Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. And because of that, we thought it would be helpful to share some little-known facts about them with you. We’ve rounded up 15 of the most interesting facts about diamonds for your pleasure and convenience.
There are a lot of things that people don’t know about diamonds like where they come from, who discovered them, or where the name diamond even comes from. Today we’re here to set the record straight. And open the door to some of the less obvious facts about diamonds.
Here are 15 things you should know about diamonds:
1. Diamonds Are Old
Diamonds have been around for billions of years. There have even been some cases where diamonds were discovered to be trillions of years old.
2. They Are Formed Below Ground
Did you know that diamonds are formed roughly 100 miles below ground? Then they are carried to the earth’s surface by volcanic eruptions.
3. Made From A Single Element
Diamonds are a natural substance. They are basically 100% carbon. They are made entirely from the element. With the use of immense heat and pressure that is found below the earth’s surface, carbon atoms are able to bond in a way that results in the beautiful treasure we call diamonds.
4. The Word Diamond Is Greek
Many people don’t know this but the word diamond was derived from the Greek word “Adamasâ€�. Adamas means invincible and indestructible. So it’s a perfect name because that’s exactly what diamonds are.
5. Diamonds Are Not Scratchable
This one might come as a surprise to you, but the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. A diamond won’t get damaged in your pursue or pocket. Unless you are deliberately trying to damange it, your not going to.
6. King Edward Held The Largest Diamond In the World
In 1905, a South African mine owner discovered the largest diamond in the world. Weighing in at a whopping 3106 carat (equal to 1.33 pounds), they called it the Cullinan diamond. The diamond was later handed off to King Edward from the South African leaders. Eventually the Cullinan was split into 9 large diamonds and 100 small diamonds.
7. Diamonds Are Cultural
Some ancient cultures believe that diamonds provide you with strength and courage during trying times. It’s been said that kings used to wear diamonds on their armor during a battle. And during the Middle Ages Diamonds were thought to have healing properties.
8. The First Diamond Engagement Ring Was In 1477
In 1477, Archduke Maximillian was the first known person to use a diamond in the center of an engagement ring. The ring was gold and featured an M shaped diamond. Archduke used the ring to propose to his wife Mary of Burgundy.
9. The U.S. Is The World’s Largest Diamond Market
Although the U.S. accounts for less than 1% of the gemstone production, they have the world’s largest diamond market. A huge part of the diamond market can be found in New York City.
10. Roughly 6 Million Carats Are Mined Each Year
On average around 130 million carats (which is about 28,000 tons) are brought to the surface annually. While roughly 110,000 tons of synthetic diamonds are lab created diamonds.
11. You Can Dig Your Own Diamonds
In Murfreesboro, Arkansas you can search for your own diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. It’s the eighth largest diamond-bearing crater known to man and is an excellent source of brown, white, and yellow diamonds.
12. Lab Created Diamonds Are Similar
Diamonds created in the lab display the same physical properties as the diamonds that are mined from the earth. Sometimes it’s even difficult for a professional gemologist to tell thyou difference between the two without specialized equipment.
13. Diamonds Can Be Easily Fractured
Cutting a diamond is a complex procedure. And if they are positioned right during the procedure they can easily be fractured with one blow. Though it’s hard to fracture a diamond in your jewelry collection, it can happen when splitting diamonds in two.
14. Natural Diamonds Are One In A Million
You’re probably wondering what this means. Well on average only about 1 million units of mined rock yield one part diamond. That means for every one million pounds of diamond-bearing host rock miners only expect to find about one pound of diamonds.
15. There Are Two Diamond Anniversaries Celebrated
Have you ever heard the term “diamond anniversaryâ€�? Turns out it’s a real thing! And as it turns out there isn’t just one of them, there’s two. There’s a 60th anniversary and a 75th Diamond anniversary.
Final Thoughts
Time for a pop quiz! How many of these diamond facts did you already know? Were any of them new to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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More Information
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Not sure where to begin when it comes to picking out the perfect diamond? Learn more about diamonds and rings in our education center. If you’re looking for further information Chat online, or even email one of our customer service advisers at [email protected].
