Chicken-egg sized 552-carat yellow diamond found in Canada, largest in North America

A 552-carat yellow diamond discovered at a Canadian mine is said to be the largest gem-quality stone ever found in North America.

The diamond was unearthed at the Diavik Diamond Mine, approximately 135 miles south of the Arctic Circle in Canada's Northwest Territories, the mining company Dominion Diamond Mines said in a press release on Thursday.

According to the company, this find surpasses a previous record held by the 'Diavik Foxfire,' a 187.7-carat diamond discovered at the same mine in 2015 by mining company Rio Tinto. Dominion owns 40 per cent of the Diavik Diamond Mine.

Measuring 33.74mm x 54.56mm and weighing exactly 552.74 carats, a diamond of this size is completely unexpected for this part of the world and marks a true milestone for



diamond mining in North America and Canadamark diamonds overall, the company reported.

"This incredible discovery showcases what is truly spectacular about Canadamark diamonds," Kyle Washington, Chairman of Dominion Diamond Mines said in a statement.

"The colour and texture of the diamond are a unique example of the journey that natural diamonds take from their formation until we unearth them. Our Diavik Mine has produced some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, and this one certainly tops the list," he added.

Dominion Diamond Mines added the diamond will not be sold in its rough form, and as the diamond is still undergoing evaluation, it's too early to determine its value. The company will select a partner to cut and polish the stone.