It’s a rare find – amongst the largest rough diamonds to have been recovered in the Russian Federation and the third largest among those found at Nyurba Mining and Processing Division, the rough diamond from the Nyurbinskaya pipe weighs 241.21 carats.

“The crystal measures 38.64 mm by 27.34 mm by 25.46 mm, and is translucent with a grey hue. Traces of dissolution–etching channels and caverns–are observed on the surface,” ALROSA said revealing details about the diamond. “The intermediate and peripheral zones contain large cracks, one of which is ferruginized. The crystal contains graphite and sulphide inclusions. The diamond is 4 Black Clivage/Makeable 2 colour.”

The newest enterprise in the ALROSA stable, the Nyurba Mining and Processing Division   operates the Nakyn ore field and has developed the Nyurbinsky and Botuobinsky open-pit mines, along with two alluvial placers bearing the same names. Its share in ALROSA Group’s production totaled 20% in 2015. The Nyurbinsky open-pit mine was put into operation in 2001.