A Canadian mining firm announced today they had unearthed the largest diamond ever found in North America.
Dominion Diamond Mines explained that the 552-carat yellow diamond was found at its Diavik mine in the Northwest Territories.
The company added the stone "far surpasses" the previous record-holder, known as Diavik Foxfire, which was found at the same mine in 2015.
Dominion, which owns 40% of the Diavik mine, wrote in a statement that the find "is completely unexpected for this part of the world and marks a true milestone for diamond mining in North America."
The statement mentioned the gem would not be sold in rough form, and the company would find a partner to cut and polish it. Though it is too early to tell the value of the diamond, the smaller Diavik Foxfire sold for US$1.3 million.
“The colour and texture of the diamond are a unique example of the journey that natural diamonds take from their formation until we unearth them,” said Chairman of Dominion Diamond Mines Kyle Washington. "Our Diavik Mine has produced some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, and this one certainly tops the list.”
With files from the Canadian Press.
