A massive 2,492-carat rough diamond, believed to be the second biggest ever found, has been unearthed in Botswana, according to a mining company.
The huge stone is thought to be the biggest found since the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905.
Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. announced Thursday that the “exceptional” gem was found intact in its Karowe mine.
Calling it a “remarkable” find, the company celebrated it as “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed.”
Botswana is currently the world’s biggest diamond producer by value,
Last month, the country proposed a law to request mining companies sell a 24% stake in mines to local investors unless the government exercises its options, reported Reuters.
The record-breaking 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond was found in Transvaal, now South Africa.
It was subsequently cut into smaller stones, some of which form part of the British royal family’s crown jewels.