10 Things You Should Know About Diamonds
There are countless unique characteristics in every diamond in the world. Diamonds possess a combination of features including color scales, clarity, and sparkle. Whether you already have your perfect diamond ring, or you are still looking for the one, have you considered where diamonds come from and how they are created? The story may not be as breathtaking as your personal love story, but it is still a story that should be told! Having a better understanding of how your diamond came to be will give you a greater appreciate for your unique diamond!
If you are a lover of science or are curious about where your stunning stone came from--today’s post is for you! We will discuss the creation, the findings, the myths, and the facts you should know about your beloved diamonds.
- History of diamonds
The word diamond comes from the Greek word “Adamas” which means unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds are believed to have first been discovered in India approximately 3,000 years ago. Before diamonds were worn in the form of jewelry, they were used as ornaments, goblets, and crowns. Imagine not only having your diamond ring but also displaying diamond decor casually around your house—sounds pretty luxurious!
- How are diamonds created?
Diamonds formed in the earth between 1 and 3 billion years ago and went through an intense refining process. These precious gems were formed deep within the earth in the upper mantle of the earth’s crust. Forceful pressures and temperatures as high as 1300 degrees Celsius helped create the gems and solidify them into the stones we idolize today.
- What are diamonds made of?
Carbon atoms under high pressure and temperature begin to bond and grow crystals. As the conditions rise, the carbon atoms grow closer and create extremely unyielding covalent carbon bonds that result in the hard material that we know as diamonds.
So, where does all of this carbon come from? Scientists have suggested some possibilities: the earth’s mantle, the surface of the earth, or parts of carbon from sediment, animals, plants, shells or other elements make their way into the earth’s mantle through a process called subduction. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the science terminologies, don’t worry. We can also conclude that your diamonds are simply composed of your eternal love.
- How do diamonds travel to the earth’s surface?
At a time when the Earth was hotter, violent volcanic eruptions transpired, and they were so powerful that they carried the diamonds from the upper mantle to the earth’s surface. When the eruption met the surface, a mold of volcanic material cooled and created the place where diamonds are contained today.
Scientists and researchers understand that for diamonds to form and take on the diamond structure, they needed to move at extreme speeds from the mantle to reach the surface. Moving quickly enough from a high temperature to a low temperature in just a few hours and traveling at speeds of 20 to 30 mph allowed the element to turn into the diamond beauty we know and love instead of remaining a dark graphite material.
- How deep within the ground are diamonds?
If volcanic eruptions need to occur to bring diamonds to the surface, we can conclude that diamonds must be found in areas where volcanic activity or erosion takes place. Before the violent volcanic eruption that brings them to the surface of the earth, these precious stones can be found 145 kilometers from the earth’s surface. It is here where the Kimberlite, a blue rock, is created and hosts the diamonds once they arrive at the surface.
- Where are diamonds mined?
The diamond mining process is long and laborious, and diamonds are in high demand. This combination makes it vital for diamond mining companies to be on top of their game all across the world. Central and southern African countries are historically known to be the world’s major suppliers of diamonds. However, Russia is home to half of the world’s biggest diamond mines.
If you are looking for a unique experience with diamonds, Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can come and search for their own diamonds. With a firm belief in the mantra, “Finders, keepers,” you can walk out with any diamonds that speak to you--as long as you are willing to hunt for them!
- How are diamonds mined?
Even with the newest and latest engineering tools and all of our technological advances, diamond mining still takes the perfect combination of art, science, and skill. There are a few different approaches to mining diamonds. Pit mining is the most common way to retrieve diamonds. In this method, heavy machinery hydraulic shovels, and trucks are used to mine diamonds out of kimberlite pipes.
Alluvial diamond mining is another type of diamond mining that is typically performed in secondary deposits like beaches, riverbanks, or off-shore locations. In this process, water is emptied out from the area of interest where the diamond-rich materials can be reached at about 15 meters below the surface. Once obtained, the raw material that is extracted is taken to a special screening plant for further processing.
- Popular myths
Many people have heard that diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. But is this the truth or a myth? This is actually a popularly told tale! Indeed, diamonds are the hardest natural mineral substance, but ANDR’s or hyper-diamonds take the cake for hardest substance on earth and are 11% harder than a diamond.
We are sure you have heard on several occasions that diamonds are extremely rare. There was a time when diamonds were relatively rare, but those are times of the past! Diamonds actually aren’t as rare as they are said to be. In an economic sense, diamonds are not rare because supply exceeds demand. We believe that the myth sticks around because of the deep symbolism and significant role that they fill for couples across the world.
- How did diamonds become the symbol of marriage?
Viewing diamonds as a sacred symbol of love is a standard custom today, but who started this trend? According to the American Gem Society, it all started when the Roman’s used to give a woman a ring to wear attached to a key as a symbol of their husband’s ownership. (Real romantic, right?) It wasn’t until the late 1470’s that the Archduke Maximillian of Austria had the very first diamond engagement ring made for his soon to be wife. This is credited as the beginning of the diamond ring trend among European royalty.
When hard times hit the United States in the 1930’s, diamond jewelers created an intense marketing campaign and showcased glamorous movie stars wearing diamonds which increased their sales dramatically and created the relation between diamonds, wealth, and a high social status. Over time, the traditions and meaning behind these gems have evolved from country to country, but the proposal with a diamond still signifies union and commitment in practically all corners of the world.
- The diamond planet
Just when you thought you knew it all about diamonds, a diamond world emerges! In 2011, scientists were stunned to find a diamond-rich planet orbiting a nearby star. This planet is said to be only twice the size of the Earth, but eight times its mass. This earth-like planet has a carbon-rich planetary system, and with surface temperatures reaching 2150 degrees Celsius, scientists conclude that this intriguing planet could give us a new understanding of planetary chemistry.
You are now practically an expert on all things diamonds! If you have further questions about diamonds or need help finding the perfect diamond wedding band, contact us today!
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