Diamonds have been among the most sought -after gemstones in the world for centuries. Their rarity, their unique look and their extraordinary physical properties contribute significantly to their high value. But what exactly makes diamonds so rare and valuable?
• Diamonds are only created under extreme conditions deep in the earth’s coat
• In order to win a single diamond of a carat, hundreds of tons must be removed
• Diamonds are the hardest natural material and extremely resistant
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The origin and rarity of diamonds
Diamonds are created deep in the earth’s mantle under extremely high pressure and temperature conditions. At temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 45 to 60 kilobar, carbon atoms are compressed and form the unique crystal structure of the diamonds in a process that extends over millions of years. These processes are done at a depth of around 150 to 200 kilometers, as Mac Diamonds explains in an online contribution. The volcanic Kimberlit or Lamproit eruptions bring these gemstones to the surface of the earth, but the majority of the diamonds are destroyed during the ascent. Only a small part survives and reaches the surface, where it can be broken down. These geological conditions explain why diamonds are so rare and valuable.
An essential part of their rarity lies in the fact that these extreme geological conditions only occur in a few places in the world. Diamond deposits can be found especially in countries such as South Africa, Russia and Canada. But even in these regions, the process of finding and mining diamonds is lengthy and complicated, Mac Diamonds continued.
The complex recruitment process
In addition to geological rarity, the reduction of diamonds also contributes significantly to their exclusivity. In order to win just one carat – which corresponds to 0.2 grams – hundreds of tons of rock often have to be moved and processed, as BNT Diamonds explains in a contribution. Diamonds are enclosed in volcanic rock formations that lie deep below the surface of the earth and can only be achieved with high technical effort.
In particularly productive mines, the ratio between broken material and diamond deposits is about 50 tons of rock per 0.2 grams of diamond. In less productive mines, this ratio can be even more drasty, as it continues. These resource costs and the technical effort make the dismantling of diamonds extremely expensive, with the large mining areas in countries such as Russia, Australia, Canada and South Africa.
Diamonds: physical properties and durability
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, which gives them a unique place under the gemstones. This hardness is made possible by the special crystal structure of the carbon atoms. Diamonds have a MOHS hardness of 10, which means that they are extremely resistant to scratches and wear, Mac Diamonds. These physical properties not only make you a coveted piece of jewelry, but also a useful material in industry, for example for cutting tools and drilling heads.
In addition to the hardness, diamonds are known for their optical properties. Her “fire”, ie the way you break light into its spectral colors, is another unique feature that increases your value. This brilliance arises from the precise cut, which optimally reflects the incident light and creates impressive radiance, as it goes on.
The evaluation of diamonds: the 4cs
Diamonds are assessed according to the globally recognized 4C system: karat (carat), color (color), purity (Clarity) and grinding (cut). The caratal value of a diamond who specifies the weight of the stone is the best known and probably the most important factor. A higher karat weight usually indicates a larger and more valuable diamond. The color also plays an important role, as is explained by BNT Diamonds. Diamonds are classified according to a color spectrum from absolutely colorless (category d) to slightly tinted (category z). Colorless diamonds in particular are extremely rare and therefore achieve higher prices. Color deviations, such as those occurring in yellowish or brownish diamonds, can significantly reduce the value of a stone, unless it is particularly coveted colors such as blue or pink, which represent their own value category.
Another central factor is the purity of the diamond, that is, the lack of internal inclusions or external defects. Flawless diamonds who have practically no impurities are rare and accordingly more expensive, as BNT Diamonds emphasizes. Finally, the cut has a significant impact on the visual appearance of a diamond. A high -quality cut maximizes the light reflection and strengthens the brilliance of the stone, which further increases its value.
In addition to their function as jewelry, diamonds are also considered a stable form of investment. Thanks to their rarity and durability, they keep their value over long periods of time and offer a stable investment option in economically insecure times. Unlike gold, however, there are no generally accessible price indices for diamonds. The comparison portal Gold.de points out that the market for diamonds is less transparent, which means that special expertise is required for investments in diamonds to make the right decisions.
D. Maier / Redaktion Finanzen.net