Diamonds aren’t just beautiful—they come with a rich history and some truly fascinating facts! Whether you’re a jewellery lover or simply curious, these timeless gems have many secrets to uncover.
Trust us, there’s so much more to diamonds than just their beauty and symbolism. Whether you’re captivated by women’s diamond jewellery or simply fascinated by this gorgeous gem, this guide will take you through some interesting facts about diamonds.
Fascinating Facts About Diamonds
Diamonds are more than just beautiful—they’re full of fascinating secrets! From their incredible durability to their unique properties, there’s so much to learn. Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about gemstones, specifically diamonds, that make them truly one-of-a-kind!
- Hardest Substance: When it comes to the best facts about real diamonds, did you know they’re the hardest substance on Earth? Not just the hardest gemstone, but the hardest material, period! With a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, only a diamond can leave a mark on another diamond. How cool is that?
- Billion Years Old: Did you know most natural diamonds were formed between one to three billion years ago, deep within the Earth’s mantle? Over time, volcanic eruptions brought these beautiful gems closer to the surface.
- Made From a Single Element: Another interesting natural diamond fact is that this gem is formed from a single element—carbon, unlike other gemstones that are composed of various elements. The arrangement of carbon atoms that make up the diamond is responsible for its unmatched durability.
- Found in Different Colours: While white or colourless diamonds are the most famous, they actually come in many stunning colours, including pink, yellow, blue, black and brown! These colours are caused by different trace elements or even tiny structural distortions in the diamond.
- Rarest Diamond: The rarest diamond of them all is the red diamond. Unlike other coloured diamonds, which get their hue from trace elements, red diamonds owe their colour to atomic distortions. The famous Moussaieff Red, a 5.11-carat diamond, holds the title of the largest red diamond. These diamonds are extremely rare and can be worth millions per carat!
- Fluorescent Under UV Light: Not all, but a substantial percentage of diamonds glow under ultraviolet light. This occurs because of the presence of boron or nitrogen within the diamond’s surface. While fluorescence does not affect its durability, this property may influence its appearance—making it look whiter or slightly cloudy under certain lighting.
- Largest Diamond: Discovered in 1905 in South Africa, the Cullinan Diamond was the largest diamond ever found. Weighing 3,106 carats, it was later cut into smaller diamonds.
- Can Conduct Extreme Heat: Did you know diamonds are amazing heat conductors? They actually outperform metals such as silver and copper in this department. This is why diamonds always feel cool to the touch—they allow heat to pass through them so quickly. In fact, jewellers often use thermal conductivity tests to tell real diamonds from fake ones!
Hope you enjoyed reading about the diamond’s interesting facts! Diamonds truly are a marvel, with so much more to them than just their sparkle! From their formation deep within the Earth to their cultural significance, they’ve captured our hearts for centuries. If you’re feeling inspired by all these fascinating facts, why not add a little diamond magic to your collection? At Angara, you’ll find a stunning range of diamond jewellery—from pendant necklaces to earrings, bracelets and rings—perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do diamonds lose their sparkle over time?
Not really! Diamonds do not lose their natural brilliance, but they can appear dull if they accumulate dirt or oil in the long run. Regular cleaning using a mild soap and water solution or professional polishing can restore their shine.
2. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, of course! Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is that they are created in controlled environments.
3. How are diamonds formed?
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, around 140–190 kilometers below the surface. They develop under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years before being brought closer to the surface of the Earth by volcanic eruptions.