Diamonds

Diamonds are formed deep within the earth's mantle, typically between 140-190 kilometers (87-118 miles) below the surface. The intense heat and pressure at this depth cause carbon atoms to form the structure of a diamond over millions of years.

Harry Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 by mail, shipping it from his New York office to the museum in Washington, D.C.

The worlds largest diamond mine by surface area is located in Botswana, in Africa: the open cast Orapa diamond mine. Read more about it, in the related links.

The world's largest diamond mine in terms of volume is located in Mirnyj, Eastern Siberia, Russia, and is 525 metres deep and 1,200 metres in diameter, while some say that it is 1,200 metres deep.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle -- under extreme pressure and intense high heat. They are erupted to the Earth's surface through volcanic pipes.

As well, there are man-made diamonds formed in laboratories.

Some gem-quality diamonds come from the ground in the shape of two pyramids joined at the base, with four 'faces' on each pyramid. This is an ideal, natural diamond. Very few natural diamonds are found with this ideal shape.

(Diamond as a precious mineral was probably first admired based on a human picking up such a stone, more than 5,000 years ago.)

Most diamonds as they are found, are mis-shapen with many faces. As well, only 25% of mined diamonds are of gem quality, the remainder are considered 'industrial diamonds' not suitable for processing as gemstones.

Diamonds are typically formed in the Earth's mantle layer, which lies between the outer crust and the inner core. They form under tremendous pressure and high temperatures in the mantle's depths before being brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or other geological processes.

Yes, blue diamonds are generally more expensive than white, pink, or black diamonds. This is due to their rarity, with high-quality blue diamonds being quite scarce compared to other colors. The unique coloring of blue diamonds adds to their allure and value in the market.

Maybe. Your local jeweler can apply a probe to it, to determine whether or not it is a diamond stone.

Diamond mineral is rated on the Mohs Scale at 10, which is the highest/ hardest rating on the scale. It is the only mineral given that rating. the Mohs Scale is most useful as a field guide, where a geologist might use one mineral to mark another. This means that diamond can mark every other natural mineral.

The Mohs scale is not useful for industrial or man-made materials.

Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. It is known for its rarity, brilliance, and durability, making it a highly coveted gemstone for jewelry. Diamonds are often associated with everlasting love and are a popular choice for engagement rings.

Humans mine for diamonds because they are highly valued for their beauty and rarity, making them a desirable luxury item. Diamonds are also used in industrial applications due to their hardness and thermal conductivity. Mining for diamonds can be economically lucrative for companies and countries that have diamond deposits.

Yes, sealant can be removed from natural stone using a specialized stone sealant remover recommended by the stone's manufacturer. It is important to follow the product instructions carefully to avoid damaging the stone surface. After removing the sealant, the natural stone may need to be resealed to protect it.

No, diamond is not an alloy. Diamond is a naturally occurring mineral made up of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.

Diamonds can be moved by water -- some mining is performed at the mouths of rivers as they empty into the ocean for just this reason.

Otherwise, some say that diamonds can land on earth from outer space, including the mysterious black diamonds: carbonado. You can read more, below.

'Chocolate diamonds' are named thus because this shade of brown diamond is the colour of chocolate.

Some brown diamonds are natural diamonds; some brown diamonds are manufactured diamonds. A gemologist will help you determine the source of your brown diamond.

Manufactured diamonds are always less expensive than natural diamonds with similar characteristics.

Diamonds are typically formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years. Most diamonds found today are between 1 billion to 3.3 billion years old, but some may be as old as 3.5 billion years.

Diamond is a naturally occurring mineral formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and temperature. It is one of the hardest materials known, ranked as a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Diamond mining can have environmental impacts, but the hardness of diamond itself does not directly harm the Earth.

Yes. You can consider diamonds 'natural resources' much the same as trees in the forest or coal in the veins of geography. They are formed deep below the earth's surface and erupt to be found by humans via volcanic pipes.

That statement is a fact. Diamonds are indeed the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, as they score a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Diamonds are not typically conserved as they are naturally occurring minerals that are mined for various purposes. However, efforts are made to ensure responsible sourcing practices through initiatives like the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market and to promote ethical mining practices. Recycling and reusing diamonds in jewelry is another way to reduce the environmental impact of diamond mining.

Obsidian is capable of being sharpened to a finer edge than steel due to its natural glass composition, which allows it to form extremely sharp edges. However, obsidian is more brittle than steel and can chip or break more easily when used for cutting tasks.

Overburden or lithostatic pressure.

Diamonds are typically found anywhere from 90 to 120 miles (150 to 200 kilometers) below the Earth's surface. They form under extreme pressure and high temperatures in the Earth's mantle before being brought closer to the surface through volcanic activity.

Usually, diamonds are found on earth around volcanic pipes -- the core of diamond mines, or downstream from volcanic pipes -- alluvial diamonds -- when flowing water rolls diamond stones away from the pipes where they erupted to the earth's surface.

Black diamonds are generally less valued than traditional colorless diamonds, as they are more common and less desired for traditional jewelry. However, they have gained popularity in recent years for their unique and striking appearance, with some people finding them to be quite precious for their unconventional beauty. Ultimately, their value is subjective and depends on individual preferences.