Belgium is studying a unique diamond from Botswana - the second largest in history

This was reported by Phys.org with reference to the Belgian company HB Antwerp, where the unique stone is currently being evaluated.

Motswedi was discovered last summer in the Karowe quarry in the north-east of Botswana, Africa's leading diamond producer. Its weight is 2,488 carats, or almost half a kilogram. That makes it the second largest diamond in the world, second only to the famous Cullinan (3,106 carats), found in South Africa in 1905.

The value of Motswedi has not yet been determined. According to HB Antwerp's external relations director Margot Donquier, it is first necessary to analyse the internal structure and assess what cut stones can be obtained. Only then can we talk about the real market price.

Motswedi is part of a collection of four diamonds found at the same mine. Together, according to preliminary estimates, these finds could fetch at least $100 million. All the diamonds are being processed and sold under a partnership between Canada's Lucara Diamond and HB Antwerp. Under the agreement, the Belgian side handles stones larger than 10.8 carats.

Motswedi has already generated interest worldwide.

"Stones like this are extremely rare," notes Donquier. - They may well become a museum piece. But it is not impossible that it will end up in a private collection, for example, in the possession of a sheikh."

Prior to Motswedi, the largest diamond found in Botswana was the Sewelo (1,758 carats), which was mined in the same quarry in 2019.

As for the largest jewellery stone in history, the Cullinan, several diamonds have been sourced from it, including the famous Star of Africa, which adorns British royal regalia in the Tower of London.