Do you know everything about diamonds? If not, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 fun facts about these sparkling gems. From their history to their popularity, we will cover it all! So, sit back and get ready to learn some new information about the most popular gemstone in the world!
This alluring gemstone, which is the most valuable precious stone on Earth, has been coveted for centuries and steeped in myth for its breathtaking beauty and significant meaning. We’ve gathered up some of our favorite fascinating facts and bits of lore about this fascinating stone’s rich history to help you learn more about it.
The origin of diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest natural stone on earth that are formed naturally from extreme temperatures and pressure beneath the Earth’s crust. Rough diamonds are brought to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity. The majority of natural diamonds come from South Africa, Russia, and Canada.
What Is A Diamond Known For?
Diamonds are known for their extreme hardness, unmatched brilliance, and strong sentimental value. They are made of nearly 100% carbon atoms and are so durable that the only other mineral that can scratch a diamond’s surface is another diamond.
Why Is A Diamond So Precious?
Diamonds are nearly as old as the Earth and are becoming rarer with each passing year. The formation starts in the depths of the Earth and very few of these carbon crystals actually make it to the Earth’s surface where they are then mined.
Fascinating Diamond Facts
1.The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that diamonds were tears cried by the gods or splinters from falling stars, and Romans believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds (perhaps the earliest association between diamonds and romantic love).
- Diamonds are nearly as old as the earth and take billions of years to form deep in the pit of the earth. Very few diamonds survive the trip from the depths of the earth to the crust where they can be mined. No two diamonds are the same and carry their own unique properties such as internal inclusions and color.
- Diamonds are made of a single element—they are nearly 100% carbon. Under the extreme heat and pressure far below the earth’s surface, the carbon atoms bond in a unique way that results in diamonds’ beautiful and rare crystalline structure.
- The word diamond derives from the Greek word “adamas,” which means invincible or indestructible. Diamonds are the world’s hardest natural substance, ranking a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
- Diamonds have been valued and coveted for thousands of years by the likes of royalty and mythical beings. There is evidence that diamonds were being collected and traded in India as early as the fourth century BC. In the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny is quoted as having said, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.”
- Diamonds were highly valued by many ancient civilizations, and they were thought to give the wearers strength and courage in battle. Some kings wore diamonds on their armor as they rode into battle, believing them to improve bravery.
- Throughout the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to have healing properties that could cure a variety of ailments, from fatigue to mental illness.
- The largest diamond ever discovered was the Cullinan diamond, discovered in 1905 in South Africa. This diamond weighed in at an amazing 3106 carats, or 1.33 pounds. The mine’s owner and the South African leaders gave the diamond to King Edward. The Cullinan was eventually cut into nine large diamonds and 100 smaller ones, and the three largest of these are on display in the Tower of London as part of the Crown Jewels.
- The first known use of a diamond engagement ring occurred in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring featuring an M spelled out in diamonds.
- The most amazing diamond facts of all: Scientists have discovered a planet that they believe is composed mostly of carbon and is one-third pure diamond! Discovered in 2004, the planet orbits a nearby star in the Milky Way, and is named “55 Cancri e”. A star has been discovered that is essentially a diamond of ten billion trillion carats, or 1000000000000 times the weight of an atom. The star was named Lucy after the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
Did you already know about these interesting diamonds facts, or were they something new to you? Tell us what you think on Facebook or Instagram or in the comments below!