Natural White Diamonds
Nature’s Most Astonishing Alchemy
Here’s a gem that needs no introduction but certainly deserves all the appreciation that comes its way. From being born deep within the Earth’s crust to rising above and getting adorned by millions of admirers is no small feat. This precious gem’s journey from a humble carbon to a brilliant and prized possession is truly inspiring. In this article, we’ll uncover all the aspects that make a diamond a proof of nature’s finest alchemy.
Have you ever wondered where this gem gets its name from? The word “diamond” is originally derived from the Greek word “Adamas,” which translates to “unconquerable” or “invincible.” This is quite fitting, considering diamonds are known for their exceptional hardness. A rating of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness indicates that it’s one of the hardest natural substances found on Earth. This is also one of the reasons a diamond engagement ring is often considered the perfect symbol of love and commitment that stands the test of time.
It's All in the name
Discover the 4 C's of Natural Diamonds
Diamonds undergo a fascinating journey before they become the sparkling gems we know today. Their birth takes place deep beneath the Earth’s surface, under truly extreme conditions. We’re talking about intense pressure (50,000 times that at the surface) and scorching temperatures (around 1600°C), which causes carbon atoms to bond together in a unique crystalline structure, forming what we know as diamonds. These diamonds and the rocks they’re embedded in slowly move closer to the Earth’s surface through geological processes like volcanic eruptions. Once closer to the surface, rough diamonds can typically be found in Kimberlite pipes, which are vertical columns of volcanic rock. They are then extracted through various mining methods.
How Exactly Does a Carbon Turn into a Diamond?
Premium Quality Diamonds
Once extracted, rough diamonds undergo sorting and grading processes to separate them based on size, shape, colour, and quality. Usually, the ones we term “white diamonds” are actually colourless or near-colourless. They are extremely sought-after thanks to their ability to allow maximum light to pass through, thereby showcasing their clarity and creating the brilliance that diamonds are loved for. But natural diamonds can also occur in a mind-boggling variety of fancy colours – from canary yellow and intense blue to earthy brown and vivid pink. It all depends on the presence of different trace elements or structural defects present during their formation process. Naturally occurring coloured diamonds, especially blue, pink, and even red, are pretty rare, which is directly reflected in their often exorbitant price.