Lesotho Diamond

A rough diamond discovered on September 8, 2008 in the nation of Lesotho may become the largest polished diamond in the world. The rock, weighing 478 carats, is the 20th largest rough diamond ever discovered. The rough diamond could yield a finished stone of more than 150 carats, eclipsing the famed 105-carat Koh-i-Noor Diamond.Reuters Africa: Lesotho Mine Yields One of World's Largest Diamonds (September 21, 2008)

The world's largest round diamond is the Koh-i-Noor, originally discovered in India. However, the Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905, weighed 3,106 carats in its rough state. That diamond was later made into many other gemstones, the largest of which was the Great Star of Africa, a teardrop-shaped diamond weighing 530 carats. The newly discovered Lesotho diamond could yield a round stone of more than 150 carats.Reuters Africa: Lesotho Mine Yields One of World's Largest Diamonds (September 21, 2008)

"It has the potential to yield one of the largest flawless D colour round polished diamonds in history."—Gem Diamonds statementReuters Africa: Lesotho Mine Yields One of World's Largest Diamonds (September 21, 2008)

"Preliminary examination of this remarkable diamond indicates that it will yield a record breaking polished stone of the very best colour and clarity."—Clifford Elphick, of Gem DiamondsReuters Africa: Lesotho Mine Yields One of World's Largest Diamonds (September 21, 2008)