How old are most diamonds?

As a geologist with a strong interest in the study of diamonds, I can tell you that diamonds are among the oldest materials found on Earth. They are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, under conditions of extreme heat and pressure, and it's this process that gives diamonds their remarkable properties. Most diamonds are formed at extremely high temperature and tremendous pressure. This process begins roughly at 100 miles deep below the surface of the earth in the layer known as the mantle. Beginning as simple carbon minerals, Mother Nature transforms and grows this carbon over 1 to 3 billion years. The formation of diamonds is a fascinating process that involves the following steps: 1. Carbon Source: The starting point is carbon, which is abundant in the Earth's mantle. This carbon can come from a variety of sources, including the remains of ancient plants and animals, or it can be primordial, meaning it has been part of the Earth since its formation. 2. High Pressure and Temperature: For a diamond to form, the carbon must be subjected to intense heat and pressure. The temperature needs to be around 2200 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1200 degrees Celsius), and the pressure must be equivalent to about 725,000 pounds per square inch. These conditions are only found at depths of more than 90 miles (150 kilometers) beneath the Earth's surface. 3. Crystallization: Over time, the carbon atoms begin to crystallize under these extreme conditions. The structure of a diamond is a lattice of carbon atoms arranged in a very specific pattern. This pattern gives diamonds their hardness and unique optical properties. 4. Transport to the Surface: Once a diamond has formed, it must be transported to the surface. This usually happens through volcanic eruptions, where the diamonds are carried up in magma. The magma cools and solidifies into a type of rock called kimberlite or lamproite, which is where most diamonds are found. 5. Discovery and Mining: The journey doesn't end there. Diamonds must then be discovered and mined. This involves a lot of exploration, mining, and processing to extract the diamonds from the rock. 6. Cutting and Polishing: After extraction, diamonds are cut and polished to enhance their natural beauty. This is a meticulous process that requires a high level of skill and precision. Given the time it takes for diamonds to form and the conditions under which they are found, it's not surprising that most diamonds are billions of years old. They are truly a testament to the incredible forces at work within our planet. In conclusion, diamonds are a remarkable natural resource that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Their formation process is a testament to the power and longevity of geological processes. Understanding the journey of a diamond from its formation deep within the Earth to the moment it is worn as a piece of jewelry is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of science, nature, and human culture.

Most diamonds are formed at extremely high temperature and tremendous pressure. This process begins roughly at 100 miles deep below the surface of the earth in the layer known as the mantle. Beginning as simple carbon minerals, Mother Nature transforms and grows this carbon over 1 to 3 billion years.May 10, 2013