Possibly world's biggest diamond found in South Africa: 31-08-2007
A giant gem has been unearthed in South Africa, leading experts to ruminate that it could be the largest diamond ever discovered.
The gem, which is estimated to be 7,000 carats, was discovered in the north-west province of the country by diamond mining company Two Point Five.
One of the mine shareholders, Brett Jolly, has taken the possible diamond to Johannesburg to be tested to confirm its authenticity.
The recently unearthed gem is the size of a coconut, making it twice as large as the current biggest diamond in the world, the Cullinan.
Currently the centrepiece in the British Crown Jewels, the Cullinan was discovered in South Africa over 100 years ago and was calculated to be 3,107 carats.
The gem currently being analysed is said to be of a perfect diamond shape, with a greenish tinge. A spokesman for diamond company De Beers said that though the colouring was unusual, it was not unheard of.
Gemologist Les Milner of the Jewellery Council Labs in Johannesburg, who had seen the photograph of the newly discovered gem, spoke to the Cape Times, saying: "Nothing's impossible. When they found the Cullinan, they thought that was amazing."
He added that if the diamond was real, it would be the "eighth wonder of the world".
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