GIA confirms Motswedi diamond weighs 2,488 carats, making it the second-largest diamond ever discovered. Found at Karowe mine in Botswana in August 2024.
The Gemological Institute of America has confirmed a massive diamond discovery that rewrites gemology records.
The Motswedi diamond weighs 2,488.32 carats.
That's nearly 1.10 pounds of pure diamond crystal.
Where Was the Motswedi Diamond Found?
Lucara Diamond Corporation recovered this giant gem at their Karowe mine in Botswana.
The discovery happened in August 2024.
Karowe mine has operated since 2012 and built a reputation for producing large, high-quality diamonds.
The mine sits in Botswana, a country known for exceptional diamond deposits.
How Big Is the Motswedi Diamond?
The Motswedi diamond ranks as the second largest diamond ever found.
Only the legendary Cullinan diamond surpasses it at 3,106 carats.
The Cullinan was discovered in South Africa 120 years ago.
At recovery, the Motswedi weighed 2,492 carats. Small fragments broke off during cleaning, reducing its weight to 2,488.32 carats when GIA examined it.
What Makes This Diamond Special?
GIA's examination revealed remarkable characteristics:
- Type IIa diamond - contains no detectable nitrogen
- Single gem-quality crystal - the largest known
- Multiple large blocks with minimal inclusions
- Deep formation - created much deeper in Earth than most diamonds
Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA's Vice President of Research and Development, led the examination team.
"It is the largest known single crystal diamond in existence," Wang confirmed.
Why Is It Called Motswedi?
The diamond earned its name through a public competition in Botswana.
Motswedi means "water spring" or "source" in Setswana.
Setswana is Botswana's national language.
The name connects this precious gem to its African origins.
Who Examined the Diamond?
GIA's top experts studied the Motswedi at their Gaborone, Botswana laboratory in July 2025.
The examination team included:
- Tom Moses - GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer
- Dr. Wuyi Wang - Vice President of Research and Development
Moses has examined many significant diamonds throughout his career.
"I have never seen a gem quality diamond of nearly this size," Moses stated.
Historical Significance of Large Diamonds
Large diamonds capture global attention because of their extreme rarity.
The formation process requires specific geological conditions over millions of years.
Type IIa diamonds like Motswedi are especially rare. They form in the deep mantle under intense pressure and temperature.
These conditions create crystals with exceptional clarity and size.
What Happens Next to the Motswedi?
The diamond's future remains unannounced.
Large diamonds typically undergo careful planning before cutting or sale.
The Cullinan diamond was eventually cut into multiple smaller gems, including several crown jewels.
Will Motswedi follow a similar path? The decision rests with Lucara Diamond Corporation.
Impact on Diamond Industry
This discovery reinforces Botswana's position as a major diamond producer.
The country produces about 20% of the world's diamonds by value.
Karowe mine's success story continues with this record-breaking find.
Large diamond discoveries generate significant economic impact for mining communities and nations.
Scientific Value of the Discovery
Beyond commercial value, the Motswedi offers scientific insights.
Its size and quality provide researchers with opportunities to study diamond formation.
The type IIa classification means it formed under specific conditions deep in Earth's mantle.
Studying such diamonds helps scientists understand our planet's geological history.
The Motswedi diamond, weighing 2,488.32 carats, is the second largest diamond ever discovered. Found at Botswana's Karowe mine in August 2024, this type IIa diamond was examined by GIA experts in July 2025. The gem-quality crystal contains multiple large blocks with minimal inclusions and formed deep within Earth's crust.
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