The most coveted gemstone, diamond is steeped in interesting facts galore. We are so much lured by its dazzling beauty that we forget to see beyond it. The world of diamond is intriguing as the stone itself and does not merely revolve around the 4Cs, shapes and fancy color. Its wealth of facts, history and knowledge only adds to our growing admiration of diamonds. Let us acquaint ourselves to some of the most interesting facts about diamonds:
- Diamonds first originated in India. Prior to the 18th century, India was the major source of diamonds.
- Most of the diamonds which we find in nature is 1-3 billion years old.
- A diamond measures 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is so hard that this natural material is also used in industries for cutting and polishing of tools. In fact, 80% of the diamond mines are allotted for industrial uses. Also being the hardest natural substance, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.
- The Cullinan diamond is the largest diamond discovered so far. It weighs 3106 carats or 1.33 pounds and was discovered in South Africa in the year 1905. This diamond was huge enough to create 2, 633 average sized diamond engagement rings. The Cullinan was later cut and divided into 9 large diamonds and 100 small diamonds.
- The first exchange of a diamond engagement ring took place in the year 1477 between the Archduke Maxmillian of Austria and Mary of Burgandy.
- The largest diamond market in the world today, is none other than the United States of America. It is said to purchase more than 40% of the world’s gem quality diamonds.
- Diamonds are nearly 100% carbon, which implies that they are made of a single element.
- The very famous fancy dark grayish Hope Diamond, is said to be cursed. One owner of the Hope Diamond died of smallpox, the next was executed and another died falling off a cliff. One owner lost his kingdom and another lost both his children.
- According to the ancient Greeks, diamonds were nothing but fragments of stars that fell on earth.
- Of all the gem-quality diamonds available, only 2% are flawless.
- There is a financial institution in Dubai, that is famous for offering diamond studded credit cards.
- Scientists have evidences to prove that some of the diamonds came to the earth from space.
- You can hunt for naturally occurring diamonds in The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas which is open to the public. In case, you find a diamond, you can keep it regardless of its carat or size.
