Amazing Diamond Journey

In honor of April being diamond birthstone month, I wanted to dedicate this month to diamond-related tidbits.

I have a whole new appreciation for diamonds after learning many years ago how diamonds came to be. Diamonds aren’t formed in mountains and caves like many gemstones. They are formed deep beneath the earth’s surface under precise temperature and pressure conditions, which are ideal only under certain stable portions of the earth’s crust.

Diamonds are preserved for many millions of years under the earth’s surface after formation until the right conditions exist to thrust them upward through the earth’s surface at over 180 miles per hour. If temperature or pressure changes occur during their upward journey, the diamonds can be reduced to simple graphite.

Scientists believe diamonds that exist today were delivered to the earth’s surface between 2.5 billion and 20 million years ago. I’m amazed that after such a dramatic journey, diamonds are still so incredibly clear and beautiful.

Author: Michelle M. Rahm is a GIA-trained Graduate Gemologist and is President of Colorado’s Mile High Chapter of the GIA Alumni Association. She has been selling gemstones and jewelry online since 1997. Visit her websites JewelryImpressions.com and OurCustomWeddingRings.com