Green is one of the rarest colours in which diamonds can occur, second only to red. According to Ian Balfour in his book Famous Diamonds the few polished green diamonds that exist originate from a certain type of yellowish-green rough characterised by a degree of lubricity. 'The green colour is usually caused by the crystal's coming in contact with a radioactive source at some moment during its lifetime, and, in geological terms, this is measured in millions of years.' This natural radiation poses an identification nightmare regarding its natural origin since treated green diamonds also acquire their colour by means of radiation. Laboratories are therefore looking for unique identifying factors and are all known to be extremely conservative in giving a green diamond a natural designation, making this 3.19 carat green diamond quite extraordinary.

Cf. Ian Balfour, Famous Diamonds (London 2000), p. 88