A Massive Black Diamond Is Heading to Auction Next Month

Also, it might be from outer space

Black diamond
"The Enigma", a 555.55 carat black diamond, at Sotheby's in the Gulf emirate of Dubai.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Sometimes, diamonds can surprise you. This is especially true when it comes to black diamonds, a distinctive variety of gem that may or may not hail from outer space. If you’ve ever been curious about what a 555.55-carat black diamond looks like, well, you’re in luck. A stone fitting precisely that description, and known as “The Enigma,” is heading to Los Angeles as part of a high-profile auction.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the diamond is currently on tour, with a previous stop in Dubai and its next stop in Los Angeles. Afterwards, The Enigma will head to London, where the auction is set to take place.

We’re pretty sure this was not what KISS was thinking about their song “Black Diamond” — later covered memorably by The Replacements — but it’s as good a time as any to hearken back to it.

The listing for the diamond at Sotheby’s has more information on it, including its Guinness record for being the world’s largest cut diamond. The auction is set to begin on February 3 — and, following last year’s successful auction of The Key 10138 — Sotheby’s will be accepting bids in cryptocurrency.

Can one transaction span both blockchain and the reaches of outer space? This one might do just that.

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