Largest North American Diamond Found

[Steve Herschbach]

“A 552-carat yellow diamond was recently unearthed in Canada -- the largest ever found in North America. Mining company Dominion Diamond Mines said in a press release on Thursday the diamond was discovered in October at the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. The "astonishing gemstone" measures 33.74 millimeters by 54.56 millimeters, the company said.”

Rest of the story and video here

From the press release....

Dominion Diamond Mines announces the recovery of the largest diamond ever found in North America at Diavik

DECEMBER 13, 2018

The 552 carat yellow diamond beats a previous record held by a diamond from the same mine

Dominion Diamond Mines ULC (“Dominion”), a world leading producer of responsibly mined diamonds, announces the recovery of the largest known gem quality diamond ever found in North America.  The 552 carat yellow Canadamark™ diamond was unearthed in October at the Diavik Diamond Mine (“Diavik”), approximately 135 miles south of the Arctic Circle in Canada’s Northwest Territories.  The find far surpasses the previous record held by the Diavik Foxfire at 187.7 carats, which was also recovered at the same mine in 2015. Dominion owns 40% of Diavik.

“This incredible discovery showcases what is truly spectacular about Canadamark diamonds,” states Kyle Washington, Chairman of Dominion Diamond Mines. “The color and texture of the diamond are a unique example of the journey that natural diamonds take from their formation until we unearth them. Our Diavik Mine has produced some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, and this one certainly tops the list.”

The astonishing gemstone was uncovered while passing through the initial screening process at Diavik’s recovery plant. Abrasion markings on the stone’s surface attest to the difficult journey it underwent during recovery, and the fact that it remains intact is remarkable.  Measuring 33.74mm x 54.56mm and weighing exactly 552.74 carats, a diamond of this size is completely unexpected for this part of the world and marks a true milestone for diamond mining in North America and Canadamark diamonds overall.

Its color, texture and structure are also unique from a geological perspective and may be studied further. The diamond will not be sold in its rough form. Due to the significance of the discovery, Dominion will select a partner in the coming weeks who will cut and polish the stone. The size and highly technical nature of this stone means that only a handful of master cutters in the world are qualified to polish it, ensuring that the stone’s beauty, color and brilliance are maximized.  Dominion expects to achieve a significant main stone once the diamond is polished, that will be Canadamark certified.  As the diamond is still undergoing evaluation, it is too early to determine the ultimate value of the diamond.  However, when polished, the Diavik Foxfire yielded a 37.87 brilliant-cut pear shape and a 36.80 brilliant-cut pear shape that were both recently auctioned as part of Christies Magnificent Jewels and were purchased for $1.3 million.

[fredmason]

beautiful! I want to find one- any diamond will do!

Yes, not likely but the desire remains...

fred

[Swampstomper Al]

2 hours ago, fredmason said:

beautiful! I want to find one- any diamond will do!

Yes, not likely but the desire remains...

fred

There's a producing pipe out your way I would have liked to have given a try that is no longer accessable to us common folk (if indeed it ever was) due to new land owners as well as several other not well known about diamondiferous-to-lesser-extent kimberlite and lamproite pipes scattered throughout the USA (there's many pipes here Stateside, not diamond-bearing though..)

However, I'd imagine our best shot at making the diamond dream a reality, at least as far as a find in the United States goes, remains at Crater Of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas..

Swamp