Rare 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Discovered at Canada’s Remote Diavik Mine

A remarkable 158-carat yellow diamond, formed nearly two billion years ago deep within the Earth, has been unearthed at the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The significant gem-quality stone was recovered from one of the world’s most isolated mining operations, located approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle. The Diavik mine, situated on a small island in Lac de Gras, is so remote that it can only be accessed by ice road during the winter months and by floatplane during the summer.

What makes this discovery particularly rare is the diamond’s vivid yellow color. According to Rio Tinto, the mine’s operator, less than 1% of all diamonds recovered at Diavik are yellow. This 158.20-carat specimen is only the fifth yellow diamond weighing over 100 carats found at the mine in more than 20 years of operation.

Scientists explain that the striking yellow hue results from nitrogen atoms trapped within the diamond’s crystal lattice during its formation nearly two billion years ago under extreme heat and pressure deep in the Earth’s mantle.

The timing of the find adds an extra layer of significance: the diamond was discovered in the final months of the Diavik mine’s active operations. The mine officially ceased production on March 24, 2026, after more than 23 years and over 150 million carats of diamonds extracted.

This exceptional stone represents one of the last major discoveries from the remote Arctic mine and stands as a striking reminder of the geological treasures hidden beneath Canada’s frozen north. Rio Tinto has described it as one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever recovered in the country.

The diamond will now undergo further evaluation, cutting, and polishing before entering the global luxury gem market.