Sizing refers to which processing step?

• A. A method to sort diamonds by size using X-ray.
• B. A process used to reduce diamond-bearing ore to smaller, more manageable sizes.
• C. A retail packaging term.
• D. A method to measure carat weight of stones.

Answer: (B)

Sizing is the stage where diamond-bearing ore is reduced to smaller, more manageable pieces so it can move on to the next processing steps. This initial reduction, part of the comminution process, makes the material easier to handle and helps ensure the subsequent liberation of diamonds from the host rock. It isn’t about sorting with X-ray equipment, retail packaging, or measuring carat weight—those are separate steps. The goal of sizing is to create a uniform, workable feed size for efficient downstream processing.