Diamonds: Highly Desired Dazzlers
When conversation turns to valuable gemstones, diamonds are usually mentioned. Over the years, diamonds have been synonymous with elegance, extravagance, and wealth. Diamonds are the gemstones by which all others are measured.
 Diamonds have been discovered and mined in quite a few places. Brazil and Australia have both produced diamonds. In Africa, places such as South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Congo, and Angola have produced them. Asia’s Russia and India have also contributed diamonds to the world market. In North America, both Canada and The United States of America have also been sources of diamond discoveries.
The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which means invincible or unalterable--a fitting word, considering that diamonds are the hardest (in terms of resistance to scratching) natural materials in existence. On the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are rated 10.0, which is the highest rating. A diamond can only be scratched by another diamond.
Diamonds occur naturally or can be synthetically produced. Natural diamonds have been created after carbon atoms that have been exposed to tremendous heat and pressure became fused together. Over the course of many millions of years, they are pushed to the earth’s surfaces through different events, such as volcanic activity.
In addition to clear diamonds, there are several other colors in which diamonds have been known to exist. Yellow, brown, red, orange, pink, violet, blue, purple, green, black, and translucent white have all become part of the diamond family. Black diamonds (carbonado diamonds) are not really black, but have a black appearance due to many dark inclusions. Irradiation causes green coloration. The presence of nitrogen will develop yellow or brown colored diamonds. Traces of boron will cause a grayish/blue color.
Deeper yellow to other non-clear colored diamonds are known as fancy diamonds. The rarest is red, followed by purple, orange, violet, pink, translucent white, black and green, with blue, brown, yellow, and colorless being the most common. Sometimes a diamond crystal will be physically deformed (plastic deformation). This has been known to create red, pink, or brown diamonds.
 Diamonds are by far the most popular gemstones and are sought the most. Diamonds will display tremendous brilliance and fire. A key to this display is the type of cut a diamond has. When purchasing a diamond, you definitely want to take into consideration the 4 C’s: carat, cut, color, and clarity. Also, look for the real thing. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Diamonds have many imitations, or substitutes. Cubic zirconia, moissanite, and zircon are just a few stones that resemble diamonds.
Whatever you call your diamonds…ice, sparklers, rocks, or bling—just enjoy!
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