How is a diamond formed?

Not everyone knows that natural diamonds are made of pure carbon! They are formed at a depth of about 160 kilometers below the Earth's surface, a process that takes tens of millions of years. This is possible thanks to the right amount of pressure and heat, which allow carbon to transform into diamond. However, it is worth noting that, in addition to natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds are also available on the market!

The process of diamond formation in nature

Natural diamond is chemically and mineralogically pure carbon that forms crystals with atomic bonds. According to experts, the ideal stone consists of 98.9% carbon isotope C12 and 1.1% carbon isotope C13. For this to be possible, carbon deposits must undergo a process lasting millions of years. You can learn about this process in brief in this article.

The geological process of diamond formation

The process of creating diamonds took hundreds of millions of years and took place kilometers below the earth's surface. It was there, in the favorable conditions of the hot and pressurized mantle layer, that carbon was transformed into a globally prized gemstone with the highest hardness of all minerals. The first stage of the stone's journey to our hands is therefore the result of natural geological processes over which we have no control.

Kimberlite eruption, or the journey of diamonds to the surface

Diamonds, which can be found in special deposits, are available to humans thanks to another natural geological process. We are talking about kimberlite eruptions – this theory assumes that diamonds reached the Earth's surface in a unique type of rock known as kimberlite. The formation of these rocks is associated with a specific type of volcanism. Geologists claim that kimberlite, which carries diamonds in its structure, was formed by the dynamic and extremely rapid transport of magma from great depths. It is believed that this occurred during the breakup of the supercontinents.

Human exploitation of diamond mines

Diamonds are extracted by humans from deposits, i.e., diamond mines. It is worth noting that there are not many of them in the world, and the process of extracting stones varies technologically depending on the location and type of deposit. There are several types of extraction: open pit, alluvial, marine, and even submarine.

Sorting and polishing diamonds

After diamonds are mined, the stones must undergo appropriate analyses to determine their value. This means that they are sorted and transferred to the appropriate sectors of the economy. Some are used to manufacture diamond tools, which gives them a very important industrial function; others—the most beautiful and valuable ones—go to cutters and master jewelers. They then become sparkling gems: investment diamonds (mainly in the form of brilliant-cut diamonds) or jewelry diamonds of various cuts and purposes (earrings, rings, etc.).

Production of synthetic diamonds

The value of synthetic diamonds is significantly lower than that of natural diamonds. They are created in special laboratories, where machines are used to simulate geological processes that occur in the earth. The production process involves pieces of graphite, which is made of pure carbon. Intense heat and pressure produce an extraordinary effect – a synthetic diamond that closely resembles a natural stone.