When you think about diamonds, what comes to mind? If you’re like most folks, it likely involves clear and sparkly gems full of beauty, glamor, and Jewelry With Sentimental Meaning.
However, diamonds aren’t limited to the white crystals you know and love. Our amazing planet can make colored diamonds, too. These gemstones are extremely rare, which means they’re more valuable than their colorless counterparts.
And while all diamonds are created in the same way, colored diamonds require an extra step. This additional component is precisely what makes these crystals so unique and special.
If you own or want to Sell A Diamond, take the time to learn how colored diamonds are made. We can guarantee that it will give you a new respect for Mother Nature’s fascinating crystal creations.
First, let’s discuss How Diamonds Are Formed. By learning about the process, you can better understand what makes colored diamonds so unique.
It all begins in the upper mantle, about 100 miles underneath the earth’s crust. Here, it’s extremely hot — at least 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, the weight of the crust places a lot of pressure on the upper mantle. Scientists
estimate that there is at least 725,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.
Between the high temperature and high pressure, this part of the earth provides the perfect conditions for diamond formation.
If you thought diamonds were made from coal, think again. Diamonds are a solid form of carbon.
Specifically, intense heat and pressure force carbon atoms to tightly bond together. This creates a lattice-like structure that’s extremely rigid and strong, which is why diamonds are so tough.
As carbon atoms accumulate, the diamond grows. This chemical process takes billions of years.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. When the process solely involves carbon, the resulting diamond is white, or colorless. But if the process “traps” another element in addition to carbon, the diamond develops a color.
In some cases, colored diamonds form when they’re exposed to a certain kind of light or radiation.
One might say colored diamonds are “accidents” — and beautiful ones, at that!
The shade of a colored diamond depends on the variables present.
Most blue diamonds form when boron bonds with carbon. In some cases, gemologists think diamonds turn blue because of hydrogen or natural radiation.
You might be surprised to learn that pink, red, and brown diamonds form when a crystal absorbs green light. This is because green light reflects various shades of red, including pink and brown. As a result, the diamond looks like whatever shade it is reflecting.
Purple and violet diamonds are typically caused by hydrogen and chemical alterations of the crystal structure.
Nitrogen is responsible for orange and yellow diamonds. Depending on the arrangement of nitrogen atoms, the diamond may absorb blue light (which reflects yellow) or blue and yellow light (which reflects orange).
Small traces of nitrogen may also result in champagne diamonds, which are essentially brown diamonds.
Meanwhile, green diamonds get their color from naturally existing gamma radiation. When a diamond is exposed to this radiation, it absorbs yellow and red light, which reflects shades of green.
For each color, many hues are possible. For instance, an orange diamond may have yellow hues or brown hues. These variations depend on thousands of variables, such as the exact amount of pressure in a particular location.
Colored diamonds are some of nature’s most beautiful creations. So, when you Take Care Of Jewelry and learn how colored diamonds are made, you are honoring their beauty in a special way.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to stop when it’s time to move on. By Selling Your Diamonds, you’ll make the most of your gems.
Think of it this way: Why let unwanted diamonds sit around and collect dust? When you visit Southwest Jewelry Buyers, our GIA-Trained Staff can walk you through the entire selling process. We’ll evaluate your diamond, provide Expert Appraisals, and buy your pieces through professional and stress-free transactions.
Visit us in Scottsdale Airpark. For your convenience, our Jewelry Buyers in Phoenix are available six days a week. You can contact us to schedule an appointment or call us at (480) 773-8004.