Cullinan Diamond Mine is situated 25 miles east of Pretoria. It was founded in 1902 and in 1905 the largest rough diamond ever found, was discovered there.
The Cullinan Diamond produced stones of various cuts and sizes, which are now form part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The largest of which is the Star of Africa, the largest clear cut diamond in the world which is mounted in the Sceptre, the other diamond cut, which is the 2nd largest diamond in the world is mounted in the Crown.
The mine had produced over 750 stones greater than 100 carats and more than a quarter of the world's diamonds over 400 carats. it is also the only significant source of blue diamonds in the world.
The town of Cullinan is now a big tourist attraction where you can visit the mine for either a surface or underground tour. Restaurants, shops and open space line the street to the mine and it's very popular on weekends with bikers. There's a micro brewery there as well as a variety of art and craft shops. As well as being very photogenic.
I visited in Spring time, the flowers were coming into bloom, it was warm enough to sit outside in the sun, but still a little chilly in the shade, blankets were supplied if needed.
Totally fascinating, and I'm sure full of gems (sorry) of interesting nuggets (sorry again) - thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteoh ha ha
DeleteWhat a charming looking place! It looks like a beautiful place to go in the springtime. I love all those blooms! Thank you for sharing on the October #MyGloriousGardens link party!
ReplyDeleteit's really gorgeous over there in spring
DeleteReally interesting. Funnily enough , diamond mines in South Africa is linked to something bad in our wider family. But I can see this would make a good day out. #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteoh do tell more
DeleteWow there's some beautiful photos there Suzanne, I love those flowers!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with #pocolo
thank you, it was a beautiful place to visit
DeleteWow. What a fascinating place to visit. I love the plant pots in the wall #GoingGreenLinky
ReplyDeletei could easily visit there everyday
DeleteI love a great place full of history but understand the mining experience to have been sad and grueling #GoingGreen
ReplyDeleteyes indeed it was
DeleteI have visited there, it's a fascinating place. Thank you for sharing the pictures too!
ReplyDelete#goinggreen
it is lovely, isn't it?
DeleteI love all the reused old "junk" - just up my green street! #GoingGreen
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