ALROSA has reported the recovery of the first large gem-quality rough diamond from Verkhne-Munskoe deposit, in Western Yakutia 170 km from Udachny in Russia, that was commissioned late October.
Image: First large diamond recovered from Verkhne-Munskoe deposit. Photo: courtesy of PJSC ALROSA.
The transparent round-shaped octahedron crystal with insignificant yellow hue was recovered from Zapolyarnaya pipe – one of four kimberlite pipes of the deposit. The 51.49-carat rough diamond measures 23 by 22 by 15 mm. The approximate age of the extracted crystal is over 350 million years.
ALROSA Udachny mining and processing division director Alexander Makhrachev said: “It is the first rough diamond over 50 carats from Verkhnyaya Muna. We have just started mining here, so it is a very promising event evidencing of the good potential of the deposit.
“Despite small inclusions and cracks, this stone is undoubtedly a gem-quality rough diamond that will bring to life one or several high-grade polished diamonds.”
Source: Company Press Release