...and you thought you were under pressure?

The formation of diamonds is possible on this planet because it has areas that have, over eons, experienced optimal thermodynamic conditions - including immense pressure and volcanic temperatures - that can result in the formation of diamonds where the right original materials exist. Diamonds can generally only be formed by the pressures of weight from a depth the Earth's crust of at least ninety miles! The requirement of these conditions combined with the need for the right type and quantity of carbon deposits means that there are relatively few places where diamonds have become accessible to man - hence accounting for their apparent scarcity and value.

Temperatures of around 1200 degrees Celsius (that's 2200 degrees Fahrenheit) are also required for diamonds to form, along with pressure of approximately 5 gigapascals - which equates to an amazing 50,000 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level! Without these extreme conditions diamonds will simply not be formed form the crude carbon ingredients that form their base. It is now possible to produce synthetic diamonds by using technology to recreate these conditions - but the process is expensive and tends to create second quality diamonds - which are nonetheless useful for engineering needs and other specialist tools.

Two types of 'good, old' diamond

Ecologitic diamonds are formed from naturally occurring organic carbon sources. They contain organic carbon from the decayed prehistoric plant remains that have been engulfed and submerged miles beneath the Earth's surface by movement of 'tectonic plates' a process called subduction, taking place over thousands of years. Another type of diamond is called Harzburgitic, and these are formed from inorganic carbon found deep in the earth's mantle.

Diamonds that are eventually pushed up to the surface by further gradual movements in the Earth's crust are ancient gems usually aged between 1 to 3.3 BILLION years (3.3 x 100,000 years!)

...and 'little cousins' form the depths of space!

Diamonds can also appear on the Earth's surface by other means. Extremely small diamonds for instance, sometimes called 'nanodiamonds' or micro-diamonds, can be created in the high pressure and high temperature conditions that occur when meteors hit the surface of the earth. Some researchers suggest that nanodiamonds might pre date the solar system, perhaps created during volatile universal activity at the dawn of time!

The 'bigger gem' diamonds, often referred to as a 'girls' best friend', will have risen to the surface of the earth through deep volcanic action and tectonic subduction. Diamond, having being 'forged' in the extreme heats of pre-history, can be carried in the flow of lava disgorged by volcanoes from deep in the earth's mantle. The transport of diamonds can either be through the main volcanic activity or they may be brought to the surface where lava has sought its way along smaller routes, or 'pipes' that mean that deposits can e found arrayed about a key volcanic center. The challenge is to find them!

The market for diamonds develops...

Diamonds have held their status as precious gems, used for personal adornment of the royal and the wealthy since ancient times. Their value as an investment vehicle has perhaps never been as high profile as it is today. There now exists a major international market in diamonds and those diamonds that appear set into the archetypal engagement ring, are just the tip of the 'ICE-berg' so to speak!

Diamond mining is largely the preserve of a very few immensely wealthy operations, many with key bases in Africa - wherefrom many of the worlds diamonds originate - but managed through European headquarters. The supply of diamonds is tightly regulated by the diamond mining and marketing organizations - in order to reserve prices and create a lucrative investment marketplace.

Look out for credible 'certification!

Specialists in diamonds and other precious gems, called (appropriately) gemologists developed detailed ways of classifying the quality of diamonds. The natural gem can vary widely in terms of its color, clarity and size and all these element are taken into account when valuing a stone.

Today, there are now a number of highly reputable gemological associations that 'certify' diamonds - and such certification is essential for those hoping to invest and trade profitably in diamonds. The key organizations of particular note include: