New In
Polished Diamonds
Diamond Sets
Melee Diamonds
Rough Diamonds
(Via the Huffington Post)
By: Eli MacKinnon, Life's Little Mysteries Staff Writer
Published: 09/18/2012 03:03 PM EDT on LiveScience
A flashy claim from Russian scientists, that a Siberian meteorite crater holds "trillions of carats" of diamonds, may be far-fetched but it's not outside the realm of scientific possibility.
Over the weekend, scientists in Moscow divulged that the 62-mile (100-kilometer)-wide Popigai Astroblem crater harbors a peerlessly dense deposit of industrial diamonds, according to the Christian Science Monitor.
The Soviets reportedly discovered the trove in the 1970s, but they kept it a secret to avoid upsetting a world diamond market that already favored them. Now that the information is declassified, Russian scientists say Popigai diamonds, some of which are reportedly twice as hard as ordinary diamonds, could revolutionize the global market.
According to Richard April, a professor of geology at Colgate University, there are two main explanations for the formation of so-called "impact diamonds," which he says are found in small quantities at meteorite-impact sites around the globe. [How Are Fake Diamonds Made?]
(Meteors, which are fragments of asteroids or comets that enter Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, are called meteorites after they slam into Earth.)
One possibility is that a meteorite crashes into an area rich with some form of carbon, such as the remains of living organisms. The high pressures and temperatures of the collision would be enough to turn the terrestrial carbon into diamond.
In the second scenario, the carbon arrives inside a meteorite and, at the moment of impact, flash-fuses into diamonds that are dispersed in the ground.
Both scenarios have evidence to back them up, including discoveries of meteorites embedded with tiny diamonds, but according to April, neither scenario is known to create the massive deposits of diamonds that Russia is now touting.
"The diamonds that have been found around meteorite-impact craters have been small and few," he said. "It's interesting that the Russians are claiming that they found a gigantic deposit of diamonds in a meteorite-impact crater, because, from what we've seen so far, it's kind of unlikely."
Still, there is a third Cinderella possibility that, according to April, could theoretically account for the formation of a vast store of super-hard diamonds at a crater site.
It's conceivable that a meteorite landed on a preexisting diamond field, one populated with terrestrial diamonds dredged up from beneath the Earth's surface by volcanic processes. These diamonds, most often found in volcanic deposits called kimberlite pipes, do exist in Siberia.
"The stars would have had to align for the meteor to have impacted a kimberlite pipe. It would be kind of like a hole in one on the golf course," said April. "But it is possible the diamonds would have re-crystallized at the high temperatures and pressures into what they're calling the very hard form."
"That might also account for the fact that there are so many of them. To have trillions of carats, though. This is the first I've ever heard of trillions of carats," he said. "That has never been found before and that would make this a very unique situation."
Step into the mesmerizing world of natural Pink diamonds, synonymous of elegance and sophistication. These exquisite gems have stolen the spotlight in the realm of fine jewelry, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
In this article, we’ll explore the enchanting features of Fancy Pink diamonds, uncovering their origins, possible tones, and the growing fascination around them. As we delve into their unique characteristics, you’ll learn how they compare to other popular pink gemstones, revealing the distinct advantages that set them apart.
The Origin Of Their Mesmerising Hues
Fancy Pink diamonds are the result of a remarkable geological process that lasted millions of years. During their formation process, atomic traces of minerals such as hydrogen, nitrogen, or boron were introduced into their crystalline structure, resulting in impressive hues.
However, another scientific theory states that the pink hue comes from a deformation in the crystal lattice of the stone, a phenomenon caused by extreme pressure.
Whichever the cause, thanks to our Earth’s natural transformations, today we get to enjoy the exceptional shades of Pink diamonds.
From delicate pastel tones reminiscent of blooming cherry blossoms to intense, vivid shades that command attention, natural Pink diamonds offer a diverse palette of hues that ignite the imagination.
Rarity And A Growing Fascination
The allure of these unique stones lies not only in their enchanting beauty but also in their rarity.
As luxury enthusiasts and jewelry connoisseurs seek to come in possession of the most exclusive and coveted pieces, the interest surrounding fancy pink diamonds continues to grow. With the recent closure of the renowned Argyle mine in Australia, a significant source of Pink diamonds, their scarcity has skyrocketed.
Pink Diamond’s Unparalleled Properties
Brilliance
The refractive index of a diamond is approximately 2.42. This high refractive index is one of the factors that contribute to the exceptional brilliance and sparkle that diamonds are renowned for. The high refractive index allows diamonds to bend and reflect light in a way that creates maximum dispersion and brilliance, resulting in their captivating play of light and fire. It is this unique optical property that sets diamonds apart from other gemstones and contributes to their timeless allure and desirability.
Hardness
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the highest possible rating. This remarkable property makes diamonds highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, ensuring their longevity and durability even with daily wear.
The hardness of a diamond contributes significantly to its value. Diamonds are prized for their ability to withstand the rigors of everyday use without losing their beauty or succumbing to damage. This durability ensures that diamond jewelry, such as engagement rings and heavily worn pieces, can be cherished forever and passed down through generations.
What About Other Pink Gemstones?
Tourmaline
This pink gemstone is often used in jewelry for its vibrant color. Pink tourmaline can be found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and the United States. Each location may produce unique variations in color and quality, making it more complicated for the regular customer to understand how to measure and compare characteristics.
Tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs' scale of hardness, making it moderately durable, but relatively softer compared to Pink diamonds. With a refractive index between 1.624 and 1.644, pink tourmaline exhibits a good amount of brilliance and light dispersion.
Pink quartz
This mineral showcases a soft, delicate pink hue that does not typically offer much sparkle. There are multiple levels of transparency available, from very translucent to milky opaque or smoky with yellow or brown undertones.
Scoring a 7 on the Mohs scale, pink quartz is relatively durable and suitable for some types of jewelry. However, it is still important to protect it from impact, and best suitable for earrings and low-wear pieces.
Pink Sapphire
The intensity of its color depends on the place of origin and the combination of trace elements present within its crystal structure.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, pink sapphires are very durable and resistant, making them suitable for all kinds of jewelry pieces. However, they are more prone to scratches than diamonds.
Kunzite
Kunzite is quite affordable because it’s relatively unknown although it can be found in many places like Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
Like most color stones, kunzite can be undergo irradiation or heat treatments to enhance its color. Exposure to heat and bright light can cause color in both natural and treated kunzite to fade over time.
Morganite
Most morganite deposits are found in Brazil, but the highest quality specimens come from Madagascar. Typically, morganite enjoys a high transparency with minimal inclusions resulting in clear, polished stones.
Scoring a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, Morganite is safe and durable enough for jewelry.
Your Best Choice: Pink Diamonds
There are multiple options to choose from to create a jewel with pink gemstones. However, they all fall short when compared to the durability and brilliance of natural Pink diamonds. With sources becoming more scarce while demand continues grows, Pink diamonds keep appreciating in value making them a better financial choice when compared to other gemstones which tend to loose value in the resale marker. Pink diamonds present multiple advantages for their investment potential and as a valuable asset to be passed on for generations.
When purchasing color gemstones, it’s important the buyer requests a professional laboratory report that discloses any enhancements to make an informed decision. Unfortunately for most consumers, it’s hard to find full-detailed information on a finished jewelry piece and it requires additional effort and inquiries to confirm the quality of a gemstone.
—
Langerman Diamonds has over 50 years of expertise in sourcing and trading natural color diamonds. Explore our online inventory and contact us to learn more about the purchasing process.