Get to know all you need about diamond – the history, facts, quality factors, treatments, imitations and much more here at GIA.
The world’s love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC.
Diamond growth may occur somewhat quickly compared to its age, building up a crystal layer by layer over thousands or perhaps millions of years. The subsequent period of mantle residence at conditions of high pressure and temperature can permit changes in the diamond morphology, internal structure, and atomic-scale defects.
The Extraordinary Backstory of Natural Diamonds: A Diamond Is (and Has ...
Diamond’s characteristic chemical composition and crystal structure make it a unique member of the mineral kingdom. Diamond is the only gem made of a single element: It is typically about 99.95 percent carbon. The other 0.05 percent can include one or more trace elements, which are atoms that aren’t part of the diamond’s essential chemistry.
Diamond crystals are brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity. Diamonds can be found in shallow alluvial deposits where the crystals settle after being transported away from the kimberlite pipes by geologic activity and rivers. Around 30 percent of the diamonds mined worldwide are gem-quality.
Diamond Most diamonds formed more than a billion years ago! They form about 100 miles (161 kilometers) below the earth’s surface, where the temperature and pressure are just right. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth. They stand for fearlessness and invincibility, and are a symbol of love.
Diamond is available in a range of sizes and qualities to fit every consumer's tastes. One of the first things most people learn about diamonds is that not all diamonds are created equal. In fact, every diamond is unique. Diamonds come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and with various internal characteristics. All polished diamonds are valuable. That value is based on a combination of factors ...