South Africa Diamond Deposits of Orange River (DOCUMENTARY)

In 1867, the first diamond discovered in South Africa, the Eureka Diamond, was found near Hopetown on the Orange River. Two years later, a much larger diamond known as the Star of South Africa was found in the same area, causing a diamond rush. This was soon eclipsed by the diamond rush to mine diamonds directly from kimberlite at Kimberley in 1871, although alluvial diamonds continued to be found in the Orange. Today, several commercial diamond mines operate on the last stretch of the river, as well as the beaches around its mouth. Diamond mines also operate on the middle stretch of the river. All the big diamond mines of South Africa lie to the north of the Orange River. After the first accidental discovery had drawn attention to the occurrence of diamond in South Africa, the four important mines were all discovered in the course of six months. Very soon following these discoveries, other deposits were found. Pure beauty, ultimate perfection, every stone a miracle itself. The contemporary diamond era begins in South Africa. Less than a hundred years ago the first discoveries were made on the banks of the Orange River. It would mean the beginning of the hi-tech technology searching to the seabed of the Atlantic..