Engagement Rings and Diamonds Facts and History - How are Diamonds Naturally Formed

Engagement Rings and Diamonds Facts and History - How are Diamonds Naturally Formed

Diamonds require very specific conditions to naturally form. The forming of diamond occurs when carbon-bearing materials are exposed to a very high pressure and a temperature of between 900 to 1300 degrees centigrade. There are only two places on our planet where the conditions are suitable for the formation of diamond; these are the lithospheric mantle (the crust and upper mantle of our planet) and the location of a meteorite strike. It’s amazing to think about the history of diamonds and their formation; it really does make diamond engagement rings seem even more special!

Engagement Rings and Diamonds Facts and History - How are Diamonds Naturally Formed - Formation in Cratons

A Craton is a region of the lithospheric mantle where the temperature and pressure are perfect for diamonds to be formed. Cratons are old and stable parts of the Lithosphere. Diamonds formed in Cratons tend to be larger due to the perfect conditions.

Engagement Rings and Diamonds Facts and History - How are Diamonds Naturally Formed - Formation at the Site of Meteorite Strikes

The high pressure event of a meteorite strike can form diamonds. The shock zones created by the impact create high pressure and temperature; this is perfect for the formation of diamonds. Only very small diamonds have been found at meteorite craters - these are known as Microdiamonds and Nanodiamonds (something tells me these may be too small for engagement rings).

Engagement Rings and Diamonds Facts and History - How are Diamonds Naturally Formed - Extraterrestrial Formation

Some diamonds on earth were not formed here. Carbonado diamonds are black or dark grey in colour and have been discovered in South America and Africa. Some scientists claim that Carbonado diamonds landed on earth with an asteroid impact up to three billion years ago! There are many theories on how Carbonado diamonds are formed but no one really knows for sure. It's amazing to think there could be some engagement rings out there with a diamond from outer space!

Engagement Rings and Diamonds Facts and History - How are Diamonds Naturally Formed - Surfacing

Diamond-bearing rock can be brought to the surface in volcanic eruptions. This is very rare, however, because the magma must come from very deep underground (150km plus).