There are things in this world that millions of people dream about. Diamonds also belong to this list. For centuries, these magnificent gems have been a symbol of prosperity and a way of expressing particular feelings. In our review, you will find out little-known facts about these amazing precious stones.
1. The largest diamond
The largest diamond was discovered in the constellation of Centaurus at a distance of 50 light years from Earth. The diamond star was named “Lucy” (a reference to the Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”). The size of this “gem” is 10 billion trillion trillion carats.
2. Diamonds in rivers
Diamonds were first discovered in riverbeds near the ancient Indian fortress of Golconda more than 4000 years ago. After the diamond production in India had declined, these gemstones were found in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
3. Tequila and diamonds
Mexican scientists said they had found a way to turn tequila into diamonds. However, this process is quite complicated, and even the smallest diamond requires a huge amount of tequila.
4. Diamonds are not rare
Diamonds are not rare. They are extremely expensive due to the fact that a very limited amount of them comes to the market. Diamonds are found in large numbers, even outside our planet. Collapsing stars may form a giant crystal.
5. Diamonds cannot be seen on X-ray
Real diamonds cannot be seen on X-ray. This is one of the ways to distinguish them from fake gemstones.
6. Diamonds from ashes
Scientists have recently been able to create artificial diamonds from cremated ashes of dead animals. This process was called LifeGem.
7. Peanut butter
Real diamonds can be made even from peanut butter. However, their creation requires sophisticated scientific equipment (high pressure and very high temperature are needed).
8. Rain of diamonds
Rains of diamonds are sometimes observed on Jupiter and Saturn.
9. Diamonds and coal
Diamonds and coal are composed of the same element, carbon. However, they have different crystalline structures.
10. A cup of diamonds
There are enough diamonds now to fill a full cup of them for each person. But the diamond industry is under very strict control.
11. The age from 1 to 3 billion years
Most of the diamonds in nature are from one to three billion years old. They were formed billions of years ago in the depths of the earth at a temperature of 900-1300 degrees Celsius.
12. A diamond can be scratched only by a diamond
Diamonds are a very hard natural substance. The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.
13. Indians inserted diamonds in the eyes
Ancient Indians inserted diamonds in the eyes of religious statues and believed that a diamond could protect its owner from danger.
14. 80% of the world’s diamonds are not suitable for manufacturing jewelry
80% of the world diamonds are not suitable for jewelry manufacturing. They are used for industrial purposes or even discarded.
15. Artificial diamonds
Artificial diamonds, created in laboratories, have an identical chemical structure and the same physical properties as natural diamonds extracted from the earth. Even experts cannot tell the difference between them without special equipment and detailed testing.
16. Diamond jewelry has always been a present for men
In ancient times, diamonds were worn as amulets to gain strength, courage and invincibility. Diamond jewelry has always been a wonderful gift for both men and women.
17. Botswana, Russia, Canada
Three leading producers of diamonds in the world are Botswana (24 million carats), Russia (17.8 million carats) and Canada (10.9 million carats). The main buyer of high-quality diamonds is the United States (40%).
18. Brown, blue, green, orange, red, pink, black…
Diamonds are usually pale yellow or colorless, but there are also brown, blue, green, orange, red, pink and black diamonds.
19. Adamas
The word ‘diamond’ comes from the Greek word “Adamas,” which means unconquerable or indestructible.
20. The process of cutting
Finding one carat of diamonds requires sifting an average of 250 tons of earth. A thorough process of cutting is needed to turn a diamond crystal into a diamond gem.
