Cullinan Diamond Mine

About Cullinan Diamond Mine

Just twenty minutes' drive from Pretoria brings one to the quaint little town of Cullinan that time appears to have little affected.

Did you know? The Cullinan Diamond 3106ct was given to King Edward the VII of England on his 66th birthday. The diamond was posted to England under normal package post. (Reference: Cullinan Diamond Mine)

The Cullinan Diamond Mine, also known as the Premier Diamond Mine, has uncovered some of the largest diamonds in the world today and the mine lies over one of the biggest kimberlite pipes in the world (kimberlite is named after Kimberley in South Africa and refers to a type of potassic volcanic rock known to contain diamonds).

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is the third richest diamond producing mine in the country, but its major claim to fame is the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond, exposed here in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond, which now forms part of the British crown jewels, weighed in at 3106 carats.

It is the largest rough gem-quality diamond every found, with a remarkable clarity. It also lays claim to a black spot in its centre, which apparently is a sign of severe internal strain. There is a rather elaborate tale about the rather difficult and risky cutting of the diamond that includes the myth that Joseph Asscher fainted after cutting the diamond perfectly in half.

The stories and the chance to see diamonds on display is principally what draws people to the Cullinan Diamond Mine, and a number of tours are available for entering the mine shaft, hoist room, big hole, and the display room.

Since the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond by Frederick Wells there have been other prominent discoveries, including the diamond uncovered in May 2008 - a sparkling 101.27 carat diamond, roughly the size of a ping pong ball that sold for over $6.2 million at Christie's in Hong Kong.