In the dazzling diamond industry, where clear and flawless gems are the stars, there is one special gem from Africa that is breaking the rules of this fancy business.
Meet the "Lulo Rose," a 170-carat pink diamond unearthed in Angola back in 2022, captivating both experts and enthusiasts alike with its exquisite beauty and astronomical potential value.
A Rarity Beyond Imagination
To truly appreciate the significance of the Lulo Rose, one must first understand the rarity of colored diamonds in the diamond-mining landscape.
The Conversation tells us that these magnificent gems are a true anomaly, constituting a mere 0.01% of all diamonds unearthed globally.
Among them, pink diamonds are a select few, sharing their elite status with blue, green, violet, orange, and red counterparts. In a world where rarity equates to value, these colored diamonds stand as the pinnacle of preciousness.
The Pink Diamond: A Closer Look
The science behind pink diamonds is as intriguing as their dazzling appearance. While the exact mechanism of their formation remains shrouded in mystery, it is believed that distortion, one of the three main imperfections in diamond formation, plays a pivotal role.
IFLScience explains that the lattice structure of a diamond becomes twisted and bent under immense pressure, altering the way light is reflected. The result is a vibrant pink hue, a delicate balance between perfection and imperfection.
Yet, this balance is delicate, and a slight shift can transform a pink diamond into a less coveted brown or even "champagne" hue.
It is a reminder that each pink diamond is a unique masterpiece, shaped by the precise conditions under which it was created. No two pink diamonds are alike, and their individuality is part of their allure.
A Geological Wonder
To understand why pink diamonds are so exceptional, we must delve into their geological history. While the origin of colored diamonds varies, pink diamonds often have a connection to our planet's depths.
Carbon, typically found on the seabed, is thrust back into the Earth's interior, subjected to enormous pressure and heat. Under these conditions, carbon's assembly is distorted, giving birth to the enchanting pink diamond.
The Argyle mine in Western Australia holds a special place in the pink diamond story. It was once the world's largest diamond mine, known not only for its productivity but also for its intriguing geological history.
Unlike the belief that large diamonds could only be found in ancient continents' hearts, Argyle sits at the boundary where two continents collided just 1.8 billion years ago.
This geological anomaly provided the perfect conditions for pink diamond formation, explaining why a significant proportion of pink diamonds were discovered there.
The Lulo Rose's Ascent to Glory
The discovery of the Lulo Rose in Angola in 2022 sent ripples through the diamond industry. Its impressive 170-carat size and rare pink color instantly made it a contender for the title of the world's most valuable diamond.
The Pink Star, a 59.6-carat pink diamond, held the record when it was sold at a Hong Kong auction for a staggering $71.2 million in 2017. The Lulo Rose, with its substantial size, could very well challenge this record if it ever graces the auction stage.
Experts suggest that Lulo Rose could be sold at more than $100 million.
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