'History in the making': Largest diamond in over a century discovered in Botswana

The largest diamond found in 119 years has been unearthed in a mine in Botswana.

It was found using X-ray technology at the Karowe Mine in central Botswana, the Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corporation said.

The diamond is 2,492 carats and weighs around half a kilogram.

It is too early to value it, but a similar, smaller gem found at the same mine in 2016 sold for $63m (£48m).

It is yet to be given a name – but was presented to the country’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on Thursday.

“Wow,” he gasped as he beckoned a senior government official to come and take a look.

“It’s overwhelming. I am lucky to have seen it in time,” he added.

The diamond is the largest discovered since the Cullinan Diamond was unearthed in South Africa in 1905.

At 3,106 carats, it was later cut into gems, some of which were used for the British Crown Jewels.

Botswana is the second biggest producer of natural diamonds in the world, behind Russia.

The Karowe Mine has produced four other diamonds over 1,000 carats in the past 10 years.

“This is history in the making,” said Naseem Lahri, Botswana managing director for Lucara. “I am very proud. It is a product of Botswana.”

Diamonds form when carbon atoms are squeezed together at high pressure deep under the earth’s surface.

Scientists believe most diamonds are at least a billion years old – with some up to three billion.

‘History in the making’: Largest diamond in over a century discovered in Botswana | World News