A 108.39 carat pink diamond has been recovered from the Kao mine in Lesotho, according to information released by the International Gemological Institute (IGI). The stone is among the largest pink diamonds reported from Southern Africa.
The rough diamond was discovered at the Kao mine, a high-altitude operation in Lesotho that has previously produced large and rare coloured diamonds. IGI stated that the stone displays a strong pink colour and high internal purity, placing it among rare pink diamond occurrences.
Industry specialists cited by IGI indicated that the size and quality of the rough could result in multiple polished stones, subject to planning and cutting outcomes. The diamond is expected to attract significant interest from the international market, with potential valuation in the tens of millions of dollars.
Pink diamonds are classified as Type IIa diamonds, which contain no measurable nitrogen impurities. Their colour is caused by distortions within the crystal lattice formed under extreme geological pressure, rather than chemical trace elements.
Lesotho’s diamond sector is known for producing stones with high average value per carat. Diamond mining is a key contributor to the country’s export earnings, and individual high-value recoveries can have a measurable economic impact.
Storm Mountain Diamonds, the company associated with operations at the Kao mine, is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. The company follows RJC standards covering responsible sourcing, environmental management and labour practices, reflecting increased scrutiny on diamond provenance within the global jewellery trade.
