1,098-carat diamond found in Botswana is 'the world's third-largest'

CGTN

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A 1,098-carat diamond, believed to be the third largest gem-quality stone ever, was unveiled in Botswana on Thursday. /CFP

Discovered by Debswana Diamond Company on June 1, the yet-to-be named stone is 73 millimeters long, 52 millimeters wide and 27 millimeters thick. /CFP

"This is the largest diamond to be recovered by Debswana in its history of over 50 years in operation," acting managing director Lynette Armstrong was quoted as saying by Reuters. "From our preliminary analysis, it could be the world's third-largest gem-quality stone. /CFP

Lefoko Moagi, minister of Botswana's Department of Mine and Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, said the discovery couldn't have come at a better time after the pandemic hit diamond sales in 2020. /CFP

Diamonds occupy around two-thirds of Botswana's export earnings. /CFP