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Diamonds have fascinated us since ancient times. Here are 35 FAQ about this exceptional gemstone. See how many facts you already know, but be prepared to learn some new facts that will surprise you!

The word “Diamond” originated from the Greek word “adamas” which means unconquerable and invincible.

 

Diamonds are not made from coal!  Although this is a common misconception, it is false. Most diamonds predate the Earth’s first land plants, which are the source of coal. Coal seams are sedimentary rocks that occur as horizontal rock units, while diamonds are found in vertical pipes of igneous rocks.

 

Diamonds are made of 100% pure carbon.

 

Diamonds are known for being the hardest naturally-occurring substance. There are synthetic materials that are harder.  

 

Diamonds are 90 times harder than the 2nd hardest naturally-occurring substance, which is ruby or sapphire.

The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds can be chipped, however.

All natural diamonds are at least 100 million to 3 billion years old.

Diamonds can be found in streambeds, under the ground in funnel shaped “pipes”, and in Kimberlite, an igneous rock.

Diamonds have been found as deep as 4000 ft. under the earth’s surface, but they actually start 75 miles under the earth’s crust where they are formed by extreme heat and pressure. Volcanic eruptions push diamonds closer to the earth’s surface.

 

The world’s largest diamond was found in 1905 in Pretoria, South Africa. It weighed 3105 carats (1.33 lbs.) and was named the “Cullinan.”

 

Most diamond deposits are found in Africa.

 

A flawless diamond weighing at least 20 carats is called a “paragon.”

 

The most popular cut of diamond is the round brilliant cut diamond.

 

Diamonds have been found in crashed meteorites from outer space.

 

Diamond is the birthstone for April.

 

The synthesized material that is most often substituted for diamond is Cubic Zirconia (CZ). As well as being hard, it is optically flawless, colorless, durable, and inexpensive.  Man-made CZ actually has greater brilliance, sparkle, and fire than natural diamond.  

 

The Four Cs of a diamond are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight.

 

Cut refers to the proportions of the facets. There are 58 facets in most diamonds. They are cut precisely to maximize the reflective properties of the stone. Out of all the 4 C’s, diamond cut is the most important.

The color of diamonds is on a scale from D to Z. The diamond color chart starts with the letter D. There is no A, B or C. Although D is colorless, D rated diamonds are call “white.”

 

Diamonds come in a variety of colors and are known as Fancy Diamonds. These rare, natural occurring diamonds come in colors that include yellow, pink, blue, gray, black, red, orange, chocolate, green, and violet. Certain Fancy Diamonds can cost more per carat then white diamonds.

 

Clarity refers to whether it is devoid of inclusions – tiny dots, air bubbles or markings inside a diamond. The fewer or smaller the inclusions, the better the rating for a diamond’s clarity. All diamonds have some imperfections, but most people are satisfied with a stone that has inclusions that can only be seen under a microscope.

 

Carat weight is measured in points. A one carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams and has 100 points. A half carat diamond would be said to be 50 points.

 

Diamonds were originally weighed against the seed of a carob tree.

 

The very finest cut of diamond for the most sparkle is the Ideal cut.  Only about 3% of diamonds are Ideal Cut. The Ideal cut reflects back almost all of the light that penetrates the gem. It is that reflection of light that gives a diamond its sparkle.

 

85% of all the diamonds mined are not used in jewelry. Most diamonds are used as industrial diamonds for cutting, grinding and sanding tools.

 

98% of all diamonds are not actually white in color.

 

You can crush a diamond with a hammer.

 

It takes 1405 degrees of heat to burn a diamond.

 

Diamonds are believed to give strength, courage and provide invincibility. Romans believed that diamonds gave them magical powers. Hindus believe that flawed diamonds carry bad luck.

 

Diamonds are mentioned in the book of Exodus in the bible.

 

Diamonds ground up into dust have been used as a poison.

 

Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.  

 

Archduke Maximilian started the whole diamond engagement ring tradition in 1477.

 

The first diamond engagement ring was commissioned in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy.

 

Diamond is the official gemstone for the state of Arkansas.

 

America buys 50% of all the diamonds mined in the world.

 

We hope you enjoyed these Diamond FAQ!

 

 

 

 

One Comment

  • This is just an awesome read. It was very intresting to read some fact about diamonds such as Diamonds are made of 100% pure carbon and 98% of all diamonds are not actually white in color. I always love to read your blogs. Keep on sharing this kind of posts.