It is hard to sometimes think of diamonds in their rough form, such as when they first arrive at the sorting centers from the diamond mines. However, diamonds are not what they appear to be at the jewelry store. They have an origin and a unique process of being developed, whether by nature or in a lab-created atmosphere. The following will describe the process of formation such as how and where they form.
How Do Diamonds Form?
The creation of the diamond is a marvelous thing to consider. The main element of which they are made, carbon, is formed by high pressure and high temperature beneath the surface of the earth. The combination of these two factors turn the carbon into the diamond gemstone. There are two ways to create diamonds, either naturally or via synthetic means. The high pressure high temperature technique is one which can be mimicked in a lab setting, thereby creating what is known as the synthetic diamond.
Where Do Diamonds Form?
In order for a diamond to naturally form, it has to be at great depths, even hundreds of miles into the earth. These diamonds come from two types of deposits which include primary and secondary ones. Primary deposits are kimberlite, or volcanic rock, which is carried to the surface of the earth by magma. As for secondary deposits, these were brought about by erosion of the primary deposits and consist of diamonds which have broken away from the initial primary deposits. There are quite a few countries where diamond mines are actively producing diamonds and some of these include South Africa, Australia, Namibia, Canada, Tanzania, Russia and Botswana.
How Common is the Production of Diamonds?
When viewing the wide selection of diamonds in jewelry stores, whether they be in rings, necklaces, bracelets or otherwise, some may think that the supply of diamonds is never ending. This is a nice thought however not quite on target. Even though deposits continue to be found throughout the world, only about 1% of those discovered deposits have a good enough supply of diamonds in order to make mining there an option. When viewing this factor, it is easy to see why diamonds are such highly coveted items and also why the price tags on these gemstones tend to be much higher than other types of gems. The good news is that exploration continues in the search for new primary deposit locations so that the diamond supply can be kept at a reasonable level and consumers can continue to enjoy these beautiful gemstones.
By: James Greene
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James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the diamond, jewelry, and appraising business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. www.diamondmarketwatch.com
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