Diamond Life – What is a Diamond?

Take a pinch of pure carbon atoms and sprinkle them deep down in the centre of the earth (125 miles below the surface should do it).

Expose to extreme heat (1000° centigrade) and high pressure (15,000 atmospheres).

Coat lovingly in protective Kimberlite rock and then let it soar up to the surface of the earth.

Once on the surface peal back the crispy outer coating to reveal a tasty and irresistible natural delight.

Total cooking time: approximately 50 million years.

Like Greek goddesses, Marilyn Monroe and J Lo, diamonds are seductively captivating symbols of beauty. Diamond is essentially a mineral made from carbon, a chemical element fundamental to all life.

Whilst in abundance on the earth’s surface, there is very little carbon to be found at depths of 150 miles down below the surface of the earth where diamonds are formed. This is what makes diamonds so rare.

High pressure and intense heat combine to force the carbon atoms very close together, creating the tightest known chemical structure. This chemical structure makes diamond the hardest substance known to man. The compact chemical arrangement also gives a diamond its unique optical properties.

Once formed a powerful explosion of volcanic activity shoots the diamonds up with other rocks and minerals, such as kimberlite, to the surface of the earth. The incredible speed at which this happens (minutes) doesn’t give the diamonds time to cool down and change their structure.