Argyle diamond mine produces 28.84-carat large white diamond

Australia's Argyle diamond mine has produced one of the largest gem quality white diamonds in its 35 years of operation. The 28.84 carat gem quality white diamond was recovered from the east Kimberley mine in March 2019.

Named Argyle Octavia in recognition of its beautiful octahedral shape, this rough diamond will be sold by tender in Antwerp later this year.

Arnaud Soirat, chief executive of Rio Tinto's Copper and Diamonds portfolio said: "We are delighted with this discovery which is a testament to the extraordinary Argyle orebody that continues to deliver these miracles of nature, even as it nears the end of mine life."

Rio Tinto's Argyle diamond mine is renowned as the world's largest colored diamond mine, with a much more sporadic production of large white diamonds. Since the mine's opening in 1983, gem quality white diamonds greater than 20 carats have rarely been found at Argyle.