Known as the Golconda diamonds, these gems possess remarkable clarity and size, with few inclusions and low nitrogen content, making them coveted for their pristine quality. The Koh-i-noor, weighing a staggering 105.60 carats and now part of the British Crown Jewels, exemplifies this rarity, as does the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond housed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Originating from southern India between the 1600s and 1800s, Golconda diamonds carry rich narratives of colonialism and intrigue, now sparking calls for repatriation due to their cultural significance. Infamous for their larger-than-life allure, these diamonds, including the cursed Hope Diamond and Regent Diamond, often evoke tales of mystery and controversy.
Discovered in placer mines along riverbanks, the Golconda diamonds' true source remained elusive, hidden within the depths of kimberlite eruptions.
New research, published in the Journal of Earth System Science on March 15, proposes the Wajrakarur kimberlite field in modern-day Andhra Pradesh as their potential origin, challenging previous assumptions.
While the findings shed light on the diamonds' journey, uncertainties linger, particularly regarding the deeper mantle origins of these gems. Geochemist Yaakov Weiss from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who reviewed the research, underscores the need for further exploration to elucidate the complete geological story behind these legendary gemstones.
