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There are a limited number of commercially available diamond mines currently operating in the world, with the 50 largest mines accounting for approximately 90% of global supply. [1] Diamonds are also mined alluvially over disperse areas, where diamonds have been eroded out of the ground, deposited, and concentrated by water or weather action.
2 Gemstones. 3 Metals. 4 See also. 5 References. Toggle the table of contents. Lists of countries by mineral production. 4 languages.
Samarian Spinel, the world's largest spinel; Menshikov Ruby, the world's second largest spinel set on top of the Great Imperial Crown of Russia; Timur Ruby, believed to be a ruby until 1851, hence its name; Black Prince's Ruby, the famous spinel mounted on the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom
Zambia is the world's second biggest producer, with its Kafubu River area deposits (Kagem Mines) about 45 km (28 mi) southwest of Kitwe responsible for 20% of the world's production of gem-quality stones in 2004. [28] In the first half of 2011, the Kagem Mines produced 3.74 tons of emeralds. [29]
The world's largest and most valuable gem opal "Olympic Australis" was found in August 1956 at the "Eight Mile" opal field in Coober Pedy. It weighs 17,000 carats (3.4 kg; 7.5 lb) and is 11 inches (280 mm) long, with a height of 4 + 3 ⁄ 4 in (120 mm) and a width of 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 in (110 mm).
A gemstone (also called a fine gem, ... Found all over the world, the industry of coloured gemstones ... due to the constant discovery of new source locations ...
Monarchs and the gem-loving royalty in India, Turkey, and Persia eventually sought the New World treasures once the gems arrived in Europe. These new emerald owners expanded their private collections with spectacular artifacts bedazzled with emeralds between 1600 and 1820, the time frame of Spain's control over the Colombian mines.
As of 1999, the world's largest known naturally occurring crystal of any mineral is a crystal of beryl from Malakialina, Madagascar, 18 m (59 ft) long and 3.5 m (11 ft) in diameter, and weighing 380,000 kg (840,000 lb).