Jagersfontein Mine
Jagersfontein Mine /ˌjeɪɡərzˈfɒnteɪn/ was an open-pit mine in South Africa, located close to the town of Jagersfontein and about 110 kilometres (68 miles) south-west of Bloemfontein. Since it was first established, two of the ten biggest diamonds ever discovered, the Excelsior and the Reitz (now called the Jubilee), were mined from Jagersfontein. The term "Jagers" has since been coined to denote the distinctive faint bluish tint of the gems from this mine. Among geologists, Jagersfontein is known as a kimberlite pipe, and a prime locality for mantle xenoliths, some of which are believed to have come from depths of 300–500 km (190–310 mi).
| Location | |
|---|---|
Jagersfontein Mine | |
| {{{subdivision_type}}} | Free State |
| Country | South Africa |
| Coordinates | 29°45′55″S 25°25′8″E |
| Production | |
| Products | Diamonds |
| Greatest depth | 200 metres (660 ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1870 |
| Closed | 2002 |
It is the biggest hand-excavated hole in the world at 19.65 hectares (48.6 acres), slightly larger than the Big Hole of 17 ha (42 acres) in Kimberley, which had previously claimed the title.