‘Diamond Rush’ Hits Village in South Africa

A diamond rush has begin in the South African village of KwaHlathi.

More than 1,000 diamond seekers arrived in the community after a herd man dug up still-unidentified stones in a field, CNN reports. Some believe the stones may be quartz.

People have come to the village, located in KwaZulu-Natal province, from all over the country.

One searcher, Mendo Sabelo, told CNN as he held some small stones: “This means our lives will change because no one had a proper job, I do odd jobs.”

Some diamond hunters have started selling their finds. They’re commanding priced of $7.29 and up per stone.

The government’s mines department is sending a team of experts to analyze samples.

Authorities have asked diamond seekers to leave the area, citing concerns about potential COVID-19 transmission.

Read more at CNN