Diamond News
Found under a Lake, Almost Discarded: What’s Makes Firefox Such a Special Diamond?
Israeli Diamond Industry - BlogThe Foxfire (Image: Rio Tinto Diamonds)
It was found where no large diamonds are supposed to exist, it was almost discarded, and now it gets to travel the world: The story of how Rio Tinto’s 187.7-carat Foxfire diamond - the largest rough ever found in North America - was found, is as fascinating as the diamond itself.
According to Bloomberg, who dedicated an in-depth article to the Foxfire, the stone was found where no big quality diamonds are even supposed to exist – beneath a lake floor in the Diavik mine, 210 km south of the Arctic Circle in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Although Diavik has produced more than 90 million carats of diamonds since its inception in 2003, most of the stones it produces peak at 6 carats, and it never saw a stone of this magnitude.
What saved the Foxfire was its “unusual, elongated shape”, which allowed to it to literally slip through a filtering screen. According to Alan Davies, CEO of diamonds and minerals for Rio Tinto, “It really is a miracle that it was found… It’s a rare find, a really rare find.”
According to Bloomberg, Foxfire “looks like a pretty piece of glass with a slight yellow tinge” – an off color that could decrease its value when sold. Bids will start on June 1.
The Firefox ARRIVES TO Israel this week, where it headlines the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) 3rd International Rough Diamond Week. Other exceptional stones will also be showcased, such as a 32.33 ct. Vivid Pink diamond, an 18.35 ct. Intense Pink diamond and a 245.42 ct. D color diamond.
You can Subscribe to our blog via E-mail, or RSS, or join our social networks community on LinkedIn profile, LinkedIn Group, Facebook page and Twitter
