Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but how well do you really know your best friend? These precious gemstones might be the go-to gem for jewelry pieces like engagement rings and necklaces, but many of their aspects are still shrouded in mystery. Today, we’ll be looking at five fun facts about diamonds that’ll make you love them even more!
1. Diamonds Have Always Been Historically Revered
If you think people go gaga over diamonds today, wait until you hear what the ancient civilizations thought about them!
The ancient Greeks and Romans used to think diamonds were either tears that came from the eyes of their gods or fragments that separated from shooting stars. They also thought that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds, which may be the earliest-known linkage between romantic love and diamonds.
And speaking of arrows, did you know that diamonds were useful in battle as well? Indeed, many warriors headed into battle with diamonds because it was believed the gems gave them extra courage and strength in the field.
The word diamond comes from the Greek word, adamas, meaning invincible and indestructible.
2. Diamonds Have an Awesome Chemical Composition
Of all the gems in the world, diamonds are the only ones made out of one element—carbon. This element was crucial in the Earth’s formation, and as such, many diamonds that are formed deep beneath the Earth’s surface are almost as old as the planet itself.
They take billions of years to form 100 miles below the Earth’s surface. They only ever come out during volcanic eruptions, which is why they’re so incredibly rare. Many diamonds do not survive the trip upwards, and even if they do, most of them will not be considered gem quality. Only 30% of the diamonds found worldwide will make it to gem status.
Lastly, another awesome fact about their chemical composition is that they’re the hardest natural substance. The only thing that can scratch or break a diamond in nature is another diamond!
3. Diamonds are Incredibly Unique
Diamonds can be found in all colors of the rainbow! While you might think white is the most common color because of how many jewelry pieces utilize them, the most common color is actually yellow. White, on the other hand, is one of the more expensive colors along with red, blue, green, and pink. The whiter a diamond is, the more expensive it’ll be, according to the Gemological Institute of America’s guidelines.
Another thing that’s interesting about diamonds is that they’re all unique. Not one diamond is the same as the other. Besides being different in color, they also differ in size, shape, internal composition, refraction, intensity, and more. So, while they might look the same on paper, they could look much different in real life!
4. Diamonds Can Be Found All Over the World
Natural diamonds can be sourced across many places in the globe. Before the 18th century, most of the diamonds had been coming from India. Nowadays, however, they can be mostly found in South Africa, Australia, and Russia, though they have also been found in Brazil, China, and the United States.
Because of its large area, Russia records the highest number of natural diamonds found, and the United States has the largest market for diamonds.
Besides natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are a steadily booming business. They are cheaper to make than harvesting natural diamonds and look and feel like the real deal. They also require less energy and less water to make, and they produce fewer carbon emissions than natural diamonds. As such, lab-grown diamonds are, by far, the more environmentally-sustainable and accessible route.
5. Diamonds are Out of This World
Diamonds can’t just be found around the world—they can also be found in the great beyond of space.
In 2004, scientists discovered a planet that is made mostly out of carbon, and one-third of it is made of pure diamond. Yes, there’s a planet out there that’s actually partly made of diamond! If you want to head over there and try your luck at harvesting diamonds, it’s located approximately 41 light years away from our sun.
Another astronomical breakthrough is the discovery of BPM 37093 (V886 Centauri), or Lucy. This is a star that is essentially one gigantic diamond made of ten billion trillion carats! It was named after the iconic song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by the Beatles. It’s located 50 light years from the Earth.
Get your rockets ready, folks!