On February 17, 2019, a unique gem-quality rough diamond weighing 98.8 carats was mined at Zapolyarnaya kimberlite pipe, which is part of the Verkhne-Munskoye diamond deposit, corporate website of ALROSA, the leader of the world diamond mining industry, reported.
The gem is of an octahedral shape with inclusions in the peripheral and intermediate zones. Rough diamond is transparent with a visible yellow shade.
“This is the second major find since the launch of the deposit last October. It allows us to speak about the great potential of the Verkhne-Munskoye deposit. Not every kimberlite pipe regularly brings large diamonds over 50 carats, especially when it comes to such a large crystal, like this one – weighing almost 100 carats. Despite some inclusions, it is clear that this is a high quality stone. After a detailed study and evaluation, it will be transferred to Diamonds ALROSA cutting and polishing division,” Evgeny Agureev, Member of the Management Board, Director of the United Selling Organization at ALROSA, said.
The first large gem-quality diamond was mined here in the late fall, shortly after the official launch of the deposit on October 31, 2018. The weight of the crystal was 51.49 carats, corporate website notes.