What is Diamond

The name of diamond derives from the ancient greek word adamas which means invincible. It is the hardest known natural material in the world. Diamonds hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelery. Diamond due to it's superlative physical qualities makes excellent abrasives, it can be scratched only by other diamonds, Borazon, ultrahard fullerite, or aggregated diamond nanorods. Due to it's hardness diamonds hold a polish extremely well and retain their luster. Due to it's extraordinary properties and rarity diamond is very costly.

Diamond is treasured as gemstone since it's use as religious icons in India at least 2,500 years ago. Diamond can only be scratched by other diamonds, it maintains its polish extremely well and keeps its luster over long periods of time. These qualities make it a well-suited ornament to daily wear. It is widely preferred gem in rings, bracelets, necklaces, pandents.

Diamond is commonly judged for it's qualities by the four Cs, that are carat, clarity, color, and cut. Nearly half of all diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, however significant sources of diamond have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia also.

Diamond is formed by very long exposure of carbon-bearing materials to high pressure and temperature. Diamonds start forming at depths of about 150 kilometers 90 miles under continental crust, and it also forms under oceanic crust because of higher temperatures plus higher pressure. High pressures and temperatures allow diamond crystals to grow larger. Diamond are generally mined from volcanic pipes.

Diamond can be found in nearly any color, however yellow and brown color diamonds are most common. Colored diamonds contain impurities or structural defects that accounts for their color, while pure or nearly pure diamonds are transparent and colorless.

About 130 million carats or 26,000 kg diamonds are mined annually. It's total value accounts for approximately USD $10 billion. Synthetic diamonds are also produced and it's production is nearly four times the rate of natural diamonds but the vast majority of synthetic diamonds are small and imperfect suitable only for industrial-grade use.

Raw diamond is preciously cut to change a diamond from a rough stone into an attractive gem. World's top diamond cutting and polishing center is India. Here 11 out of 12 diamonds worldwide are cut. 1.3 million people are employed in this sector and it accounts for 14% of India's annual exports.

About the Author

Harsh writes on diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond pendants, diamond necklaces and diamond bracelets . Learn more about seo services india


Article Source:
http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/what-is-diamond.html