This is what a 1,111-carat diamond looks like
Courtesy: Lucara Diamond Corporation
Digital Reporter
Friday, November 20, 2015, 7:10 PM - The largest diamond discovery in over a century, and the second-largest diamond ever found, has been unearthed at a mine in Botswana. The high-quality, 1,111-carat gem originated from the south lobe of Lucara's Karowe Mine, according to a statement by the Lucara Mining Corp.
"The significance of the recovery of a gem quality stone larger than 1,000 carats, the largest for more than a century ... cannot be overstated," William Lamb, President and chief executive of Lucara in a statement.
The value of the stone is yet to be determined. Lamb said it will depend on a variety of factors, like potential inclusions, how well it will cut, its shape and final colour. Still, mining analyst Kieron Hodgson says it has "the potential to be one very expensive diamond."
The largest diamond ever found is the 3,106 Cullinana, which was unearthed near Pretoria, South Africa in 1905.
Canadian miner @LucaraDiamond finds 1,111-carat #diamond
AFP PHOTO / HO / LUCIEN COMEN/ LUCARA DIAMOND CORPORTATION pic.twitter.com/lelxnJmEtk
— Press TV (@PressTV) November 19, 2015
How are diamonds formed?
Diamonds are formed over billions of years under extreme pressure and temperature.
Most of the world's natural diamonds are found between 140 and 190 km within the Earth's mantle. They are brought close to the surface through volcanic eruptions. As magma cools, it leaves behind a bluish rock called kimberlite.
Years of wind, rain and snow erodes kimberlites, releasing diamonds and other minerals.
Diamond mining in Canada
Kimberlite wasn't discovered in Canada until the 1980s, following two decades of exploration.
By 2003, Canada had become the world's third-largest diamond producer, after Botswana and Russia.
Source: Lucara Diamond
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