Rare diamond discovered in SA

GLOBAL ATTENTION

- DANIE VAN DER LITH [e-mail]

THE 41.82-carat blue diamond shaped like the continent of Africa was unearthed at the Cullinan mine in South Africa by Petra Diamonds.

(I Petra)

A RARE blue diamond weighing more than 41 carats has been recovered from South Africa’s renowned Cullinan Mine, a discovery that has reignited global attention on one of the world’s most storied diamond producers and could fetch as much as R655 million once polished.

Petra Diamonds, which operates the Cullinan Mine about 20 miles east of Pretoria, confirmed the recovery of a 41.82 carat Type IIb blue diamond, describing the rough stone as being of exceptional quality in both colour and clarity. Specialists are still analysing the gem to determine the best cutting approach and eventual sale strategy.