Investors
Diamonds 101
What is a Diamond?
Diamond is a native crystalline carbon and the hardest known naturally-occurring mineral. It is usually nearly colorless and the name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek adamas ("invincible").Where is it found?
Geographical:Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Canada, Tanzania, Brazil, India, China
Geological:
Primary Sources (Kimberlite/Lamproite) & Secondary Sources (Alluvial gravels/sands)
Diamonds were formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 120 mi) in the Earth's mantle. The correct combination of temperature and pressure is only found in the thick, ancient, and stable parts of continental plates where regions of lithosphere known as cratons exist. Brought to the Earth's surface through deep volcanic eruptions which act as an elevator, diamonds are carried to the surface of the earth within the magma, which cools into igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites.
Every natural diamond is immensely old, formed long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. The youngest diamond is 900 million years old, and the oldest is 3.2 billion years old.
Approximately 5,000 kimberlites are currently known in the world, but only 100 or so of these contain sufficient diamonds to be of economic interest. In most of those deposits that are of interest, diamond is present in concentrations of less than about one part in five million.
How is it found?
Modern mineral exploration techniques use highly sophisticated technologies to locate and determine the economic viability of deposits. Examples include Geochemistry, Geophysics, Drilling & MiningWhat is it used for?
Historical: Treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India over 4,000 years, diamonds were mined in India from alluvial deposits along the rivers Krishna, Penner and Godavari.Modern Days: Gemstone and Industrial
When transparent and free from flaws it is highly valued as a precious stone, otherwise used in industrial applications for cutting or as an abrasive. Their hardness and high dispersion of light make diamonds useful for industrial applications and jewelry. Modern diamond mining as we know it today began in South Africa in the late 19th century. The primary diamond processing centers, where they are evaluated, cut and sold are in Antwerp; India, Tel Aviv and New York.
Diamond Exploration Basics
February 2007View Presentation HTML
View Presentation PDF (
1.8 Mb) Watch diamonds rise to the surface of the earth:
Watch Video (Windows Media 2.8 Mb)Information on diamond history and evolution:
American Museum of Natural HistoryMore information on kimberlites:
Natural Resources Canada |
Windows Media Player is required to view the video/audio clips. You may download the free player (Windows Media Player) from Microsoft's web site. |
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