Johannesburg, South Africa — Petra Diamonds has recovered a 41. 82-carat blue diamond at its Cullinan mine during routine operations, according to official statements released on 15 January.
The rough stone is undergoing detailed laboratory analysis to determine its exact colour grade, clarity, and optimal cutting plan, the company.
Early market estimates cited by local reports range from US$27 million to US$41 million, though no formal valuation has been published and Petra has not placed a price tag on the find. Some observers note the uncut gem’s silhouette loosely traces the outline of the African continent; this observation has appeared mainly in community outlets and has not been confirmed by any independent gemmological laboratory.
No certificate from bodies such as the Gemological Institute of America has been issued to date.
Cullinan, located 40 km east of Pretoria, is the world’s most prolific source of large blue diamonds. Since 1903 the mine has produced more than 750 stones heavier than 100 carats, including the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality diamond ever recovered.
Petra has owned the operation since 2008 and has repeatedly unearthed rare blue diamonds, which form roughly 660 km below surface and owe their colour to trace boron.
Industry analysts urge caution on price speculation, pointing out that final value will depend on how the rough is cut and whether the finished gem achieves vivid saturation without internal flaws. Petra says assessment work will take several weeks and further updates will be released only when the study is complete.
Further details are expected once the analysis concludes and the stone is offered for sale.
Source: Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
