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Argyle Mine Produces a 29-Carat White Diamond
Rio Tinto unearthed the rare gem-quality white at the mine notable for its pink diamonds.
Rio Tinto’s discovery in March of this 28.84-carat white diamond from its Argyle mine is a rarity for the site, which is known for producing colored diamonds.
Melbourne, Australia—Rio Tinto unearthed a large, gem-quality white diamond at the mine notable for its pinks.
The miner announced this week the recovery of a gem-quality 28.84-carat white diamond from the east Kimberley Mine, part of its Argyle mine.
The stone’s octahedral shape inspired Rio Tinto to name it the “Argyle Octavia.” It will be offered at tender in Antwerp later in 2019.
“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 Copper and Diamonds portfolio CEO Arnaud Soirat said in a press release. 
It’s one of the largest gem-quality whites dug up in Argyle’s 35-year-plus history.
Since production began in 1983, the vast majority of the Argyle mine supply has been colored diamonds, with white diamonds accounting for only 0.00007 percent of the total supply.
General Manager of Argyle Diamonds Andrew Wilson, said, “Argyle Octavia is unique in its size, shape and beautiful provenance, and will take its place in Argyle’s history as one of a few special large white diamonds ever to be produced from the mine.”
Since production began in 1983, the vast majority of the Argyle mine supply has been colored diamonds, with white diamonds accounting for only 0.00007 percent of the total supply.
General Manager of Argyle Diamonds Andrew Wilson, said, “Argyle Octavia is unique in its size, shape and beautiful provenance, and will take its place in Argyle’s history as one of a few special large white diamonds ever to be produced from the mine.”
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