In terms of value, South African production is the most important in the world. Interestingly, color diamonds in this region have different hues, depending on the mine they come from. The Premier mine for example produces white diamonds with a strong blue fluorescence, and light blue diamonds. Diamonds of all colors can be found in South African production but their main common characteristic is that they tend to appear pale and washed-out.
Types of diamonds produced in South Africa: Cape, colorless, all colors from light to medium, rarely intense. This is also the world's most important source of blue diamonds.
Production of diamonds (all types taken together)
| Mine |
Carats ('000) |
$/ct |
$ ('000) |
Operator |
| Venetia |
4,977 |
85 |
423,045 |
De Beers |
| Premier |
1,637 |
75 |
122,775 |
De Beers |
| Koffiefortein |
145 |
225 |
32,625 |
De Beers |
| Kimberley |
550 |
110 |
60,500 |
De Beers |
| Namaqualand |
808 |
180 |
145,440 |
De Beers |
| Finsch |
2,465 |
70 |
172,550 |
De Beers |
| The Oaks |
124 |
180 |
22,320 |
De Beers |
| Baken |
65 |
400 |
26,000 |
Transhex |
| Others |
230 |
280 |
64,400 |
Various |
| Independent diggers |
300 |
250 |
75,000 |
|
