Rare Diamond Goes Bright Pink In UV Light

(via Gemmology Queensland, Vol.5, No.7, July 2004/annanova.com 16/1/04)

A potentially unique diamond, which goes vivid pink when exposed to ultraviolet light, has been found in South Africa. The 13.7 carat diamond, being called the Tirisano Easter Diamond, was recovered from the Tirisano Diamond Mine in Ventersdorp diamond district of the Republic of South Africa.

Exposure to (presumably long wave) ultraviolet light causes the diamond to turn vibrant fluorescent pink. It’s not unusual for diamonds to change color in this way, but vivid pink is one of the rarest colors and the stone retains this hue for a period of time after UV exposure. Experts who have examined it so far consider it to be unique but the exact rarity of the stone will have to be established by a laboratory.

It is the property of mining companies Etruscan and Mountain Lake who plan to sell it by auction to a private collector. Les Meyer, a director of National Diamond Marketing, said, “I have had cause to view several million of stones but I have never come across a diamond of this nature, which leads me to believe that it is incredibly rare. It’s an exceptional piece due to the vibrant pink fluorescence and it has caused excitement amongst all who have examined it at National Diamond Marketing. Nobody can quite believe the color transition.”