Where Do Diamonds Come From?

When you get married, you are supposed to have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Your diamond engagement ring will cover the something old and the something new because diamonds are one of the oldest materials on earth. Diamonds were formed millions of years ago when the hot temperatures and high pressures in the earths core caused common carbon to compress. The combination of all of these factors is how diamonds were formed. Volcanoes were responsible for getting the rocks that contain the diamonds to the surface where they are still found today.

Meteorites can also play a role in the formation of diamonds. When a meteorite impacts the earth, the extreme temperatures and pressure can again cause carbon to compress and form diamonds. Diamonds that are formed because of meteorite impacts are referred to as young diamonds. Meteorites can also contain small diamonds. These diamonds can be even older than the diamonds that are found on earth.

When diamonds are found they do not look like they do in a jewelry store window. When diamonds are found they are called rough diamonds because they do not posses a smooth face. Diamonds do however have perfect cleavage in four directions. This means that a diamond will separate instead of shattering when cut. It takes a skilled diamond cutter to cut the diamonds to give them the maximum fire and brilliance.

The fire and brilliance of a diamond is due to its high dispersion and refraction abilities, making it one of the most beautiful gemstones know to man.