How Are Diamonds Made?
They are one of the most desired gems on earth but how are diamonds made? Where do they come from and how many are left?
Before we dive in, let’s have a look at what a diamond exactly is.
What is a diamond?
A diamond is a naturally occurring mineral made of pure carbon. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to mankind and is highly valued for its beauty, durability, and rarity.
How are diamonds made?
Diamonds are made from pure carbon that is subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. The process of diamond formation is known as “diamond genesis” and can occur in two ways: through the “kimberlite” process and the “eclogite” process.
The Kimberlite process is the most common way how diamonds are formed. It occurs when a volcanic eruption brings diamonds and other minerals to the surface. This process starts with the erosion of ancient rocks, which eventually end up in rivers, and are then carried to the ocean. The carbon-rich sediment on the ocean floor is then pushed to the depths of the Earth’s crust by tectonic activity, where it is subjected to high pressure and high temperature over millions of years. This process creates a diamond-bearing rock called kimberlite.
The Eclogite process is less common but it occurs when oceanic plates collide and one is forced beneath the other into the Earth’s mantle. The carbon-rich sediment is then subjected to high pressure and high temperature, and diamonds are formed.
Once diamonds are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or erosion, they are typically found in kimberlite or lamproite rock formations. After that, miners extract the diamond-bearing rock and bring it to the surface. The diamonds are then separated from the rock through a process called diamond recovery, which can involve crushing the rock and using gravity, x-ray, or magnetic separation methods.
The process of diamond formation can take millions of years, and it is rare for diamonds to be formed at shallow depths in the Earth’s crust. This is one of the reasons why diamonds are so rare and valuable.
Where do diamonds come from?
Diamonds can be found all over the world, but certain regions are known to be particularly rich in diamond deposits.
One of the most important diamond-producing regions in the world is Africa. Countries such as Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa have large diamond mines that produce a significant portion of the world’s diamonds.
These countries are known for their high-quality diamonds, which are used in jewelry and industrial applications.
Another important diamond-producing region is Russia. The country has a long history of diamond mining, and it is one of the largest producers of diamonds in the world.
The majority of Russia’s diamonds are mined in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), which is located in the far east of the country. The diamonds mined in Russia are known for their large size and high quality.
Australia is also a significant diamond-producing region. The country has several diamond mines, with the most notable being the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, which is one of the largest diamond mines in the world.
The majority of diamonds mined in Australia are used for industrial purposes, but some are also used in jewelry.
Canada is another important diamond-producing region. The country has several diamond mines, with the most notable being the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories and the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories.
The diamonds mined in Canada are known for their high quality and are used in both jewelry and industrial applications.
In conclusion, diamonds can be found all over the world, but certain regions are known to be particularly rich in diamond deposits. Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada are some of the most important diamond-producing regions in the world. These countries are known for their high-quality diamonds, which are used in jewelry and industrial applications.
How much diamonds are left?
It is difficult to estimate exactly how much diamond is left in the earth, as it depends on factors such as mining rates and the discovery of new diamond deposits.
It is believed that diamond reserves are finite and will eventually run out. Some estimates suggest that at current mining rates, diamond reserves may last anywhere from 30-50 years.
However, new mining technologies and the discovery of new diamond deposits may extend this time frame.
Nevertheless, with an equal demand and a lower supply, the price of diamonds will increase over time.
Read more about diamonds and there scarcity in the future in the article “Are diamonds a good investment?”