PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified major Rio Tinto on Tuesday announced the discovery of a 2.83 ct violet diamond recovered from its Argyle mine, in Western Australia.
The diamond, dubbed the Argyle Violet, was expected to be the centrepiece of the 2016 Argyle pink diamonds tender, which would start private trade viewings in June.
The Argyle Violet was polished from a 9.17 ct rough diamond discovered at the Argyle mine in 2015, and has been assessed as a ‘notable diamond’.
“We are very excited to announce this historic diamond ahead of our tender launch. This stunning violet diamond will capture the imagination of the world’s leading collectors and connoisseurs,” said Argyle Pink Diamond manager Josephine Johnson.
More than 90% of the world’s rare pink diamonds come from the Argyle mine and it is the only source of hydrogen-rich violet diamonds. Violet diamonds are seldom seen and, in 32 years, Argyle has produced only 12 ct of polished violet diamonds.
Edited by: Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
