Rare 404.2-Carat Diamond Found in Africa

A 404.2-carat diamond has been discovered that is putting all other Valentine’s Day gifts to shame.

On Tuesday, Lucapa Diamond Company announced it has unearthed the huge diamond at the Lulo Diamond Project in the Republic of Angola, Africa.

Angola is the fourth-largest diamond producer by value, after Russia, Botswana, and Canada.

This new gem is valued at $20 million and is actually the 27th largest diamond ever discovered. But it is the largest one ever found in Angola. The Lucapa diamond is actually twice as big as the famous “Angolan Star,” discovered in 2007.

According to experts, this new diamond is a Type IIa, meaning it’s virtually flawless and incredibly rare. Type IIa diamonds make up about 1 percent of all natural diamonds. They are colorless and practically transparent.

“The results today are a wonderful vindication of eight years of pretty hard work,” said Miles Kennedy, Lucapa Diamond Company chairman. “It’s the biggest diamond ever recorded from the country of Angola and it’s the biggest diamond ever recovered by an Australian diamond miner. So, we have hit a number of firsts finding this diamond.”

The diamond is measured to be about three inches long, making it big even for someone like Elizabeth Taylor, who sported 30-carat and 33-carat engagement rings during her life. Talk about bada-bling!