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Argyle Diamond Mine
(Australia)
Australian Argyle Diamonds are
internationally renowned for their unique brilliance and
stunning array of colours. Unearthed in the rugged Kimberley
region in the far north of Western Australia, Argyle
Diamonds thrill in shades of exotic pink, sparkling
champagne, rich cognac and dazzling white. From the rare
pink diamond to the classic white and natural champagnes,
Argyle Diamonds are firing the world's imagination. And why
shouldn't they? The Argyle Diamond Mine is the world's
biggest producer of natural diamonds and contributes
approximately one-third of the world's natural supply.
The Argyle diamond mine is located in the north-east of
Western Australia. It produces the largest volume of
diamonds in the world (35 million carats (7,000 kg), or
about one third of global production of natural
diamonds) but the presence of gem quality diamonds is of
low proportions (5% of total diamonds mined), therefore
by value of diamonds, it lags behind some South African
Mines. It is the only known significant source of pink
diamonds, producing 90 to 95% of the world's supply. The
Argyle diamond mine is also famous for being the first
commercial diamond mine exploiting a volcanic pipe of
lamproite, rather than the more usual kimberlite pipe.
The mine is owned by the Rio Tinto Group, a diversified
mining company which also owns the Diavik Diamond Mine
in Canada and the Murowa diamond mine in Zimbabwe.
The story of the discovery
of Argyle is one of innovation, patience, foresight and
meticulous attention to detail. An Australian company,
Ashton Mining Ltd, started exploring for diamonds in the
Kimberley in 1972, under the Kalumburu Joint Venture
(the name Kalumburu was adopted from a nearby
settlement). The project commenced following a proposal
from a geologist with diamond exploration experience in
Africa, to explore the Kimberley region for diamonds.
The Argyle Diamond Mine was commissioned in December
1985.
Read more...(External Link)
Read about all Famous Diamond Mines
The 1867 discovery of diamonds in the Cape
Colony, now a province in South Africa, radically modified not only the
world's supply of diamonds but also its conception of them. As annual
world diamond production increased more than tenfold in the following 10
years, a once extremely rare material became more accessible to Western
society with its growing wealth, science learned that diamonds came from
volcanoes, and everyone learned of Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato,
Kimberley, and De Beers. Today South Africa maintains its position as a
major diamond producer although diamond mining started in India around
the 14th century and continued ...
Read more...
Wolrd's Famous Diamonds
The 1867 discovery of diamonds in
the Cape Colony, now a province in
South Africa, radically modified not
only the world's supply of diamonds
but also its conception of them. As
annual world diamond production
increased more than tenfold in the
following 10 years, a once extremely
rare material became more accessible
to Western society with its growing
wealth, science learned that
diamonds came from volcanoes, and
everyone learned of Cecil John
Rhodes, Barney Barnato, Kimberley,
and De Beers. Read about the
fascinating stories and facts about
and behind the world's most famous
diamonds....
Read more...
World's Largest Diamonds
The largest faceted diamond in the world is the Golden
Jubilee, weighing 545.67 carats. It is a Fancy Brownish-Yellow color and
"fire rose cushion cut." It is unusual also because it has a certain
type of rare color banding. The second largest faceted diamond in the
world is the Star of Africa, also known as the Cullinan I. It weighs
530.20 carats and is a pear shape with 74 facets. The third largest
diamond in the world is the Incomparable. It is a golden yellow-orange
color, pear shaped, and weighs 407 carats. The fourth largest faceted
diamond in the world is the Cullinan II. It was cut from the same stone
as the Star of Africa - aka Cullinan I. It weighs 317.40 carats and is a
cushion cut...
Read more...
Renowned Diamond Cutting Centers
Diamonds being easily transportable and
being of high value allows them to be
moved to the most efficient and economic
locations for further processing. The
several factors that are considered in
determining the location of a diamond
cutting facility...
Read more...
Diamonds in Literature and Poetry
Diamonds have taken an important space in our ideas and
dreams of celebration, enjoyment, expression of love and
happiness. There are famous and popular quotes about or
referencing diamonds. Some that you may have heard or
read and other that you may not have. Read and
enjoy......
Read more..
The Diamond Cartel
When a gang of thieves with a stolen bulldozer plowed into London's
Millennium Dome in November 2000 to steal a 203-carat diamond from a
display sponsored by De Beers, Nicky Oppenheimer, De Beers's chairman,
hailed the botched heist as wonderful publicity:
"If only we could do this once every six
months. We could do away with the advertising department altogether."
For more than 100 years, the name De Beers has evoked
all glamour and mystery radiated by a diamond. Through
shrewd marketing and careful manipulation of the market,
the South African company. Learn about the over 100
years of the Oppenheimer family's grip over diamond
trade of the entire world.....
Read more..
History of Diamonds
The history of diamonds. Before the Medieval era
Diamonds were worn rough, or cut and polished only on
their upper surfaces. It was in this form that diamonds
used to ornament temples, goblets, reliquaries, and
crowns. The history of cutting Diamonds dates back to
the beginning of the 1400's in Paris. Diamonds became
popular in jewelry and from this time the history of
diamonds accelerated and many famous diamonds were cut.
Read on the history timeline of diamonds details
important dates relating to famous diamonds and the
history of diamonds....
Read more...
Read about Diamond History, Diamond Facts..
A symbol of innocence, justice,
faith and strength, the diamond was believed to make its wearers
courageous and victorious over their enemies. When set in gold and worn
on the left side, it held the power to drive away nightmares and soothe
savage beasts. Diamonds were even thought to be so powerful that they
could stop lechery. Diamonds have lured and fascinated us....
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Information Summary...
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Argyle Diamond Mine
