. 
  • Formed in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity, it is found in volcanic landforms like dykes and sills.
  • Uses: 
    • In jewelry, metal polishing, gem cutting, and industrial applications such as cutting edges for drills.
  • Key Locations in India: 
    • The Panna belt (Madhya Pradesh), Wajrakarur Kimberlite pipe, and the Krishna River basin (Andhra Pradesh). 
    • The cutting and polishing industry is centered in Surat, Navsari, Ahmedabad, and Palampur.
  • Leading Producers: 
    • Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Read More: Lab-Grown Diamonds