diamants

Diamants are a crystalline form of the element carbon, renowned for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and durability. They form under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions within the Earth’s mantle, typically at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers, before being brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions via kimberlite or lamproite pipes. The most valuable diamonds are colorless and transparent, though natural variations in color—such as blue, yellow, or brown—occur due to trace elements or structural defects.

Diamonds are rated on the "Four Cs": cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. The cut determines how light interacts with the stone, affecting brilliance, while clarity refers to internal and external flaws. Color ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown), with rarer hues like red or blue commanding high prices. Carat weight measures size, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams.

Beyond gemstones, diamonds have industrial applications due to their hardness (a 10 on the Mohs scale), making them ideal for cutting tools, drill bits, and abrasives. Synthetic diamonds, produced through high-pressure synthesis or chemical vapor deposition, are used in electronics and manufacturing to reduce costs.

Historically, diamonds have held cultural and economic significance, often symbolizing wealth, power, and eternal love. Major diamond-producing countries include Russia, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Canada, with trade regulated by organizations like the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) to ensure ethical sourcing. Lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to mined stones.