The Karowe Mine in Botswana is renowned for producing extraordinary diamonds. Among its many treasures, the recent discovery of a stunning bicolor diamond has caught everyone’s attention. Weighing 37.41 carats and half pink, half clear, this gem is a real marvel.
Diamonds form deep within the Earth, where carbon is subjected to extreme heat and pressure over millions of years. While most diamonds are clear, some take on colors from tiny amounts of other elements. Pink diamonds, however, are special–they require precisely the right conditions during their formation. Too little pressure leaves them clear, while too much can change them to brown. This delicate balance makes pink diamonds incredibly rare.
The Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia was once the primary source of pink diamonds, producing over 90% of them before it closed in 2020. Yet even there, just one in a thousand diamonds was pink. Expert Luc Doucet, a senior geologist at Curtin University, compares this rarity to the saying “just right,” reminding us how few of these gems actually make it to the surface.
Bicolor diamonds like the one found at Karowe are even more exceptional. Most previously discovered bicolor diamonds were small, often under 2 carats. The current find stands out not only for its size but also for its unique formation. Scientists believe this diamond formed in two stages: the pink section came first, followed by the clear section that grew and fused with it.
Experts are now assessing this incredible gem. Depending on its quality, it might be cut into smaller pieces, left untouched as a unique rough specimen, or even displayed in a museum.
The excitement around this diamond reflects a broader trend. People are increasingly fascinated by the complexities and uniqueness of gemstones. Posts on social media celebrating bicolor and colored diamonds have garnered thousands of likes, highlighting their appeal. This connection between scientific discovery and public interest showcases how gems captivate not just collectors, but everyone looking for a bit of beauty in the world.
For further reading on diamonds and their formation, check out this detailed article from Live Science.
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