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Where Loose Diamonds are From |
Where Diamonds are From |
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It may seem unbelievable that diamonds, so revered for its brilliance and captivating beauty, actually come from the deep, the dark, and the common element making up our world, carbon. Diamonds were formed very early in the history of the earth through a series of incredible extreme pressures and temperature. This in turn was the result of the condensation of solid matter into a sphere. These conditions caused large deposits of carbon to crystallize deep in the earth. “Deep” would mean about 90 to 120 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, where temperatures rise above 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. For a long time they remained there, hidden and undisturbed until exposed by forces of nature. Volcanic activities cause streams of magna, or liquid rock which carry diamond crystals, to come out to the surface. When these diamond-bearing rocks harden, they encase these diamonds in vertical volcanic “pipes”, also known as kimberlite pipes. Over millions of years, these diamonds reach streams, rivers, and even seas due to erosion. Hence, many diamonds can be found away from their original locations. Man has discovered diamonds in various locations: remote location in India, in around 800BC, Borneo in 7th century, Brazil in 18th century, South Africa in 1866. The first river-bed deposits in India were abundant enough to supply the world’s diamonds until the 18th century. Their primary locations, or the volcanic sources, of these diamonds were never discovered. At that time, the stone’s ability to refract light set them apart from the other known gemstones. With high demands for diamonds, the deposits in India began to dwindle. Hence the 1866 diamond deposits discovery in South Africa was a big boost to the diamond economy. This 60-mile coast of the Orange River, dividing South and Southwest Africa, is owned by Consolidated Mines of South West Africa, Ltd., which forms part of the DeBeers Group. Since 1956, this company produced approximately one million carats of diamonds per year. There are other diamond deposits around the world. In the United States, for instance, the largest diamond-bearing pipe is located in Arkansas. Here the largest diamond discovered in the US in 1906. It weighed 40 carats. From then on until today, man continues to seek diamonds using his latest inventions, in places far, inhospitable, and secluded. Statistics indicate that only about one-fifth of total mined diamonds are of gem quality. To recover one rough diamond, about 40 to 250 tons of earth must be processed. On average, about 250 tons of ore must be mind to recover a one-carat diamond. After the exhaustive process of mining, a laborious sorting process begins. During this procedure, sorters look at rough diamonds and segregate them according to shape, size, and quality. These days, most natural diamonds are sourced from central and southern Africa. In fact, reports indicate that 90% of diamond jewelry comes from these countries. However, considerable amounts are being mined in India, South America, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. Alarmingly, scientists estimate that diamond supplies will be depleted in 30 to 40 years. With the tremendously long process it takes for diamonds to form, man may either scour harder and deeper to discover new deposits or be contented with synthetic diamonds as substitute for that which is elusive and invisible. |
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5/13/2008 15:35:28 |