TheEkati Spirit, a 78-carat diamond mined from BHP Billiton's Ekati minein the Northwest Territories, sold for a reported $2.8 million inAntwerp, Belgium, this week.(BHP Billiton)
Ahuge rough diamond, billed as the most significant find in the 13-yearhistory of Canada's Ekati mine, was auctioned off in Belgium this weekfor a reported $2.8 million.
The 78-carat diamond from BHP Billiton's Ekati mine in the Northwest Territories was sold in Antwerp on Monday, Valentine's Day.
The company would not disclose the buyer of the diamond, called the "Ekati Spirit."
BHP Billiton invited a select group of about 70 buyers to the sale of the diamond, which was found in October 2010.
"The diamond is a breathtaking example of the stunning gem-qualitydiamonds produced at Ekati and potentially the most valuable stone inthe mine's 13-year history," BHP said in a news release.
The diamond, which measures 21 by 18 by 13 millimetres, is not thelargest to come from the mine, however. Two years ago, a 182-caratdiamond was found, but it lacked the clarity, carats and colour of theone sold Monday.
A pear-shaped, 10.22-carat gem from Ekati had held the Canadian record of $1.2 million at auction.