Diamonds have been given special meaning by people and have become a symbol of love and happiness, but it’s more than that. Today, I’ll share with you some unknown facts about diamonds.
The oldest gemstone
Natural diamonds are the oldest things most people can own. Natural diamonds originate from more than 160 kilometers below the surface. Volcanic eruptions 300-400 million years ago pushed them to the surface of the earth.
Most natural diamonds were formed between 1 and 3 billion years ago. The youngest natural diamonds found so far are more than 100 million years old. For most people, natural diamonds are the oldest things we can own. When you appreciate a diamond, you see not only a dazzling jewel, but also a long history.
The production of natural diamonds is decreasing
The number of natural diamond discoveries peaked in 2005 and fell sharply in the next decade. Kimberlite, an ancient underground volcanic rock pipe containing natural diamonds, contains most of the natural diamonds found today. This rock is difficult to find. Most of the natural diamonds mined today come from kimberlite discovered decades ago. Today, the annual production of 1 carat natural diamonds is equivalent to a fitness ball, and the annual production of 5 carats and above is equivalent to a basketball.
The truth about “blood diamonds”
After watching the 2005 movie “Blood Diamond”, many people are afraid of the illegal diamond trade in West Africa.
In fact, blood diamonds have become history. As early as 2003, the United Nations General Assembly authorized the implementation of the “Kimberley Process Certification System” to stop the illegal diamond trade in conflict areas, vigorously regulate the diamond rough stone market and eliminate blood diamonds. This system directly curbs the international illegal diamond trade and effectively prevents violence caused by diamonds. Now as long as you buy through formal channels, you don’t have to worry about buying blood diamonds.
The contribution of natural diamonds to the world
The natural diamond industry supports the livelihoods of 10 million people worldwide, including 1.5 million small miners and their families in Africa and South America, which provide 15% of the world’s natural diamonds, and the livelihoods of local people depend on people’s demand for natural diamonds.
After the discovery of natural diamonds in Botswana, about one-third of the country’s GDP comes from natural diamonds, and every child there can go to school for free until the age of 13. In Gujarat, India, the natural diamond industry employs about one million people and supports local schools and hospitals.
Natural diamonds have little impact on the environment
Natural diamond mining has a small impact on the environment and no chemicals are used in the mining process. Natural diamond mining companies are closely monitored by governments and local communities, and many companies are committed to achieving carbon neutrality goals. A polished 1 carat natural diamond has less carbon emissions than most synthetic diamonds of the same size.
