RAPAPORT… Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine has yielded the largest gem-quality
white diamond in its 35-year history, the miner said Tuesday.
The 28.84-carat stone, named Argyle Octavia for its
octahedral shape, was discovered at the Australia-located mine last month.
“This discovery…is a testament to the extraordinary Argyle
orebody that continues to deliver these miracles of nature, even as it nears the
end of mine life,” said Arnaud Soirat, CEO of Rio Tinto’s copper and diamond
division.
The Argyle mine is set to close in 2020.
The company will sell the diamond at a tender in Antwerp
later this year.
Image: The Argyle Octavia. (Rio Tinto)
Argyle Yields Its Largest-Ever White Diamond
The Bottom Line
- The Argyle mine yielded its largest-ever gem-quality white diamond, weighing 28.84 carats.
- The diamond, named Argyle Octavia for its octahedral shape, was discovered last month in Australia.
- Rio Tinto plans to sell the diamond at a tender in Antwerp later this year as the mine approaches closure.
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