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Each diamond takes over three billion years to transform into this rare transparent form of pure carbon. Since this crystallization occurs at a very high temperature and pressure, it necessarily takes deep within the earths crust. The effect of heat and pressure at depths over 200 km results in the formation of diamonds.

They come to the surface of the earth along with the hot magna shot out by volcanoes. The oldest part of the continent is the place where they are generally found. Diamonds may as well be found in areas where Red Garnets are found. This is because the Garnet also goes through a similar process to be formed.

Diamonds originate from other places too. Plate tectonics cause collisions between continents that bring pieces of earth's crust up to the surface and, as a result, diamonds. Also, meteor impacts create great pressure and diamonds. Diamonds are strong and unbreakable, the hardest mineral around, hence their name which derives from the Greek: "unconquerable".

A beautiful one-carat diamond comes from 250 tons of are that has been mined and processed. Today, around 25 countries supply the world with diamonds, with the majority coming from Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada. South Africa is a great source of luxury diamonds.

Mining for Diamonds

Mining sources for diamonds take different forms. According to an American diamond merchant, these are some of the places they are found:

*~Around dried ancient waterways and present rivers (also called dry digging)
*~In sand and gravel (also known as wet digging)
*~Marine and beach deposits
*~Open pit mining

Diamonds are extensively used in all walks of life and industry. While about 20 percent of mined diamonds are used in jewelry, the rest are used in the industry. Some industrial uses are as drill bits and cutting tools, in machinery, mineral services, stone and ceramic products, abrasives, construction, and transportation equipment. Diamond truly is a possession that lasts for ever.