The Cullinan Diamond: The World's Largest Rough, Gem-Quality Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough, gem-quality, diamond ever found. It is a whopping 3,106.75 carats. It was found in Gauteng, South Africa, in the Cullinan mine, operated by the Premier Diamond Mining Company. The diamond was personally found by the surface manager, Frederick Wells. This amazing discovery happened on January 26, 1905.
The Cullinan Diamond possessed remarkable clarity, marred only by a black spot. Such a spot is due to internal strain, which can cause a diamond to explode.
The Transvaal government later bought the Cullinan Diamond and gave it to King Edward VII. Then, it was eventually cut into three large parts. From there, it was cut into eleven smaller pieces. When it was originally cut in half, an incision was made. A knife was then inserted into the incision, and one good blow split the diamond. A defect in the diamond made it split into fairly equal parts.
The Cullinan I is the largest piece of the original diamond. It is mounted on the Sceptre with the Cross. Cullinan II, the second largest piece, is part of the Imperial State Crown. Both of these jewels can be seen on the Tower of London tour.
Parts three and four of the Cullinan Diamond were worn by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II. Cullinan V was also worn by Queen Mary. The remaining pieces have also been worn by many royals.
At the end of August 2007, an unnamed mine in South Africa told the BBC they found a green diamond that is near 7,000 carats. If the claim is substantiated, this diamond will be the world's largest - twice as big as the Cullinan Diamond. The diamond is supposedly in a vault in Johannesburg, and upcoming tests may prove its worth.
Some are skeptical, however. The region in which this new diamond was found isn't known for producing gems. The greenish tint is also very rare. Some even say this rival of the Cullinan Diamond may be fluorite crystal.
Diamonds are evaluated with the "4 C's": carat, color, clarity, and cut. Carat is how the weight of a diamond is measured. Color and clarity are important factors when determining rarity, although in the Cullinan Diamond's case, carat was a factor as well. The cut of a diamond affects the light performance.
Published by SE
- The Four Cs of Buying a DiamondThere are numerous factors to take into consideration when choosing a diamond. Here is a guide to buying diamonds using several features, including the four Cs: color, cut, carat and clarity.
Global Diamond Exchange Merger RenovationsDiamond merger beneficial, 2007 mining rises- Where Did You Get that Diamond?A short piece on diamond jewelery.
- Where Diamonds Are MinedDiamonds are very famous, where are they mined?
- Where Diamonds Are MinedEver wonder where your diamonds came from? This is what you've been waiting to find out.
- Largest Diamond Found at Historic Cullinan Mine in South Africa
- 507 Carat Diamond a Big, Bold Gem
- The Great Lesotho Diamond: Weighs in at 478 Carats
- Diamonds and Diamond Mining
- South Africa: An Unfit Host for the 2010 World Cup
- Wisconsin Man Finds 3.92 Carat Diamond at Arkansas Diamond Park
- How to Select the Perfect Diamond at Blue Nile
1 Comments
Post a CommentThanks for the ingo i really appreciate it,it was well needed.I Praise the lord for you!