Unearthed Treasure: Botswana Reveals Largest Diamond Discovery in Over a Century

Photo byWSBT

GABORONE, Botswana — A dazzling discovery has emerged from the depths of Botswana’s Karowe Mine, marking a historic moment in the world of precious gems. Unearthed in central Botswana, a colossal 2,492-carat diamond—the largest found in more than a century—was unveiled to the public at a special ceremony hosted by Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

The fist-sized gemstone, which has yet to be named, weighs nearly half a kilogram and is the second-largest diamond ever mined, surpassed only by the legendary Cullinan Diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905. The sight of the immense stone left President Masisi visibly awestruck as he held it for the first time, exclaiming, "I am lucky to have seen it in my time."

The extraordinary find was made possible by advanced X-ray technology at Lucara Diamond Corporation’s Karowe Mine, which has earned a reputation for producing some of the world’s most significant diamonds. Lucara’s President and CEO, William Lamb, expressed the company’s elation in a statement: “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.”

While the diamond’s value remains to be determined, its sheer size and quality suggest it could fetch a record-breaking sum. Previous discoveries from Karowe, such as the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond and the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond, have sold for tens of millions of dollars, with one stone, The Constellation, garnering an impressive $63 million.

Botswana, a nation of just 2.6 million people, has firmly established itself as a global leader in diamond production, second only to Russia. The Karowe Mine, in particular, has been a prolific source, yielding four diamonds over 1,000 carats in the past decade. These stones, formed billions of years ago under immense pressure deep within the Earth, are a testament to the enduring allure and mystery of natural diamonds.

As the world awaits further details on this monumental find, the 2,492-carat diamond serves as a sparkling reminder of Botswana’s significant role in the global diamond industry and the timeless beauty hidden within the Earth.