RARE BLUE DIAMOND FOUND IN CULLINAN

One of the rarest diamonds in the world, a blue diamond, has been found in Cullinan. The mine where the blue diamond was recovered, the Cullinan Diamond Mine, has reached iconic status for its ability to produce some of the world's most expensive diamonds.

The mine was purchased by Petra Diamonds, a UK-based mining company in 2007. It previously belonged to De Beers. Petra owns three underground mines in South Africa.

The blue diamond was described by Petra as "a gem of exceptional quality in terms of both its colour and clarity". The company announced that the type IIb blue diamond will be available to view in Antwerp, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York during the month of June.

Those interested in purchasing this rare gem have until 12 July 2021 to place their bids.

Business Insider reports that type IIb diamonds are the rarest of all the classes, accounting for just 0.1% of the world's natural diamonds. According to Petra, type IIb blue diamonds are so rare that their age has not been established yet.

In 2014, a similar rough diamond named the Blue Moon of Josephine made headlines when the 29-carat gem was sold for $25.6 million.

The Cullinan mine, just outside of Pretoria, is known for producing some of the world's most precious gems, including the famed Cullinan Diamond which was found in 1905 and forms part of Queen Elizabeth II's official crown.

Image credit: The Diamond Loupe