History of Natural Diamonds:

Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years. Most were formed at depths between 150 and 250 kilometres (93 and 155 mi) in the Earth's mantle, although a few have come from as deep as 800 kilometres (500 mi). Under high pressure and temperature, carbon-containing fluids dissolved various minerals and replaced them with diamonds. Much more recently (hundreds to tens of million years ago), they were carried to the surface in volcanic eruptions and deposited in igneous rocks known as Kimberlites and lamproties. 

 

How Natural Diamonds are formed?

Diamonds were formed over 3 billion years ago deep within the Earth's crust, under extreme heat and pressure that caused carbon atoms to crystallize into diamonds.

They are typically found at depths of around 150 to 200 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, where temperatures range from 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius and pressures reach 45 to 60 kilobars—about 50,000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level. In these conditions, molten rock known as lamproite and kimberlite (types of magma) also form in the Earth’s upper mantle. As this magma rapidly expands, it erupts violently, pushing its way to the surface and bringing diamond-bearing rocks along with it. The magma travels quickly through the easiest path, creating a vertical channel or “pipe.”

Once the magma cools, it solidifies into a rock called kimberlite, which forms vertical structures known as kimberlite pipes. These pipes are the primary sources of natural diamonds. However, only about 1 in every 200 kimberlite pipes is believed to contain gem-quality diamonds. The name “kimberlite” comes from the town of Kimberley in South Africa, where this type of rock was first linked to diamond discoveries.

Characteristics of Diamonds:

Diamonds possess a range of distinctive properties that make them among the most valuable and highly desired gemstones. Below are the key characteristics that define diamonds:

Hardness:
Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This exceptional hardness makes them extremely resistant to scratching.

Lustre:
Diamonds exhibit an adamantine lustre, meaning they reflect light in a way that creates a brilliant, eye-catching sparkle.

Transparency:
Most diamonds are transparent or translucent. High-quality diamonds are typically clear and colorless, although they also occur in a variety of colors.

Refractive Index:
With a refractive index of around 2.42, diamonds bend light sharply as it passes through them, contributing to their intense brilliance.

Thermal Conductivity:
Diamonds are excellent conductors of heat, a property that sets them apart from most other gemstones and allows for use in tools like diamond testers.

Cleavage and Fracture:
Diamonds have perfect cleavage in four directions, meaning they can split cleanly along certain planes if struck. Despite their hardness, they can be brittle and susceptible to chipping.

Crystal Structure:
They have a cubic (isometric) crystal system, with carbon atoms arranged in a tight, strong lattice. This structure is responsible for much of their strength and durability.

Color:
Although many diamonds appear colorless, they can naturally occur in shades of yellow, brown, blue, pink, and green. These colors result from trace elements or structural irregularities.

Dispersion:
Diamonds disperse white light into its component colors—a feature known as "fire"—which adds to their visual appeal.

Density:
Diamonds are relatively dense, with a specific gravity of about 3.5, contributing to their weight and solid feel.

Why Natural Diamonds so Valuable?

Natural diamonds are so valuable for several key reasons:

1. Rarity:
   Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years under very specific conditions. Only a small fraction of these diamonds make it to the surface and are of gem quality, making them relatively rare.

2. Time and Formation:
   The formation process takes billions of years, which adds to their uniqueness and perceived worth. Each diamond is essentially a piece of Earth’s ancient history.

3. Durability:
   Diamonds are the hardest natural material known, making them ideal for long-lasting jewelry and industrial uses.

4. Beauty and Brilliance:
   Their exceptional ability to reflect and refract light gives diamonds a unique sparkle and "fire" that other gemstones often can't match.

5. Cultural and Emotional Value:
   Diamonds have long been associated with love, commitment, and status. They are traditionally used in engagement rings and other important jewelry, which adds to their symbolic value.

6. Controlled Supply and Marketing:
   Historically, diamond supply has been tightly controlled by companies like De Beers, which helped maintain high prices. Successful marketing campaigns—like the famous "A diamond is forever" slogan—also increased demand.

7. Investment and Wealth Symbol:
   High-quality diamonds are often seen as a store of value and a symbol of wealth, further increasing their desirability.

What to look for when buying a Natural Diamond?