We talk about diamonds a lot here at Simple Shine. It’s no secret that diamonds are one of, if not the most popular gemstones on the planet! While most people don’t know everything there is to know about these beautiful little stones, all we really need to know is that they look great in any color.
It doesn’t take any scientific knowledge at all to appreciate the beauty of a diamond. However, if you’re looking to take your knowledge of diamonds to the next level, we have you covered! Here are 5 facts about diamonds that you didn’t know.
Keep It Clean
Before we get started I’d like to point out that no matter how much or how little you know about diamonds, none of that will matter if those diamonds aren’t shining. You can keep your diamonds on point anytime with our portable diamond brush, not only is it simple to use but it’s the most discreet way to clean your rings in a pinch!
If you have a bit more time and are looking for a deeper clean then our ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is the best cleaning equipment that money can buy. While certain gemstones can’t handle the ultrasonic vibrations we all know how tough diamonds are. If your diamond doesn’t have excessive inclusions, you’ll be amazed by the results of ultrasonic cleaning.
With that out of the way, let’s really jump into the 10 facts about diamonds that you didn’t know.
I. 100 Miles Underground
Most diamonds are formed insanely deep underground in the lithospheric mantle layer of the Earth’s crust. This layer is almost 200 kilometers (85 to 115 miles) below the ground that we tend to take for granted. It’s ironic that a gemstone that disperses light so beautifully can only form in complete darkness and extreme pressure. Diamonds are found inside the igneous rocks created when magma cools as it moves toward the surface.
II. Ancient Age of Diamonds
Igneous rocks moving toward the surface of the Earth doesn’t happen overnight. The oldest diamond ever found was estimated to be around 4 billion years old but that isn’t all that unusual… Most diamonds are anywhere from 1 billion to 3 billion years old. That’s an almost inconceivable time frame. Little do most people know: Diamonds are absolutely ancient.
III. Gemstones From Space??
Carbon is the most common element in the universe so it’s no surprise that some of that carbon might’ve come from outer space. Carbonado diamonds are found mostly in South America and Africa and are thought to have arrived on Earth due to an asteroid impact that took place 3 billion years ago. They have higher levels of graphite, are more porous, and highly sought after. You probably won’t find them for sale but they certainly make an interesting addition to any gemstone collection.
IX. Murfreesboro DIY Diamond Mine
Do you know what DIY stands for? If you said ‘do it yourself’ then you’d usually be right but in Murfreesboro, Tennessee it stands for ‘dig it yourself’! That’s right. Home of the world’s one and only keep what you find diamond mine. This volcanic crater has plenty of diamonds but you might also find anything from amethysts to garnets and everything in between. Is it worth the trip? Perhaps so, if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
X. The Diamond Anniversary
We could create an entirely separate article about the different traditional anniversary gifts that couples are suggested to give each other (and we just might). Diamonds stand out as traditional anniversary gifts for one reason, they are on the list more than once. The diamond anniversary is both the 60th and 75th anniversary gift. That is an impressively long amount of time!
Final Thoughts
These were some light-hearted fun facts. Talking about blood diamonds doesn’t make for a fun list. But we did write about it, so click the link to learn more. How many of these 5 facts about diamonds that you didn’t know did you actually know after all? I’m hoping there were at least a couple in there that were fresh news… If I’m 5 for 5 then let me know that too! There are plenty of other interesting diamond facts that are buzzing around in my brain so it’s possible we will do a part two of this list sometime in the future.