- the arrangement of the carbon atoms - how each material is formed
Even when it comes to the formation of diamonds, the difference between processes is one of degree rather than mechanics. Here then is some interesting information for potential buyers of .
Carbon is Carbon
Some may remember an episode of the old "Superman" TV series from the 1950s in which Clark Kent created a diamond by compacting a lump of coal in his fist. While it is doubtful that even the "Man of Steel" could exert such preternatural geologic forces as take place deep in the earth, the concept illustrated was essentially correct - those loose diamonds that eventually wind up at diamond dealers who sell them to jewelers are made of carbon that has been subjected to extremely high pressures of 60 kilobars (for comparison, that's 60,000 times normal air pressure at sea level) and temperatures of over 2300 degrees Fahrenheit (structural steel melts at around 1520° F)!
The pressure and heat needed to create diamond is found only at the earth's lithosphere where the crust meets the upper mantle - about 90 - 240 miles beneath the surface. Diamonds can also form when a meteorite strikes the surface of the earth, creating similar conditions or are carried on within the meteorite (some diamonds do come from outer space!).
Coal on the other hand is formed from the decaying remains of ancient plant matter that has also been compressed by geologic forces, but much closer to the surface. In chemical terms, carbon atoms that make up carbon molecules are arranged in a flat, hexagonal pattern, making them much more brittle. In diamond however, they are arranged in a tetrahedral, or box-like structure. This is what accounts for the hardness of loose diamonds.
Can One Turn Into the Other?
Eventually, if a coal deposit sinks low enough into the earth and is subjected to high pressure and temperature, it can become diamond. Theoretically, diamond could also change into coal, if kept free of chemical reactions that color the gems and stabilize the surface, then subjected to a vacuum. This is unlikely outside of controlled laboratory conditions, however.
Loose Diamonds Are Made, Not Born
What we refer to as loose diamonds do not occur naturally. Once diamond is mined, it is categorized into "industrial grade" and "gem grade." , and naturally is of primary interest to diamond dealers.
The raw diamond is cut into loose diamonds, then carefully carved and shaped by craftsmen into forms suitable for decorative jewelry. This stage can have a great impact on the value of loose diamonds as determined by a diamond appraisal, and must be done with painstaking care and uncommon skill.
Wholesale certified diamonds must also be analyzed and graded by a professional gemology lab. It is here that the stones are evaluated for carat, color and clarity. Along with the results of the diamond appraisal which evaluates the cut, they provide the basis of valuation.
Have you really thought about where the diamonds on diamond rings come from? Or better yet, has it ever crossed your mind how long it took for this precious gem to evolve and become the "tiny, brilliant, decor" that women have on their necks as an ornament? Can one ever imagine what it takes for this so-called "woman's best friend" to finally exist and be one of the most sought-after possession one would wish to have?
The requirements for a diamond to form are one part "natural", one part "scientific" and one part "laborious." The process for this "precious and rare element" requires many long, tedious, and intricate stages. Not to mention that to have the most brilliant cut of a diamond, you will have to ask "mother nature" to "vomit" one and require a human hand to sculpt it such.
Geologists say that first diamonds reached the earth's surface 2.5 billion years ago.
The formation of diamonds originates from the melting of prior existing rocks in the earth's upper mantle, commonly, the carbon element. Not all carbon atoms become diamonds during the procedure of transformation. They either melt or totally dissolve when the temperature rises too high.
Diamond's journey starts from the asthenosphere, the earth's layer lying 75-125 miles below the crust. Diamonds come to the earth's surface when volcanic activity forces it and other rock minerals to go upward through a massive explosion underneath. This explosion will then create an opening, known as the volcanic pipe. This pipe then becomes the "depository" of the diamond and other rock minerals that have been shot upward and have fallen back to the pipe by the volcanic explosion. Not all the diamonds in the pipe remain in it and become discovered by miners. Most of the deposits are washed away either by rock erosion or water splashes emitted during the volcanic activity.
With all the conditions that have to exist during the formation of diamonds, some diamonds come up differently. Diamonds usually form as rounded octahedral and twinned octahedral, depending on the conditions that they have been formed in. Because of the diamond's crystal structure, diamonds normally have cubic arrangement of the atoms. With its varying ways of formation, diamonds have developed numerous facets, such as cube, octahedron, and tetrakis, hexahedron to name a few.
Diamonds are billions of years old which is part of their mystique and their charm. There's only so many natural diamonds in the earth and when they are all gone there will be no more.
Both Jonathan Blocker & Leslie M. Quesenberry are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jonathan Blocker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Jewelry and Golf Guide. Jonathon Blocker specializes in diamond appraisal, loose diamonds, and wholesale certified diamonds. He is known among diamond dealers as an expert in his field. He is a consultant for GemFind.net, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.. Jonathan Blocker's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
Leslie M. Quesenberry has sinced written about articles on various topics from Engagement Rings, Diamonds and belly fat. Leslie M. Quesenberry is a contributer to http://www.TheWeddingEngagementRing.com where she writes about subjects such as