Auction house Sotheby’s Dubai has unveiled a diamond that’s literally from out of this world.

Sotheby’s calls the 555.55-carat black diamond — believed to have come from outer space — “The Enigma.” The rare gem was shown off on Monday to journalists as part of a tour in Dubai and Los Angeles before it is due to be auctioned off in February in London.

Sotheby’s expects the diamond to be sold for at least 5 million British pounds ($6.8 million). The auction house plans to accept cryptocurrency as a possible payment as well.

Sophie Stevens, a jewelry specialist at Sotheby’s Dubai, told The Associated Press that the number five bears an importance significance to the diamond, which has 55 facets as well.

“The shape of the diamond is based on the Middle-Eastern palm symbol of the Khamsa, which stands for strength and it stands for protection,” she said. Khamsa in Arabic means five.

“So there’s a nice theme of the number five running throughout the diamond," she added.

Stevens also said the black diamond is likely from outer space.

“With the carbonado diamonds, we believe that they were formed through extraterrestrial origins, with meteorites colliding with the Earth and either forming chemical vapor disposition or indeed coming from the meteorites themselves,” she said.

Black diamonds, also known as carbonado, are extremely rare, and are found naturally only in Brazil and Central Africa. The cosmic origin theory is based on their carbon isotopes and high hydrogen content.

Share:
More In Culture
Cheddar's Crystal Ball: The 2019 Outlook for Cannabis and Hemp
When U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions moved to undermine Obama-era marijuana industry protections in January, there was little indication how pivotal 2018 would prove to be for the cannabis industry. As 2019 approaches, Cheddar is now looking ahead to next year and forecasting what's in store for the U.S. marijuana industry.
Not Dead Yet: Malls Show Signs of Life Amid Strong Holiday Spending
Reports that signal the death of the American shopping center have been greatly exaggerated ー if the latest statistics from the holiday shopping season are to be believed ー but the mall of tomorrow is increasingly becoming a new kind of innovation hub for brands, and offering an altogether different experience for shoppers.
Markets Whipsaw in Volatile Holiday Trading
Markets whipsawed Thursday as the Dow reversed course twice to erase a more than 600-point loss and end the day up 260 points. It was the largest swing since 2008 and follows another day of record volatility on Wednesday, when the Dow swung 1,000 points to book the largest single-day point gain in its history.
The Tax Changes That Are About to Sneak Up on You
For many of us, the impact of the tax overhaul that went into effect a year ago won't be felt until we file our 2018 returns. Here are some things to remember as tax season approaches (W-2s should start appearing in mailboxes in a month), courtesy of Katelynn Minott, a CPA at Bright!Tax:
Incubator Wants to Transform Detroit from Motor City to Engine for Innovation
Roughly five years ago, Detroit made history as the largest city to ever file for municipal bankruptcy. But in 2018, the Motor City is teaching itself how to transform from America's factory into an engine for innovation. According to start-up incubator TechTown CEO and president Ned Staebler, adjustments to the city's economy and the value of its labor supply could begin a tech-based rebirth, a future when automobiles are not just considered vessels of transportation, but rather as pieces of the revolution.
Former Blue Moon Brewmaster Rolls Out New Cannabis Beer
What this drink lacks in booze, it makes up in bud. Former Blue Moon brewmaster Keith Villa has entered the marijuana industry by creating a cannabis-crafted beer. "An opportunity like this only comes around once in a blue moon," Villa joked to Cheddar Wednesday.
Cheddar Awards: Top Food Trends of 2018
Now that avocado toast has lost its luster and bacon is going back in the frying pan where it belongs, some new food trends are dominating. Here are the flavors and fads of 2018 that captured our appetites.
Load More