South African authorities on Sunday said tests on the shiny stones found in KwaHlathi, outside Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, show that they are not diamonds.
Earlier this month thousands of people descended on KwaHlahti in search of the “diamonds” they saw posted on social media.
The pictures of the “diamonds” caused a rush to KwaHlathi. Concerned about the huge numbers flocking to the site, the government sent officials to get to the bottom of the claims.
On Sunday Ravi Pillay, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for economic development, said: “Tests conclusively reveal that the stones are not diamonds”.
He said the shiny stones were quartz crystals and not diamonds.
Some hopefuls had already made plans to sell their “diamonds” and buy houses, cars and go on holiday to Dubai – now those dreams have gone up in smoke.
Last week, geologist John Bristol, who grew up in the area, said it was “unlikely” diamonds could be found at KwaHlathi.
He said the shiny stones were most likely “quartz crystals”.
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said it had “noted with concern” the reports of illegal mining activity taking place at KwaHlathi.
