People who live around Johannesburg are probably used to seeing mine towers and mine dumps, but us peeps from down at the coast aren’t. This meant that when I got to visit the Cullinan diamond mine close to Pretoria north of Johannesburg a little while ago it was like discovering a whole new world. The thing that literally stands out like a sore thumb at a mine is the mine tower. Below are two different angles of the tower at Cullinan.
Just for interest sake. This mine is where the Cullinan diamond was found. It is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,106.75 carats. The largest polished gem from the stone is named Cullinan I or the First Star of Africa, and at 530.2 carats was the largest polished diamond in the world until the 1985 discovery of the Golden Jubilee Diamond, 545.67 carats. The Cullinan I is now mounted in the head of the Sceptre with the Cross. The second largest gem from the Cullinan stone, Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa, at 317.4 carats, is the fourth largest polished diamond in the world. Both gems are in the Crown Jewels of the United.
I've actually never been there, I really should make a plan
Great photos of a unique structure! Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is said tower used for?
Love the perspective of the second photo. I did not know that diamond mines were underground. I though that they blasted pits. Interesting.
Been there a few times! There are some of the quaintest little shops to browse in! My favourite is the lavender shop – the sweetest things to buy! Nice Greek restaurant too – sitting under their bright umbrellas on a hot day enjoying a Greek lamb pitta and an icy glass of white wine – the best!
Marka – Basically, the tower is situated above the mine shaft. The life cables run over those wheels at the top of the tower before decending down the shaft.
Love the last photo! Janet has sold it well- sounds like a lovely afternoon- buying some lavender and eating yummy Greek food!
DIAMONDS!!! lolol im so shallow…..=0P