High-quality 507 carat white diamond found in South Africa

A spectacular 507.55 carat white diamond, considered to be amongst the top 20 largest high quality rough diamonds ever discovered worldwide, has been found in South Africa.

At 507 carats (just over 100 grams) the diamond, which has yet to be named, ranks alongside other illustrious diamonds recovered at the celebrated Cullinan mine.

The latest gemstone was discovered on September 24 and is currently with experts for analysis, said international diamond mining group, Petra Diamonds Limited, in a statement.

Initial examinations indicate that it is of exceptional colour and clarity, and most likely to be a Type II diamond. Further details, including colour grading and clarity, will be released once the diamond has undergone appropriate analysis.

Johan Dippenaar, Petra's Chief Executive Officer, commented on the find: "The Cullinan mine has again given the world a spectacularly beautiful and important diamond. Initial indications are that it is of exceptional colour and clarity, which suggest extraordinary potential for its polished yield. We now eagerly await the findings of the expert
analysis."

Dippenaar said the mine had previously discovered the famous Cullinan Diamond in 1905, which was part of the British crown jewels weighing 3,106 carats.