The first natural blue diamond in Russian history was recovered by sorters from Bourevestnik

A significant event for the global and domestic diamond industries took place in Yakutia at Recovery Plant No. 16 of the Nyurbinsky Mining and Recovery Plant (Nakyn deposit). Specialists from ALROSA PJSC recovered a unique, natural sky-blue, gem-quality crystal weighing 2.74 carats. This is the first documented discovery of such a gemstone within the territory of the Russian Federation.
The flawless detection and recovery of such a rare mineral was made possible by advanced domestic X-ray luminescence sorting technologies developed by Bourevestnik JSC. Key processing stages at the plant are equipped with machinery from the St. Petersburg-based company. The main stage of ore enrichment was successfully carried out using the high-throughput X-ray luminescence sorter LS-D-4-04N. The final concentrate treatment was performed by the LS-OD-6 sorter. Thanks to high detection accuracy, reliable removal of waste rock, and gentle pneumatic ejection, the unique crystal was recovered without the slightest mechanical damage.
The mined mineral belongs to Type IIb - one of the rarest and most valuable on the planet. Its distinctive hue is caused by the substitution of carbon atoms with boron in the crystal lattice. The stone is characterized by absolute clarity and the absence of internal inclusions. Blue diamonds form at immense depths within the mantle and are significantly rarer than the famous pink crystals.
According to ALROSA CEO Pavel Marinichev, the discovery of this blue crystal is an extraordinary stroke of luck and a source of pride for the Russian industry. Currently, the company’s eleven finest master cutters are completing the intricate cutting process to fully reveal the stone’s brilliance. The unveiling of the finished diamond is scheduled for late November 2026.
The successful extraction of the crystal using Bourevestnik equipment also has fundamental scientific significance: it proved the presence of boron-bearing Type IIb diamonds in the Nakyn field and confirmed the unmatched effectiveness of Russian sorting technologies in detecting rare, one-of-a-kind diamonds.

Base on published material of ALROSA PJSC