The Miracle of a Natural Diamond: How Diamonds Are Formed and What They're Made Of

Exploring the origins and composition of a natural diamond reveals one of the intricacies of the Earth’s finest processes. The natural diamonds we are talking about here are some of the best gemstones found on earth; they are known for their unmatched beauty and durability, making them unique and adored over the years. Beneath this exterior beauty lies a tale of profound impact, blending immense pressure, extreme heat, and geological transformation of billions of years. This article explains how natural diamonds are created beneath the Earth’s mantle and the wonders of combining chemical and physical properties. This fantastic piece of writing is for gem lovers, readers, and even those who admire the marvels of nature. It takes you through the formation and composition of natural diamonds and will leave your jaw dropped.

What Are Diamonds Made Of?

The crystal lattice structure of diamonds is made up of carbon atoms. This structure is created at high temperatures and pressures deep in the Earth's mantle. The bonds between carbon atoms give diamonds their remarkable durability. Diamonds' atomic structure is singular, making them one of the most complex materials, unlike other carbon-based materials like graphite.

Understanding the Role of Carbon Atoms

The carbon atoms of diamonds have a particular arrangement that forms a tetrahedral lattice and, when linked with other carbon atoms, possess unique characteristics by themselves. Each carbon atom strongly bonds with four surrounding carbon atoms, forming a rigid three-dimensional structure as a prerequisite of diamond creation. The aforementioned bonding pattern is responsible for tough diamonds, high thermal conductivity, and striking optical features. Among other carbon-based materials, diamonds stand out due to their bonds' strength and lattice's stability.

The Unique Crystal Structure of Diamonds

Diamonds have uniquely exquisite features owing to their distinct properties derived from the crystal structure of the diamonds themselves. Strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms give rise to a tetrahedral lattice, which is the reason for the extreme hardness of diamonds, making them useful in industrial cutting and drilling. Moreover, the rigid lattice structure of diamonds facilitates high thermal conductivity, allowing these natural substances to transfer heat efficiently. Finally, the uniform arrangement of atoms within the crystal ensures the efficiency of light refraction, which is the reason behind the brilliance and clarity of diamonds, which makes them highly valued in jewelry. Not many other materials can rival the combination of features that differ from most other materials.

The Composition Compared to Graphite

Although diamonds and graphite look and behave differently, they are both made of pure carbon. The atomic structure is what separates the two. Diamonds comprise a three-dimensional tetrahedral lattice in which every carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms. Therefore, diamonds are incredibly rigid and hard. In contrast, graphite consists of a planar hexagonal lattice of two-dimensional bonded carbon atom layers that are weakly held together. These weak forces allow for easier sliding of layers, which gives graphite softness and lubricating ability. The differences in these structures account for the unique physical properties of the materials.

How Do Diamonds Form Naturally?

The Journey from Deep in the Earth's Mantle

Rough diamonds are found about 90-150 miles below the surface of the Earth’s mantle. Extremely high temperatures over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, along with high pressure (exceeding 725,000 pounds per square inch ) over long periods (millions to billions of years), can turn carbon deposits into diamonds. Once created, the diamonds are transported to the surface by volcanic eruptions through kimberlite pipes. Natural diamonds are formed under such unique conditions and are exceptionally rare.

The Role of High Pressure and Temperature

The third conditions for forming natural diamonds are high temperature and high natural pressure. The immense pressure compacts the carbon atoms into a dense crystalline structure, and the high temperature assists in reorganizing the atomic bonds into the diamond shape. These circumstances are only possible near the earth's center, 90 to 120 miles beneath the surface, where such highly hostile environmental conditions are already present. Absent these conditions, diamonds in nature will not form.

Timeframe: Billions of Years in the Making

The process that leads to the formation of natural diamonds is exceptionally lengthy, requiring anywhere between 1 to 3 billion years to complete. The duration provided so large is essential for the intertwining of carbon atoms under unfavorable high temperature and pressure conditions for crystallization. These processes happen deep beneath the earth and are regarded as some of the slowest occurring geological phenomena, along with the crystallization of diamonds.

Where Are Diamonds Found?

Geological Origins: Kimberlite and Volcanic Pipes

Diamonds are located mainly in kimberlite and lamproite rock types brought to the top through volcanic pipes. These vertical shafts of a volcanic nature move to the surface goods from great depth in the earth's mantle, where diamonds crystallize at higher temperatures and pressure. Specifically, the economically extractable diamond deposits are located in the kimberlite pipes. They enable the commercial mining of diamonds.

Diamond Mines Around the World

Diamond mining is an industry that has a global reach, with notable parts of the operations being done on multiple continents. One of the largest producers of diamonds in Russia due to its Udachny and Mir mines located in Siberia, which are largely run by Alrosa, one of the top diamond mining companies in the world. Botswana is also a major contributor to the Jwaneng and Orapa mines, which are known for their large yields of high-quality diamonds. Debswana, a joint venture of the government of Botswana and the DeBeers Group run these mines.

Canada is a newer contributor in the industry, recently becoming a major player with the Diavik and Ekati mines located in the Northwest Territory. These mines stand out for their non-polluting activities in the harsh Arctic environment. South Africa, with well-known mines like Venetia and the Kimberley mines, which were at the center of the diamond rush in the 19th century and are now mostly defunct, has been a long-time producer of diamonds.

Rio Tinto's Argyle Mine in Australia was renowned for pink and red diamonds until it closed in 2020. Angola, with its notable Lulo mine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has a huge output of industrial diamonds, are also essential suppliers.

Every single mine advances the global supply chain, and with the improvement of technology and responsible mining approaches, the practices within the industry are bound to change. The global spread visually represented by the locations of these mines indicates the economic significance and scientific marvels of diamonds.

The Process of Diamonds Reaching the Earth's Surface

The surface of Earth's diamonds comes mostly from volcanic activity. Diamonds are formed in the mantle, which is 90 to 150 miles deep and subjected to intense heat and pressure. These pipes are vertical volcanic conduits known as kimberlite and lamproite pipes. Magma transports diamonds to the surface during an eruption, keeping them intact as the magma cools and solidifies. This infrequently seen process takes billions of years to complete, making diamonds geologically and economically important worldwide.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Understanding Synthetic Diamonds and How They're Made

Lab-grown or synthetic diamonds are created with advanced technology in controlled laboratory settings. These gemstones are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. Therefore, they appeal to a wide variety of customers. 

High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) are the two primary diamond creation methods. The HPHT method involves exposing organic carbon to extremely high temperatures and pressure, similar to natural diamond formation, to create diamonds. By contrast, CVD entails breaking down carbon-bearing gases, like methane, into individual carbon atoms that deposit onto a substrate, resulting in a diamond crystal. Both methods produce sustainable and affordable alternatives to mined diamonds without compromising the quality.

Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

The origin and formation period of lab-grown and natural diamonds sets them apart. While natural diamonds take millions of years to form from geological activity below the Earth’s surface, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled settings using modern technology. Even though lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, they tend to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, the distinct formation history of natural diamonds, alongside their rarity, increases their perceived value.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Benefits

• Cost-Effectiveness: Lab-grown diamonds are generally 20-40% cheaper to produce than natural diamonds of equal quality, which helps maintain their cost-effective nature. 
• Environmental Impact: Producing lab-grown diamonds usually has a lower ecological footprint than traditional methods, as it avoids significant land interruption and resource harvesting.
• Transparency: Lab-grown diamonds have better traceability, proving their unethical sourcing and production.

Drawbacks

• Perceived Value: Unlike natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do not possess the appeal of rarity and age, which makes them less valuable in long-term investments.
• Market Perception: Although lab-grown diamonds are on the rise, some consumers and markets still consider them low-class compared to the real deal.
• Resale Value: Due to their low cost and abundance, lab-grown diamonds have little resale value, as their affordability makes them accessible.

Why Are Some Diamonds Colored?

Factors Affecting Diamond Coloration

The presence of impurities or an irregular crystal lattice structure chiefly determines the coloration of diamonds. For instance, nitrogen impurities can produce yellow or brown, whereas Boron creates blue diamonds. Further, exposure to natural radiation over time can lead to green coloration, and distortion can lead to pink or red diamonds forming. All of these factors combine a diamond’s color, making each stone different from another.

Natural Versus Artificial Coloring Processes

Natural diamond coloration is formed by environmental elements such as specific trace chemicals, high-pressure conditions, or exposure to natural radiation for over a million years. These processes create unique and permanent colors within a diamond’s structure. 

In contrast, artificially colored diamonds undergo a controlled-environment treatment that enhances or alters their color, such as high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) processing or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These processes are visually appealing, but the color creation method tends to be more valuable.

How Colored Diamonds Are Valued

Colored diamonds are prized for their color’s intensity and rarity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) evaluates diamonds on three bases: hue, tone, and saturation, as well as color assigned, provided, and claimed. For instance, this teller’s primary color can be pink, yellow, or blue. On the other hand, tone measures the brightness or darkness of the color, while saturation measures color intensity. Vividness in color is measured in vibrancy; thus, a more vivid diamond would have more excellent value.

Color impacts most of the value of colored diamonds, along with carat weight, clarity, and cut. Market demand for these carbon gems is predominantly controlled by color. The scarcity of specific colors, such as red and blue, increases their value, while brown and yellow diamonds are more common. Natural diamonds surpass treated or artificially colored diamonds in value because of their authenticity and geological origins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the miracle of a natural diamond?

A: The miracle of a natural diamond is its formation, which occurs over billions of years deep in the earth's crust, resulting in an astonishing natural phenomenon. Extreme conditions of heat and pressure transform the billions of carbon atoms into a diamond crystal lattice known as a diamond. So,  natural diamonds have been created deep within the earth for millions of years.

Q: How do diamonds form deep in the earth?

A: Diamonds originate 90 to 120 miles (140 to 200 kilometers) beneath the surface of the earth, in the earth’s mantle, where temperature and pressure conditions are extreme. Diamonds are formed over billions of years through the bonding of carbon atoms, which eventually break through the surface during volcanic eruptions in a type of rock known as kimberlite.

Q: What materials do diamonds need for their formation?

A: Carbon is the essential building block of diamonds. It is found deep within the earth and needs to be kept at high temperatures and pressure. Under these conditions, carbon atoms crystallize and form the diamond lattice; this process is witnessed in laboratories where diamond anvil cells are used.

Q: What methods are employed to differentiate lab-grown diamonds from natural ones?

A: Lab-grown diamonds can be made using a diamond seed and the High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. These processes mimic those found in nature. Natural diamonds also have inclusions and growth patterns that can be noticed with specialist apparatus, while lab diamonds do, too, but not as intricately as natural ones. 

Q: What is the economic significance of diamonds other than jewelry?

A: Aside from their most common use in jewelry, diamonds have other applications due to their extreme durability and ability to conduct heat. They have been included in tools designed for cutting, grinding, or drilling and used in components of electronic devices that need to withstand a lot of stress. 

Q: Why does the diamond come in several colors, and what causes them, including the colorless diamond? 

A: The presence of certain impurities, as well as certain structural flaws, affect the color of the diamond. For instance, white diamonds are colorless, but other diamonds containing boron or nitrogen can be blue, yellow, or pink as those elements bond with the crystal structure of the diamond.

Q: Define polycrystalline diamond.

A: A polycrystalline diamond is a synthetic diamond material of many small, bonded diamonds. Its extreme hardness makes it ideal for use in industrial applications accompanied by significant wear and tear.

Q: In what ways might diamonds be found in nature at present?

A: It is believed that a diamond could be discovered when volcanic activity forces kimberlite rock, potentially containing diamonds, to a position close to the earth's surface. Mining activities look for these rocks both at and below the surface level to extract small diamonds and large ones suitable for use as gemstones.

Q: What differences exist between diamond and graphite, and what explains the difference in their properties?

A: Diamonds and graphite are both forms of carbon, but they are pretty different in the other features of atoms making them up; a diamond was found to have a crystal structure, a unique arrangement of atoms responsible for its excellent properties. Owing to the strong lattice structure of carbon in diamond bonds, they are extremely hard, while graphite is soft and may be referred to as a lubricant due to the presence of layers that can slide over one another. This variation is due to the different types of bonding of carbon atoms in every material.

Reference Sources

1. “Impact of growth rate on the diamond composition“ by V. Reutsky and Y. Borzdov (2023) (Reutsky & Borzdov, 2023)

• Key findings: The research aimed to determine how the growth rate affects the composition of diamond crystals. It was determined that the growth rate can affect the inclusion of impurities and defects into the diamond structure. 
• Methodology: The authors conducted high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) experiments to synthesize diamond crystals at different growth rates and analyzed their composition with other analytical methods.

2. “The effects of morphology and composition of metal-carbide coatings deposited on a diamond surface on the properties of copper-diamond composites” by A. Ukhina et al. (2020) (Ukhina et al. 2020, p. 126272) 

• Key Findings: This paper analyses the effects of the morphology and composition of metal-carbide coatings deposited on diamond surfaces on copper-diamond composites. The results show that coating properties can markedly affect the performance of composite materials.
• Methodology: The authors applied metal-carbide coatings using different deposition methods onto diamond surfaces and then analyzed the coatings and their impact on the properties of the resulting copper-diamond composites.

3. “The first crystal-structure determination of olivine in diamond: Composition and implications for provenance in the Earth’s mantle” by F. Nestola et al. (2011) (Nestola et al. 2011, pp. 249–255)

• Key Findings: The report describes the determination of the first crystal-structure-olivine inclusions in diamond octahedral crystals. The composition of the olivine inclusions in the studied diamonds revealed important information on the processes and the sources of the diamond’s formation in the Earth’s mantle.  
• Methodology: The authors of this study performed X-ray diffraction and other types of analyses on the crystal inclusions in the diamond blades to determine their configuration and chemical makeup.

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