Before the South African deposits were discovered, which country was the major diamond producer?

Brazil was the major diamond producer before the significant discoveries in South Africa. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Brazil was known for its diamond mines, particularly in the Minas Gerais region, where large quantities of diamonds were extracted and exported. This period established Brazil as a key player in the global diamond market.

The discovery of substantial diamond deposits in South Africa in the late 19th century shifted this dynamic, leading to South Africa becoming a dominant force in diamond production. While Australia and Russia have become important diamond producers in their own right, they did not hold the same historical status as Brazil prior to the South African finds.