Natural Diamond Process

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the diamond formation and extraction process:

Formation

• Carbon Source: Diamonds are made of carbon. The carbon source for diamonds comes from ancient carbon deposits in the Earth’s mantle.
• High Pressure and Temperature: Diamonds form under high-pressure (45-60 kilobars) and high-temperature (900-1,300 degrees Celsius) conditions, typically 140-190 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.
• Crystal Growth: Under these conditions, carbon atoms bond in a crystal structure known as a diamond lattice, which gives diamonds their unique properties.

Transport to the Surface

• Kimberlite and Lamproite Pipes: Diamonds are transported to the Earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions that form kimberlite and lamproite pipes. These pipes are carrot-shaped and penetrate the Earth’s crust.
• Volcanic Eruptions: The eruptions bring diamond-bearing rock (kimberlite or lamproite) from the mantle to the surface rapidly, preserving the diamonds.

Mining

• Exploration: Geologists search for kimberlite and lamproite pipes using geological surveys, sampling, and remote sensing techniques.
• Open-Pit Mining: If the diamond deposit is near the surface, open-pit mining is used. Large pits are dug, and the ore is transported to processing plants.
• Underground Mining: For deeper deposits, underground mining is employed. Tunnels are created to access the ore, which is then transported to the surface.
• Marine Mining: Diamonds found in ocean beds are mined using specialized ships equipped with dredging and other extraction technologies.

Processing

• Crushing and Milling: The extracted kimberlite or lamproite ore is crushed into smaller pieces to liberate the diamonds.
• Dense Media Separation: The crushed ore is mixed with a slurry and passed through a dense medium to separate diamonds based on their density.
• X-ray Sorting: X-ray fluorescence technology is used to identify and separate diamonds from the remaining ore. Diamonds fluoresce under X-rays, allowing for automated sorting.
• Final Sorting: The diamonds are then hand-sorted and graded based on size, quality, and other characteristics.

Refining and Cutting

• Cleaving: Large diamonds are split along their natural lines.
• Cutting: Diamonds are cut into various shapes and sizes to maximize their brilliance and value. This process requires precision and skill.
• Polishing: The cut diamonds are polished to enhance their shine and luster.

Distribution and Sale

• Grading: Diamonds are graded by gemological laboratories based on the Four Cs: Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut.
• Sales and Distribution: Graded diamonds are sold to wholesalers, jewelers, and consumers through various channels.

This comprehensive process transforms carbon deep within the Earth into the beautiful gemstones we value today.