The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas“, which means invincible or indestructible. Considered as the only gem to be composed of a single element, Carbon (C), diamond is among the hardest substances on the planet – and one of the most sought after by jewelers and collectors alike for its magnificent beauty and value.

Diamonds are formed below the Earth’s surface with temperatures ranging from 900 to 1300 on the Celsius scale. They start out as a piece of coal. Over extremely long periods of time, these coals pushed their way to the earth’s surface, usually through geologic events such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Due to high pressure and intense heat, Carbon atoms are literally forced together, combining their cubic molecular form that ultimately crystallizes the coal into a piece of rough diamond.

Rough diamonds are not very attractive and may appear simply as a piece of broken glass to the naked eye. Called octahedrons because of their shape, like two pyramids touching base to base, these rough diamond crystals can be found in mines and river beds. Rough diamond crystals look nothing like a diamond. It takes skills and craftsmanship to cut and polish a diamond, making it look like those we see sold by jewelers which are already cut, shaped and sparkling.

For more information on this topic visit our Diamond Education & Resource Center

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