Natural Diamonds | Diamond Stone – GIA C Get to know all you need about diamond – the history, facts, quality factors, treatments, imitations and much more here at GIA
Diamond History and Lore The world’s love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC
Diamond Description Diamond’s characteristic chemical composition and crystal structure make it a unique member of the mineral kingdom Diamond is the only gem made of a single element: It is typically about 99 95 percent carbon The other 0 05 percent can include one or more trace elements, which are atoms that aren’t part of the diamond’s essential chemistry
GIA Diamond Research Natural Diamond Mining In addition to its value as a gemstone, diamond has enormous scientific value as a window into hidden processes occurring deep inside the earth Given the sheer volume of diamonds passing through its laboratories, GIA is uniquely positioned to observe and learn from diamonds in way that no other research group can Diamonds are the deepest derived material humans are
Diamond - Gemological Institute of America Diamond Most diamonds formed more than a billion years ago! They form about 100 miles (161 kilometers) below the earth’s surface, where the temperature and pressure are just right Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth They stand for fearlessness and invincibility, and are a symbol of love
Diamond Fun Facts Diamond crystals are brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity Diamonds can be found in shallow alluvial deposits where the crystals settle after being transported away from the kimberlite pipes by geologic activity and rivers Around 30 percent of the diamonds mined worldwide are gem-quality
GIA Diamond Origin Diamond mining is the largest private sector employer in Lesotho, employing thousands The Lesotho mines, the most famous of which is the Letšeng mine – legendary for its massive, high-quality colorless diamonds – use technically advanced equipment for diamond extraction and trains local workers in computers and X-ray technology
Diamond Quality Factors Diamond is available in a range of sizes and qualities to fit every consumer's tastes One of the first things most people learn about diamonds is that not all diamonds are created equal In fact, every diamond is unique Diamonds come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and with various internal characteristics All polished diamonds are valuable That value is based on a combination of factors