Diamond is a magnificent gemstone that is one of the most popular around the world.
Diamond is a magnificent gemstone that is one of the most popular throughout the world.
What kind of luxury can you find in our time - expensive buildings, almost priceless jewelry, elaborate clothes and much more. Nowadays, precious jewelry has an amazing property. They not only decorate the person who wears them, but also make it possible to determine his status in society at first glance.
The history of diamond is shrouded in mystery. Reliable sources and scientists claim that it was first discovered in Asia.
The outdated name for diamond is adamant. Translated from Greek it means “indestructible”. If normal conditions are observed, the stone can exist indefinitely, but if you place it in extreme conditions of high temperature, it turns into graphite.
We also recommend reading:
The history and curse of the Kohinoor stone The marvelous ametrine stone Characteristics of larimar and its main properties Selection of stones by date of birth
Where is it mined?
Many people believe that the “site” where diamonds are mined is Asia. But that's not true. Diamonds are mainly mined in countries such as Australia, Russia, and South Africa. There are deposits of industrial importance on all continents. At one time, most of the mineral was mined in India, but at the moment the deposits have remained completely devastated.
Diamond, in the old fashioned way, was mined by hand by numerous miners, but with the advent of new technologies, improvements in mining methods and proper framing, the stone became incredibly popular and very expensive in the jewelry industry.
The history of diamond is shrouded in mystery. Reliable sources and scientists claim that it was first discovered in Asia
If you cut a diamond correctly and skillfully, it will sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow at the same time. It is not for nothing that the ancient name for a diamond in Rus' is gem.
Every year, about 100 million carats (approximately 20 tons) of this precious representative of the world of luxury are mined around the world. Of this, 40 million falls on African countries, the rest falls on the enrichment of the resources of Russia and Australia.
Prices fluctuate depending on quality and weight. For 1 carat of unprocessed material they are willing to pay 100 US dollars. But if the stone is processed, it moves into the official luxury category called “diamond.” Here, the cost of a carat is influenced by color, framing, purity, and transparency. In this case, the price ranges from 400 to 1000 dollars. For such beauty, jewelers are willing to pay an exorbitant price, because then they sell the exclusive for twice the price, or even more. The rarest diamond is the red one. Only a few pieces are offered on the world trade market per year.
There are also technical diamonds. They are used in wires, discs for tools and as semiconductors in industrial electronics.
There is a category that initially defines the product, it is called “jewelry diamond”. It accounts for about 25% of all mined stones. The crystals are cut to create an expensive diamond. Unfortunately, during processing, the original stone loses almost half of its original mass.
Place of Birth
As stated earlier, diamond mining is a labor-intensive and difficult undertaking. Until the 19th century, it was possible to recognize the location of this jewel in only three countries - India, Brazil and Borneo. Since then, the diamond mining industry has made significant progress.
Today, among the favorite diamond mining countries are Russia (Yakutia, Arkhangelsk and Perm regions), South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Namibia.
According to the latest international rankings, Russia ranks second in the world in diamond production. The rating is compiled not by the total amount of raw materials, but by assessing the market value of production. The Russian leader in production is , whose world share is 25%.
Stone in nature
Diamond occurs naturally in rocks of igneous origin.
A pure diamond is a collection of transparent carbon atoms. It’s very hard to believe, but diamond and graphite are one and the same, like chemical twin brothers. They are identical in composition, since both consist of pure carbon. Liquid diamond was recently obtained by scientists during an experiment. Due to the fact that the atoms form a dense lattice among themselves, the diamond stone is considered the hardest stone on the Moss scale (10 units).
Characteristics of the stone
The characteristics of diamond and graphite are slightly similar, but graphite will never show color change due to processing. But if processed incorrectly, a diamond will not be able to produce any play of color. The next stage of the diamond is the diamond. Only those products that have precise and proportional edges can be called this way. Ideally processed stones are designated by the letter “A”. Classic cut – 57 facets. In this case, on the trade market they are highly rated among experts and are ready for further sale.
The color of a diamond can be completely different. According to the approved regulations, 9 color groups are distinguished. The most valuable are multi-colored diamonds, because this color is called fancy. However, transparent stones are most valued. So what color are diamonds?
Colored diamonds are:
- transparent or with a blue tint (pure water stone);
- milky white;
- yellow;
- black;
- gray;
- pink;
- green;
- brownish-green;
- blue.
Blue diamond has incredible magical properties; it brings happiness and inner wealth to its owner. Blue stones speak of the innocence and purity of the owner’s intentions.
Green diamond has long been considered a healer and amulet. There is a belief that girls who wear it have the opportunity to become a mother faster. Green diamonds also help reduce headaches, treat sclerosis, and even save a person from lightning strikes.
As is clear, the types of diamonds are varied, and only a person can decide which stone to purchase either for himself or as a gift.
Diamond color can be completely different
How to distinguish from a fake?
There are many ways in which a natural diamond can be distinguished from a fake stone:
- If you breathe on a real stone, there should not be any traces of moisture left on its surface. At the same time, condensation will remain on the artificial imitation.
- There will be no marks left on the surface of a natural diamond if you scratch it with a sharp object or run sandpaper over it.
- If a diamond is placed in a glass of clean water, it will become invisible.
- When exposed to ultraviolet light, a real diamond will begin to emit a blue glow that will persist for some time after the ultraviolet light has disappeared.
An accurate conclusion about whether a diamond is real or not can only be made by a gemologist or an experienced jeweler. When purchasing such an expensive gem, you should always request a certificate of conformity.
For information
How can you identify a real stone, how can you be 100% sure that this is genuine material and its description is truthful?
You can check the authenticity of a mineral using special equipment. But even at the same time you need to have extensive experience in jewelry. Unfortunately, doing this yourself is incredibly difficult and almost impossible. In the 21st century, technology has reached such heights that there are cases in the world of artificially growing diamonds, however, the composition of the diamond is identical to natural (carbon atoms).
However, the most common analogues are moissanites and cubic zirconia. They are so similar that it is incredibly difficult to understand the difference and detect a fake without special skills.
Diamond Applications
Diamond stone
The use of diamond is not limited to use in the jewelry industry, where preference is given only to specimens of the highest quality.
The use of diamonds is widespread in a variety of areas, including:
- Medical devices and instruments. In the medical field, the use of transparent crystals is very widespread. Thanks to such devices, which allow thin incisions to be made, healing time in the postoperative period is accelerated. Scalpels made from this material remain sharp for a long time. The structure of diamond makes it possible to use it in the production of implants.
- The high thermal conductivity of diamond makes it indispensable for use in electronics to prevent overheating of devices.
- The properties and composition of diamond explain its use in the field of telecommunications. It is valued for its ability to withstand voltage and temperature surges.
- It is also used in the mining industry to add efficiency to the drill bit.
Interestingly, only 15% of the crystals mined in the world can be cut into diamonds.
About 44-46% are “conditionally suitable” for cutting. The remaining percentage of extracted raw materials is used for industrial and production needs.
Characteristic properties
The properties of diamond stone are unique. In order to transfer it from a solid to a liquid state, scientists had to conduct quite a lot of experiments. Unfortunately, the exact melting point cannot be determined. Due to the fact that high pressure is used for the experiment, no specific limits have been established for limiting the melting temperature.
According to scientists, there are two planets in our Universe that consist entirely of carbon: Neptune and Uranus. There are suggestions that there are entire diamond rivers with the same characteristic icebergs. There is enormous pressure in the Universe, which contributes to the magical transformation of crystals from a solid state to a liquid consistency.
Magic properties
The magical properties of diamond are by no means a fiction. The gemstone has magical powers; it almost completely reflects the person who wears this mineral. Passing on a piece of jewelry with a stone from generation to generation can be passed on for a lifetime. The ring that the daughter inherited from her father has the greatest power. But do not forget that diamond is also the most dangerous stone for humans. All the negative energy of the person who wears it is displayed on the stone itself, and you can notice the appearance of black dots in the diamond’s edges, the meaning of which is not entirely clear.
According to the old fashioned way, diamond is the founder of talismans. It should be available for every zodiac sign, since it is a strongly energetically directed stone. For example, Aries is by nature one of the most hot-tempered and stubborn signs of the zodiac. And according to legend, the mineral can tame ardor.
In their practice, yogis use diamond to treat many diseases, especially mental disorders.
Diamond has incredible power, capable of helping and at the same time harming its owner. Even in ancient times, our ancestors turned to such a miraculous stone for help. Adamant (the old Russian name for diamond) can cure mental and nervous disorders and relieve pain. Legend also says that alcoholism was treated with the help of gems.
Another property that was important was antipyretic. That is why every self-respecting doctor in the old days had to have this miracle of nature.
There is also a negative side. After all, not only good things could be done thanks to a diamond. Due to the fact that this mineral is a conductor of the owner’s energy, it could cause harm. There are many stories related to the acquisition of unique minerals that were very harmful to their owner.
Diamond is a stone of the sun, which helps to reveal as much as possible all the inner abilities of a person and fill him with positive energy. Stones with damage or black spots inside are strictly prohibited from being worn. You should not try on or wear other people's jewelry. If you put a ring with a diamond framed in gold on your ring finger, you can feel filled with the best and positive qualities that are inherent in a person.
Whatever form a diamond is in, it has a direct impact on a person’s destiny. You need to be very careful when choosing a product, wearing it and caring for it. If all precautions are taken, the stone will fully display its properties and will be able to provide protection to its owner.
It has long been believed that the owner of a piece of jewelry has a naturally strong, majestic character and incredible fortitude. With the help of the mineral, you can reveal all these qualities and achieve many heights in the realization of your personality.
The magical properties do not appear immediately. Dozens of years may pass before the stone begins to “work” for the owner. A stone can display its properties and qualities very brightly and violently - it all depends on the quality and color. And the larger the size, the greater the impact.
Which zodiac sign suits you?
A diamond talisman can bring special luck to people born under the zodiac sign Aries. It has the greatest beneficial effect on the first lunar day; you need to buy it on the 15th lunar day.
In general, diamonds are favorable for all fire signs. That is, in addition to Aries, Sagittarius and Leo are supposed to wear it. For Sagittarius, the amulet will help them productively resolve issues that arise and will protect them from troubles. Leos can count on his strength in improving health and achieving material wealth.
- Taurus will need the help of a diamond to develop willpower and achieve life goals.
- White diamonds are recommended for Cancer women. The gem will bring peace of mind and harmony into their lives. The opposite effect can occur from diamonds with yellow tints.
- With the help of the stone, Virgos will be able to get rid of complexes and phobias, which will have a positive impact on their self-esteem.
- For Libra, the diamond will act as a talisman against all kinds of troubles and messages of negative energy.
- Aquarians will find peace of mind and tranquility.
- Pisces - as the last sign of the cycle - should not approach the stone. This sign does not have sufficient strength and will to overcome large obstacles. And a diamond serves only those who are capable of great achievements.
- It is also not recommended for Scorpios and Geminis to wear a diamond. For Scorpios, this mineral will cause excessive emotionality, while for Geminis it will develop indecisiveness.
- For Capricorns, a diamond will allow them to climb the career ladder. People of this sign are usually ambitious, the stone will help them express themselves fully.
If the stone matches your zodiac sign, you can safely wear it throughout your life.
In our time
Diamonds, which is what cut diamonds are called, are in great demand in the world of socialites. Necklaces, rings, brooches, tiaras, pendants – you won’t see diamonds in any kind of jewelry. The abundance of jewelry in our time is pleasing; one’s eyes simply run wide from such luxury. Every self-respecting representative of high society is simply obliged to have at least one piece of diamond jewelry in their collection. This is practically a ticket to a social event, emphasizing the majesty and status of the person who wears the jewelry.
This precious mineral has become so popular that the term “diamond color” has been coined. This characterizes the material as clean, transparent and playing with all colors.
In fact, this miracle stone has become so popular that it can be found not only in the jewelry world or the technical industry. Quite a lot of diamond emblems can be seen, which emphasizes the richness of the product that is provided by the company that produces it. Tattoos with the image of a diamond have become popular among young people, signifying the strength of character of the person who decided to immortalize this stone on his body.
It has long been believed that the owner of a piece of jewelry has a naturally strong, majestic character and incredible fortitude.
Variety of shapes and sizes
Diamonds are never the same; each mined crystal is unique. But when cut, they all get one of the standard shapes. Round diamonds are the most popular because this type of cut is the most versatile and has the brightest sparkle. About three-quarters of the stones sold are round. This treatment is usually performed on 57 or 58 facets of the diamond. In order for the stone to sparkle as brightly as possible, the jeweler must maintain perfect proportions.
Sometimes a jeweler decides to create a so-called fancy variety of diamond. Most often, specialists cut fancy stones either using a wedge type (in the shape of a pyramid) or a step type. If we look at the most famous diamonds, most of them will be fancy. Which diamonds are best remembered by history?
The most famous samples
- Diamond "Orlov", the largest in the Kremlin collection. Served as the eye of a statue in one of the temples in South India. It was stolen by a certain French adventurer who deliberately converted to Hinduism and became a novice in the temple in order to get closer to the stone. The Frenchman sold the stone to Count Orlov in Russia, who presented it to Catherine the Great. The stone with a unique Indian cut became a real decoration of the imperial collection.
“Orlov” adorns the scepter of Empress Catherine the Great. - The Sancy diamond was on the beret of King Henry III. According to legend, the servant who was supposed to deliver the stone to the court was killed, but before his death he swallowed the stone so that it would not go to the robbers. During the French Revolution, the jewel was lost, but was later returned to the Louvre.
- Diamond "Kohinoor", or rather “Koh-i-Noor”, which means “Mountain of Light”, was the main treasure of the Mughal dynasty ruling in India. It did not bring happiness to almost anyone; almost all of its owners became victims of deceit or intrigue. It once weighed almost 800 carats, now it weighs just over 120. Since 1850, when the stone was presented to Queen Victoria, it has adorned the crown of Britain, and is currently worn by Elizabeth II.
Kohinoor is in the root of Queen Elizabeth II of England. - Hope Diamond, named after the American banker who bought it in the 19th century, has earned the reputation of being cursed. Almost nothing is known about its history - neither where it was mined nor which jeweler shaped it. There is a version that this stone used to adorn the statue of the Indian goddess Sita. Accidents that plagued its owners were attributed to the wrath of the Indian deity or her husband, the powerful hero Rama (his exploits can be read in the ancient Indian poem “Ramayana”). Currently, the “curse” has been taken over by the Smithsonian Institution, one of the largest in the United States. The price of the stone is three hundred and fifty million dollars, it is perhaps the most expensive diamond in the world.
Hope Stone at the Natural History Museum in the United States. - Regent's Diamond was found in 1698. The man who found it was killed by the captain of the guard, who then sold the treasure. This uniquely colored stone was worn by Marie Antoinette and Napoleon III. It is now on display in the Louvre.
The Regent's Diamond in the sword of the French monarch Napoleon III. - The Shah Diamond was mined from the Golconda mines in the sixteenth century. It was worn as a talisman. The names of three powerful Indian rulers are engraved on the stone - Nizam Shah, Shah Jahan and Fatah Ali, to whom it belonged. Then the diamond came to Persia, and from there to Russia. It was presented as compensation for the murder of Griboyedov.
- «Star of Africa", or "Cullinan", is considered the largest gemstone in the world. It was discovered in South Africa in 1905. Two years later, the government of the Transvaal colony presented it to King Edward VII for his name day. According to legend, a jeweler who was ordered to break the stone into fragments (it was too large to cut entirely) fainted from excitement. Several pieces of jewelry were made from the remains of the Cullinan for the royal family.
Star of Africa before and after division.
Of course, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to purchase one of these famous stones. However, do not despair: jewelers often make copies of them. The material for them is usually Herkimer diamond, better known as rock crystal. Technically, this mineral belongs to quartz, and not to diamonds, but in appearance it is almost indistinguishable and can be easily processed.
Film industry
Probably everyone has watched the movie “Titanic”. Those who watched this masterpiece of the film industry remember very well the famous Rose pendant in the shape of a heart. In the middle of the pendant there is a blue diamond of just under 14 carats. It was sold at auction for an incredible amount.
Thanks to the popular song performed by Marilyn Monroe in the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” the expression “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” appeared. The stone that adorned Marilyn's neck was sold at auction in 1990 for almost 300 thousand dollars.
As is clear, diamonds have been and remain the most popular and precious stones. Battles began for their possession, and there are legends and tales about them. Adamant (the old name for diamond) is capable of bringing both happiness and misfortune to its owner. Therefore, the choice of any jewelry, especially antique, should be approached responsibly, and it is better to know the history of the stone in advance. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a blue diamond or something else.
