Owing to its hardness and thermal conductivity, diamond is very useful in cutting and polishing tools. It is extremely lustrous because it has a relatively high optical dispersion. All these properties combined with efficient marketing, make diamond the most popular gemstone.
The World Map of Diamond Producing Countries shows the list of the countries producing the maximum quantities of diamonds. As shown in the map, Russia is the largest producer of diamonds in the world.
The second place is occupied by Congo followed by Botswana, South Africa, and China.
The major Diamond Mining Companies include De Beers, Rio Tinto, Alrosa, Harry Winston Diamond, BHP Billiton, Petra Diamonds, and Gem Diamonds. The largest rough diamond in the world is the Cullinan diamond; it was discovered in 1905.
COUNTRY | PRODUCTION (MILLION CARATS) |
---|---|
RUSSIA | 15 |
CONGO | 14 |
AUSTRALIA | 11 |
BOTSWANA | 7 |
SOUTH AFRICA | 3 |
CHINA | 1 |
OTHERS | 4 |
Last updated On : December 20, 2012
World Mineral Producer |