The discovery of a diamond often brings together a fascinating mix of science, rarity, and sheer luck. This time, it has led to one of the most remarkable finds in Canada, a giant yellow diamond weighing 158.20 carats. Unearthed at Diavik, located 200 km south of the Arctic Circle in the remote Northwest Territories, it is among the largest yellow diamonds ever discovered in the country. In fact, it is one of only five yellow diamonds over 100 carats ever found in Canada, placing it in an exceptionally rare category. It has been eight years since a discovery of this magnitude, with the last major find dating back to 2018, when an even larger 552-carat yellow diamond, one of the biggest ever uncovered in North America, made headlines.
What makes this gem even more extraordinary is its origin. Formed roughly two billion years ago, it stands as a testament to nature’s slow and meticulous craftsmanship. While Diavik is best known for its high-quality white diamonds, yellow diamonds remain exceptionally rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of total production. That makes this discovery not just significant, but truly exceptional.
Diavik Diamond Mines Chief Operating Officer Matt Breen summed it up perfectly, saying, “This two billion year old, natural Canadian diamond, is a miracle of nature and testament to the skill and fortitude of all the men and women who work in Diavik’s challenging sub-Arctic environment,” reported Rio Tinto.
The timing of the discovery adds another layer of significance. The Diavik mine officially ceased production on March 24, 2026, making this 158-carat stone one of the final treasures unearthed before closure. It serves as a fitting finale to a remarkable 23-year legacy that produced over 150 million carats of diamonds.
