As the world’s most precious gemstone, Diamond needs no introduction. Its popularity and charm date back centuries, and it remains one of the most sought-after stones in the world today.

Here, we explore the fascinating legacy of April’s birthstone and why it is the most coveted of all the gems on Earth.

DIAMOND: GENERAL INFORMATION

Diamonds have existed for more than 500 million years and crystallise from carbon. They are the only stones, apart from Peridot, that form in Earth’s mantle rather than its crust.

Said to be “a girl’s best friend,” Diamond is the birthstone for April and the gift given on the 10th, 60th, and 75th wedding anniversaries. Plus, it goes without saying that Diamond is the most popular choice of gemstone for an engagement ring, primarily because of its beauty and durability (Diamond sits at 10 on the Mohs scale and can only be scratched by another Diamond).

Diamond is a fiery gem that most often appears in an intense, bright white; however, natural Diamonds are also found in shades of yellow, blue, pink, purple, green, brown, black, and grey. Each stone valued against what the gemstone industry tends to call the 4 C’s: carat weight, clarity, cut, and colour.

These 4 C’s make up the robust Diamond grading system, and the system is in place to ensure and protect the fair pricing of the stone.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIAMOND

Crystal System Cubic

Specific Gravity 3.5

Refractive Index 2.417

Chemical Formula C

Composition Carbon

WHERE DOES THE NAME ‘DIAMOND’ COME FROM?

The name ‘Diamond’ comes from ancient Greece and the word ‘adamas’, meaning ‘invincible’. Diamond is one of the toughest materials on our planet, and it earned its name due to its astounding strength.

WHERE IS DIAMOND SOURCED?

Diamonds form around 100 miles underground, much deeper than most gemstones. Then, Mother Nature brings the stones to the surface through volcanic eruptions.

Sometimes, these eruptions will pass through a part of the world where Diamonds have formed and carry them up nearer the surface, leaving long pipes made of kimberlite in their wake.

Therefore, if you find a kimberlite pipe, you are probably a few steps away from finding a Diamond.

South Africa is a major Diamond supplier, but other countries with a heavy influence on the Diamond market include Australia, Canada, Botswana and Brazil.

LEGEND & FOLKLORE

Diamonds are strongly associated with perfection, invincibility and courage, most likely due to their immense strength. Additionally, they are thought to encourage open-mindedness and help a person channel their creative skills.

Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support any therapeutic properties in gemstones. However, it is an interesting concept that deserves further exploration.

CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR DIAMOND

Diamonds are the strongest gemstones, so you can confidently clean them using warm, soapy water and a small brush. Most can also withstand either steam or ultrasonic cleaning methods, but always check that the stone doesn’t have any treatments or inclusions first.

These inclusions and treatments aren’t as durable as the stone itself, and a gemstone should always be cleaned in accordance with its most delicate element.

Diamond is at the top of the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it will scratch anything below it (everything, including another Diamond). So, keep this stone separate from everything else in your collection, and refrain from wearing it before engaging in any physical work or activity.

Diamonds hold so much history and significance that they have a worthwhile place in anyone’s gemstone collection. Are you looking to add it to yours? If so, you can shop it right here on GemCollector.