Rio Tinto has revealed a 28.84 carat gem quality white diamond recovered from its Argyle diamond mine – “one of the largest gem quality white diamonds” recovered from the mine’s 35-year history, according to Rio Tinto.
The diamond was recovered from the east Kimberley mine in March 2019 and was named Argyle Octavia™ “in recognition of its beautiful octahedral shape”. It will be sold by tender in Antwerp later this year.
Arnaud Soirat, chief executive of Rio Tinto’s Copper and Diamonds portfolio, said “We are delighted with this discovery which is a testament to the extraordinary Argyle orebody […]”. Andrew Wilson, General manager of Argyle Diamonds. said that the Argyle Octavia™ “is unique in its size, shape and beautiful provenance and will take its place in Argyle’s history as one of a few special large white diamonds ever to be produced from the mine”.
