Diamonds are specifically renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities; they make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds, borazon, ultrahard fullerite, rhenium diboride, or aggregated diamond nanorods, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain their lustre. Approximately 130 million carats (26,000 kg (57,000 lb)) are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion, and about 100,000 kg (220,000 lb) are synthesized annually.
Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, which can bring diamond crystals, originating from deep within the Earth where high pressures and temperatures enable them to form, to the surface. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds (aka blood diamonds) by African paramilitary groups.
Just pondering... If I could just wish to make a powerful weapon, then I would make a diamond kendo stick. But even if I was to somehow obtain that ...
What makes the diamond the hardest mineral? I have heard that something other is harder than a diamond, but I am not sure. So I don't really care a...
Ok. I know that to be a mineral it must be inorganic (not coming from a living thing). BUT heres where I'm confused - don't diamonds come from co...
for my opinion diamond is not the hardest mineral because there are more unknown minerals scattered in the earth and the universe. do you people agree...
Ok. I know that to be a mineral it must be inorganic (not coming from a living thing). BUT heres where I'm confused - don't diamonds come from coa...
My Science teacher told us that there is a mineral harder than diamond, if this is so, what is it?
how do u make sugar crystals and vinegar crystals??
The calcium usually is in the form of calcite crystals in marine (gastropod) species and aragonite crystals in terrestrial species.
Very good weed has crystals on it.. so does coke. But what exactly are they? Does Pepper or Cinnamon have crystals on it?
I see chandeliers hanging at the Ritz Paris and Buckingham Palace, and the crystals shine a very white color. I also see some chandeliers that give m...
I have a metal and rubber wine cork and today I discovered white crystals forming on the metal piece that sticks into the bottle. What are the white c...
I bought my wedding dress its very beaded with crystals. They are clear and I want to add some pink crystals. How do I do it? Glue, sew? Please help! ...
I have several semi precious stones, most relating to chakra but I also have other stones. I have tried looking on the internet for a place to see ho...
What is the profession called or what what do you call such people who can identify precious stones?
I have a couple questions for an expert on precious stones, specifically diamonds. I'm not looking to buy or price any. My questions are more directed...
Ezekiel 28:13-Satan's covering was precious stones,the New Jerusalem's walls in the bible are made up of precious gemstones.
When did UPS stop covering unset precious stones in their insurance?
If I give my gold Jewellery to Pawn shop which have few precious stones,how much % I can get?Like I want to know will I get the money for precious sto...
what are the birthstones for all the zodiac signs and also say the color of the birthstone. also, is it ok if u wear a stone thats not YOUR birthstone...
I'm getting my mother a necklace with the birthstones of my family, mother/father/two sons. Are the birthstones supposed to be organized in any partic...
My boyfriends ring came so quick (he only has engravements on his) but mine is taking forever (over a week and a half) just to be shipped! Mine has b...
I was wondering if there is anything else besides birthstones, zodiac, and Chinese Zodiac?
Why are there specific birthstones for each month? Who came up with the idea? Why? I've considered maybe it was a pagan thing since 'New Agers' use ...
I want to know. It's for my school. I can't seem to find a good website anywhere. It doesn't have to be anything too fancy. Just a site where I can fi...
Natural color diamonds are extremely rare that for every one natural color there are 10,000 colorless ones that made the trip to the earths surface......
Hi, I got some swarovski jewellery for my birthday and I don't like them, so I would like to sell them. Any idea where I can sell swarovski cr...
I would like to buy crystal bead jewellery. Can anybody please suggest a good shop around Manchester?
I will be rating answers princess I like real diamonds too
Hi , I am a jewellery designer who designs and makes my very own siganture pieces of swarovski crystal jewellery...u can buy from me...anyone interes...
Why would a deposit of hematite in one location be considered an ore while another hematite deposit might not be considered an ore?
I found a rock that i initially thought was a meteorite, after some simple tests i have come to the conclusion that it isn't a metoerite but a lump of...
What household items have Hematite or Koalin? Also, what are 5 commonly found products that contain in-organic minerals?
Micaceous Hematite is briliantly shined steel grey color ferrous mineral
Describe at least four of the physical characteristics about garnet and hematite and how they are different.
I am trying to locate a website that has Hematite Jewelry kits. I used to get them from ebay but the company no longer carries them. Any help would ...
i received a pair of cubic zirconia earrings for Christmas and was wondering how i should take care of them..... also, how do you save cubic zirco...
I read somewhere that I simulated diamond could just be a cubic zirconia is that true?
My boyfriend wanted to get me a 2 carat princess cut engagement ring although i know that he is not able to afford it as of this moment because he is ...
I am not asking the difference between diamonds but the difference between these two.. crystals and cubic zirconia? When it comes to rings what exactl...
I'm looking for a beautiful, original cubic zirconia engagement ring but I couldn't find anything interesting. Does anyone know of some good w...
Yes I know that cubic zirconia is a fake diamond, but how can you tell the difference.
The opals run right along the centre, and I cannot get conventional cleaner onto the opals..I haven't worn it for ages because it looks awful.
I know Australia is the leading place for opals but I've heard that they're mainly just common opals. I want a place that has very rare black ...
What was the name of the piece of music Channel 7 played early Sunday morning after the Opals match, and just before the presentation of the silver me...
Why do the Opals Australian Womens basketball team wear tights where other teams where the regular basketball uniform of a singlet and shorts? Does it...
Are opals very delicate stones? Are they easily scratched? I have heard that they can they can dry out, is this so? (I was given an engagement ring o...
I really really like opals!