Origin Of The Diamonds
By Woro Swasti
Diamond is the hardest substance on earth ever known. It is the stone that has a very bright sparkle, more than any other gemstones. Diamond is originated from the diamond mine in different places all over the world.
According to wikipedia, diamonds are mined approximately 130 million carats annually. This amount is equal to 26,000 kg and a total value of about USD $9 billion.
Diamonds are originating from the deep of the earth, with high pressures and temperatures that can form the diamond crystals. The cristals of diamonds are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, that bring them to the surface.
Diamonds have been known by people in India for thousands of years, most likely 6000 years. This is the place where diamonds first recognized and mined.
Until today, diamonds are mined in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, Australia, and Africa. About 49% of diamonds came from diamond mines in central and southern Africa.
Of all the diamonds that are mined, only about 20% are used as jewelry gemstones. The other 80%, this is equal to 100 million carats or 20,000 kg per year, are for industrial use. This is because many of the diamonds do not fit the category of gemstone’s characteristics, such as clarity and color.
To overcome the lack of the mined diamonds, people create the synthetic diamonds. About 100,000 kg diamonds are synthesized annually.
The increasing popularity of the diamond caused some groups to take control of diamond mining in central African and west African countries. The diamonds that came from these operations are called conflict diamonds or blood diamonds. The diamond business continue contributing to war in those places, as well as human right abuse.
It was not until 2002, when the Kimberley Process was introduced. The diamonds from the Kimberley Process are not obtained from the revolutionary activities of conflict diamonds area. They providing documentation and certification of diamond exports to ensure the statement. However, there are still conflict diamonds even for today. The diamonds traded today are about 2 – 3% possible conflict diamonds.