Learn some interesting facts about the history of diamonds and diamond mining.
Besides being undeniably beautiful, diamonds have many unique properties that have made them fascinating to many different cultures throughout history. Here are some interesting facts about diamonds that you probably don’t know.
Meaning of Diamond
Diamond is the hardest substance naturally found on Earth. In fact, the only thing that can cut a diamond is another diamond, or a diamond-tipped tool. The very name diamond means “unconquerable and indestructible” and comes from the Greek word “adamas.” You might recognize this root in another word that means diamond-like, namely adamantine.
Where Diamonds Come From
Diamonds are created by intense heat and pressure an estimated 90 to 120 miles below the Earth’s surface. Most diamonds were formed 1 to 3 billion years ago, making the oldest ones almost as old as the Earth itself. Over time, these diamonds migrated up through the Earth’s crust to locations accessible to mining.
Diamond Mining
Diamonds are found in many different locations, but the largest diamond mines in the world are found in Botswana, Russia, and Canada. Diamond mining is a very labor-intensive process, with roughly 250 tons of earth needing to be moved for every 1 carat of diamonds produced. However, in some locations such as Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, diamonds come right up to the surface.
Diamonds in Ancient Times
Throughout history, cultures have recognized the beauty of diamonds and sometimes attributed special powers to them. For example, the Romans and Indians believed diamonds could ward off evil. The Greeks also attributed mystical powers to diamonds, and in fact they believed that diamonds were splinters of stars that had fallen to Earth. Today we know that this idea wasn’t really that far off—there are white dwarf stars in space with solid diamond cores. In fact, the largest diamond in known existence, which is 10 billion trillion carats, is found in the heart of such a star.
Diamond Jewelry
Most diamonds found on earth are not as brilliant as a star. In fact, only 20 percent of the world’s diamonds are considered clear and colorless enough for jewelry. The remaining 80 percent are used for industrial purposes. Diamonds come in many colors, from black to brown, yellow, blue, green, orange, pink, and of course white. The color depends on the other minerals that may have been present when the diamond was formed and are now fixed within the crystal matrix.
Diamonds that are intended to be set in jewelry must be cut and shaped to improve their ability to sparkle and refract light. Up to 50 percent of the average diamond’s carat weight will be lost during this process. Most of these diamonds end up in the United States, which is the world’s largest diamond market. If you’re looking to sell of pawn diamond jewelry, be glad you’re in the US where we have such a strong market, because it helps get you a better price. Coming to Gems & Jewelry Inc. will further increase your odds of getting the best possible cash value for your loose diamonds or diamond jewelry.
