Alrosa, the diamond conglomerate, made a significant announcement on Monday, stating that they had discovered the largest diamond in Russia in the past decade. This impressive gem was found in the Anabar district of the Republic of Sakha, which is also known as Yakutia.
Alrosa’s General Director, Pavel Marinychev, expressed his excitement about the discovery, stating that while experts have yet to thoroughly study and evaluate the potential and characteristics of the diamond, there is no doubt that it is a record holder for both the company and the country’s diamond industry. Marinychev described the find as an excellent finale to the 2023 mining season.
The diamond measures 390.7 carats and was unearthed on September 9 by Anabar Diamonds, a subsidiary of Alrosa that operates the Mayat mine in northeastern Siberia. According to Alrosa, the discovery occurred during the night-time washing of the diamond-bearing sands.
A photo shared by Alrosa depicts a crystal with an irregular shape and a yellow-brownish halo, a unique combination that is extremely rare. The gem remains unnamed at this time and is slightly smaller than a 401-carat diamond found in 2013.
In addition to this exceptional diamond, another gem weighing 37.7 carats was also discovered in the same batch. This diamond features the classic octahedral shape and has been sent to morphologists for evaluation.
Alrosa holds the title of the world’s largest diamond producer, accounting for 30% of the annual global trade in rough precious stones, which amounts to approximately $80 billion. The company primarily mines alluvial deposits in Russia’s Arctic, including Yakutia and the Arkhangelsk Region. Despite the challenging climate conditions, Alrosa’s operations contribute to about four percent of the world’s rough diamond production.
The discovery of this noteworthy diamond reinforces Russia’s position as a major player in the diamond industry and highlights the country’s rich natural resources. Alrosa’s success in uncovering such a significant gem further solidifies its reputation as a leading diamond producer.
As the news of this remarkable find spreads, it is captivating the attention of not only the diamond industry but also the general public. The discovery serves as a reminder of the beauty and marvels that lie beneath the Earth’s surface and the potential for future discoveries.
Whether this extraordinary diamond will be sold as a standalone gem or be incorporated into a larger piece of jewelry is uncertain. However, what is certain is that this discovery will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of the diamond industry and attracting attention from investors, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, Alrosa’s recent announcement regarding the discovery of the largest diamond in Russia in the past decade has generated excitement and anticipation within the diamond industry and beyond. As experts study and assess the potential and characteristics of this remarkable gem, the world eagerly awaits further details and the future of this extraordinary find.
Source link
