World’s second-largest diamond found in Botswana

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geo

Context:

A 2,492-carat rough diamond, the second-largest ever found, was unearthed in Botswana at the Karowe mine, owned by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond.
It is the largest find since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905, parts of which are in the British Crown Jewels.
The diamond was detected using Lucara’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, implemented in 2017 to prevent damage during ore-crushing processes.

Significance for Botswana:

This diamond is the largest ever discovered in Botswana, surpassing a 1,758-carat stone found at the same mine in 2019.
Botswana, one of the world’s largest diamond producers, accounts for about 20% of global diamond production.

About Diamond:

A diamond is a rare, naturally occurring mineral made up of pure carbon. The word diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas, which means indestructible.
Diamond occurs in two types of deposits, primarily in igneous rocks of basic or ultrabasic composition and in alluvial deposits derived from the primary sources.
Major Diamond Producing Countries: Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Russia is the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds.

Diamond Industry in India:

India is the world’s largest cutting and polishing centre for diamonds, accounting for over 90% of polished diamond manufacturing globally.
According to Indian Minerals Yearbook 2019, diamond fields of India are grouped into four regions:
- Central Indian tract of Madhya Pradesh, comprising Panna belt.
- South Indian tract of Andhra Pradesh, comprising parts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Guntur, Krishna, Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts.
- Behradin-Kodavali area in Raipur district and Tokapal, Dugapal, etc. areas in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
- Eastern Indian tract mostly of Odisha, lying between Mahanadi and Godavari valleys.
In 2022, India ranks first among the top exporters in cut & polished diamonds.

Source: BBC