Petra Diamonds has announced the recovery of a 41.82-carat natural blue diamond from its Cullinan Mine in South Africa, marking one of the most significant blue diamond finds in recent years.
The diamond has been classified as a Type IIb stone, an ultra-rare category characterized by the presence of boron and minimal nitrogen content. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Type IIb diamonds account for approximately 0.1 percent of all natural diamonds, placing them among the rarest gemstones globally.
Cullinan Mine has a long-standing reputation as the world’s most important source of natural blue diamonds. Notable recoveries from the mine include the 12.03-carat Blue Moon of Josephine, which sold for USD 48.4 million in 2015, and the 15.10-carat De Beers Cullinan Blue, which achieved USD 57.5 million at auction in 2022. Both stones realized record values after cutting and polishing optimized colour and clarity.
The newly recovered diamond remains in rough form and will undergo extensive analysis before a final cutting strategy is determined. Experts are expected to evaluate its internal structure, colour distribution, and crystal orientation, a process that can take several months for high-value fancy colour diamonds.
Petra Diamonds stated that responsible sourcing remains central to its operations. The company reports that all procurement spend at its South African mines is directed to local suppliers, supporting employment, skills development, and community infrastructure.
The final value and polished outcome of the 41.82-carat blue diamond will be determined following completion of the cutting process.
