Blue diamonds are some of the most sought-after diamonds for jewelers and gem enthusiasts across the globe. But despite their popularity, they are known to have been found in only three geographical locations: South Africa, Australia, and India.
South Africa
The Cullinan Mine (formerly known as the Premier Diamond Company) is perhaps the most notable diamond mine in South Africa and currently the most significant producer of blue diamonds in the world. It is located in the small town of Cullinan just outside of Pretoria, Gauteng Province at the base of the Magaliesberg mountain range.
The mine rose to prominence in 1905 with the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found. It was purchased in 2008 by Petra Diamonds.
Some of the most famous blue diamonds that have come out of South Africa are:
- Heart of Eternity
- Transvaal Blue Diamond
- Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond
- Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
The most recent blue diamond found in South Africa is the De Beers Cullinan Blue in April 2021.
Australia
In Australia, the majority of blue diamonds have been found at the Argyle mine in the remote East Kimberley region. Owned by mining giant Rio Tinto, official operations in the area began in 1980 after diamond samples were discovered in a creek near Lake Argyle. The mine closed its doors in November 2020 after its resources were exhausted.
Blue diamonds have also been found at the Merlin diamond mine outside of Borroloola in the Northern Territory.
India
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, a the majority of the world's blue diamonds were found in India, namely at the Golconda Mine in what is now the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. Golconda diamonds are known for their large size, weight, and clarity.
Some of the most famous blue diamonds that have come out of South Africa are:
- Hope Diamond
- Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond
- Tereschenko Diamond
- Sultan of Morocco Diamond
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