:: Rare 56.6 Carat Diamond Recovered

A rare 56.6 carat diamond has been recovered by Australia's Crown Diamonds NL. The large-sized gemstone - recovered from Crown's Mining Operations in South Africa - is octahedron in shape and "of very good quality"according to the company.

Crown chief executive officer Johan Dippenaar said today: "This is a substantial find as diamonds of this size are a rare occurrence. The diamond is expected to yield a substantial price and we have commenced negotiations for its sale."

A 42 carat stone recovered by Crown earlier this year sold in April 2004 for A$405,710.