Venetia Diamond Mine

Basic Introduction to South African Diamonds After 1867, the discovery of alluvial sand deposits and significant primary kimberlite pipes made South Africa the world's most important diamond-producing country. Its production has long been among the highest in the world, ushering in a new era for the diamond industry. In 1905, the world's largest kimberlite pipe—the Premier Pipe—was found in Azanian (South Africa), where the largest diamond ever discovered (the Cullinan Diamond) was also found. South Africa is home to the Venetia Diamond Mine, the world's largest and most modern diamond mine. South African diamonds are large and of high quality; 50% of the diamonds are cuttable. Although its production is not as high as countries like Australia, its value has consistently ranked among the top in the world. Product Characteristics Diamonds are carbon particles from the mantle of the earth that undergo high temperature and pressure, resulting in crystallization into diamonds. Typically, diamond sources are located within kimberlite pipes that resemble cylindrical columns or have an hourglass shape with a wider top. When these pipes are eroded by external forces, they form alluvial diamond deposits or marine placer deposits. Some kimberlite pipes containing diamonds are typically found on ancient cratons…