Exploring the Largest Diamonds Ever Found: Beyond the Cullinan Diamond

The largest diamond ever recorded is the 3106-carat Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905. This historic find was subsequently cut into smaller stones, some of which now form part of the British royal family's crown jewels. However, recent discoveries in Botswana have pushed the boundaries of what we know about large diamonds.

A Brief Journey with the Cullinan Diamond

The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough diamond ever discovered. Uncut as found, it weighed 3106.75 carats. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine where it was discovered. It was subsequently cut into a number of smaller stones, the largest of which is the Cullinan I, weighing 530.4 carats. Most of these stones are now part of the British royal family's crown jewels and priceless treasures.

The Unusual Discovery in a White Dwarf Star

While the Cullinan Diamond holds the title as the largest surface-located diamond, there is a white dwarf star known as BPM 37093, located approximately 48 light years away, that is exceptional in its own right. Unlike actual stars, white dwarfs don't emit light due to the nuclear fusion of their matter, but instead are the glowing remnants of a former star's core. This white dwarf, BPM 37093, is special because over billions of years, its carbon atoms have slowly crystallized into pure diamond. Scientists estimate that up to 90% of the white dwarf has crystallized into diamond, making it a fascinating and unique astronomical find.

The Recent Discoveries in Botswana

In July 2021, an astounding 1174-carat diamond was found in Botswana, one of the largest diamonds in history. This remarkable discovery has been no stranger to the country in the last year, with the second-largest diamond, also weighing in at over 1000 carats, being found just a few months earlier. Despite these recent finds, the 3106-carat Cullinan Diamond still holds the record for the largest diamond ever discovered on the surface of the Earth.

Conclusion and Future Possibilities

The world of diamonds, both on Earth and in the cosmos, is vast and continues to reveal its secrets. Whether through remarkable human discoveries or through the wonders of celestial bodies, the pursuit of knowledge and treasure remains a captivating aspect of our world. The largest diamond ever found on Earth, the Cullinan diamond, and the potential discoveries in the cosmos, such as the BPM 37093, continue to captivate our imaginations and inspire further exploration.