FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT BLACK DIAMONDS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN

1. FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT BLACK DIAMONDS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN

2. The black diamond. Mysterious. Elegant. Sophisticated and certainly a bold choice in diamond that makes a real style statement that is hard to ignore. Black diamonds have always been available, but as people – we say people because black diamonds are not just for women – begin to look for new ways to express their own personal style they are gaining in popularity rapidly. But what are black diamonds? Are they as valuable, or as durable, as other diamonds? And is it possible that they could be good luck? Here’s a look at some interesting facts about black diamonds to answer all of those questions and more.

4. BLACK DIAMONDS ARE ALSO KNOWN AS CARBANAROS You may see – or hear – a black diamond referred to as a Carbonaro. As you might have guessed that is, in part, because a black diamond contains higher levels of carbon than other diamonds.

6. THE COMPOSITION OF THE BLACK DIAMOND IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER Black diamonds have a very unique composition. Technically they are an impure form of something called a polycrystalline diamond, consisting of diamond, graphite, and amorphous carbon. They are not found in kimberlites like other diamonds, but rather in younger rock formations and only near natural sources of water.

7. JUST HOW BLACK DIAMONDS ARE FORMED IS A MATTER OF SERIOUS DEBATE Scientists and geologists tend to be slightly divided over the true origins of all colored diamonds, but that is especially true when it comes to black diamonds. Many believe that radiation may be to blame for the unique makeup of the black diamond, but some theorize that because they are found in very few places – thus far they have only been unearthed in Brazil and Central Africa – they are in fact the remnants of a hydrogen rich asteroid that hit the Earth millions of years ago. Others even theorize that they fell to Earth as a part of a supernova that hit the planet even earlier than that. And as of right now there is no dominant theory that all of science will support, so black diamonds remain a mystery, something that only adds to their allure.

8. BLACK DIAMONDS ARE TOUGH…REALLY TOUGH Everyone knows that diamonds, in general, are very hard and very durable, but black diamonds are really tough. They measure a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which means that they are difficult to cut and it takes a truly skilled diamond cutter to do so successfully.

10. LEGEND SAYS BLACK DIAMONDS MIGHT BE GOOD LUCK…OR MIGHT BE BAD The Ancient Romans encountered black diamonds as they explored and conquered large areas of Africa and quickly became enamored of them. They believed that the gems were very lucky and that they were, therefore, an exceptionally good choice for a wedding ring. The Romans actually decreed that women be given two wedding rings upon marriage. A simple iron band was designed to be worn around the home while completing household chores etc, while a gold ring with a dark stone was to be worn when going out. Many men chose to give their brides rings of gold and onyx, but if they wanted to truly show off their wealth and status, they opted for a black diamond instead.

12. The Ancient Indians, however, had a very different take on the darked gems. They believed them to be cursed, as they seemed to be the same shade of black as a cobra’s eyes. In fact, black diamonds were assigned as a symbol of Yama, the Hindu god of death. These days black diamonds are rarely thought of as lucky or unlucky, but as still slightly mysterious gems that are truly beautiful, however, they are worn.