Where Do Diamonds Come From?

Diamonds are more than just aesthetically pleasing – they also have incredibly interesting origins. Diamonds were formed millions of year ago, and can be mined today in locations that have once experienced volcanic activity. Here at Shining Diamonds, we will discuss where diamonds come from, how they are created, and some common theories surrounding their origins.

Where Are Diamonds Found?

Diamonds are found near the Earth’s surface, primarily in South Africa, Russia, Australia, Botswana, India, Brazil, China and USA. However, there are about 35 different countries in total that produce them. These valuable minerals are transported to the Earth’s surface through erupting volcanoes. They are then mined at kimberlite sites.

How Are Diamonds Formed?

It is believed that diamonds were created millions of years ago, with some dated even older than the Earth’s first land plants. They are formed from applying extreme heat and pressure to graphite which lays deep in the Earth’s core (also known as the mantle), which is around 150km-200km below the Earth’s crust. This extreme heat and pressure restructures graphite’s molecular composition, transforming it into the diamond that we know and love today.  

Are Diamonds Formed in Space?

However, diamonds can be formed in various ways. For example, it has been that suggested that black diamonds originate from interstellar space. Scientists have backed up this notion, claiming that carbonado diamonds are formed in stellar supernovae explosions, and were once the size of asteroids or kilometre-sized rocks. One of the most puzzling features of black diamonds is that they are porous (which happens when gas becomes trapped in rocks). According to scientists, it would have been difficult for the gas to become trapped at depths of around 200 kilometres below the Earth’s surface, thus solidifying this argument. Since these diamonds have only been discovered in two places on Earth (Brazil and Central African Republic), it may be true that they fell from space to Earth.

Can Diamonds be Manufactured?

Synthetic diamonds are those which have been grown in a highly controlled laboratory. The lab mimics the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they are formed in the Earth’s mantle. Although their origins may not be quite as glamorous as their natural counterpart, they contain the same characteristics and beauty. The only differences between a natural diamond and a synthetic one is the age gap between the two and the price – synthetic diamonds are often much more affordable!

Where Do Natural Coloured Diamonds Come From?

Natural coloured diamonds are extremely rare, with a 0.0001% of being mined. As diamonds travel to the Earth’s surface, they occasionally mix with trace amounts of other minerals. This can cause them to become coloured and occurs when other particles become trapped during the crystallisation processes from which diamonds are formed. These diamonds begin as regular ‘colourless’ diamonds and have been naturally coloured during their formation process due to impurities, creating a stunning natural ‘faux pas.’ In general, a coloured diamond’s value and purity is increased with the strength of colour. Some of the causes of coloured diamonds are as follows:

Yellow/Orange Diamonds

Although still rare, these are the most common coloured diamonds. They are caused by nitrogen atoms replacing carbon. The most common colour combinations of yellow diamonds are brown/yellow, green/yellow and orange/yellow. The combinations can affect the pricing of your diamond.

Blue/Green Diamonds

These are caused when the chemical element, boron, gets trapped during the crystallisation process. A naturally green diamond means that it has been near a radioactive mineral at some point in its life.

Pink/Purple Diamonds

Pink or purple diamonds are considered the rarest of all coloured diamonds. Although these diamonds have been found in various mines around the world, scientists are still puzzled at the origin and cause of pink/purple diamonds. It has been speculated that this mysterious colour may be caused by the stress and strain experienced by diamonds when they are in the Earth’s mantle.

However, despite being more common, colourless diamonds are still the most popular type on the market.

If you are looking to purchase diamond jewellery today for yourself or a loved one, view our stunning selection today at Shining Diamonds today. Whether you are searching for a diamond engagement ring, a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a pendant, our shop in Hatton Garden has it all.

For more information, please contact us today. We can offer our expert advice to help you choose the perfect diamond.