Inorganic Gemstones

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Diamond Formation

Diamonds differ from rest of the gem minerals in that they were formed somewhere in the region between the lower part of the earth's crust and the beginning of the mantle. The current theory is that diamond crystallizes at an approximate depth of 100 to 200 kms beneath the earth's surface, from carbon, at very high temperatures & pressures. The diamond - bearing magma was then forced upto the earth's surface by explosive gas pressures in a volcanic type eruption. The magma eventually cooled and solidified to form the present day kimberlite / lamproitic pipes which make up the bulk of the world's primary source. These pipes are thought to have originally extended above the surface as cone shaped hills or even as mountains. Over millions of years, these kimberlite / lamproitic hills were eroded away by the weathering action of wind and rain into low lying hillocks. The diamonds contained in the top section of the pipes were washed away to form alluvial deposits along river beds as in the case of south west Africa, along the marine terraces of the Namibian coast.


Did you know?

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In Germany, the garland of ambers is hung around the necks of the infants, so that their teeth might come out without much trouble.

In Turkey, people fix a piece of amber in the hubble-bubble, dogged by an age old belief that the presence of the jewel would destroy all the germs and no disease would spread, even after many have dragged their puffs from it.

In Greece, people think if wine is poured into the cups made of amethyst, one does not get drunk after drinking that.

In Rome, a talisman having coral pieces is considered very auspicious to quell the bad spells of evil look. The Romans were in the habit of hanging chains made of ancient coral pieces from the cradle of the infants to protect them from evil effects.

In China, people wear rings studded with tiny conch or oyster shells as they believe it cures all aches such as stomach ache, worms and like.

In India, pendants made of silver and studded with pearls are hung from the necks of the children to save them from any bad effects.

Greeks still believe, if women wear blue sapphires then no sense of immorality would pollute their mind nor can any fear of the supernatural can trouble them.

The Pope Innocent III had circulated an order asking all the priests wear blue sapphire, so that morality can be strengthened.

It is said about turquoise, that when the stone changes its color into yellow, it actually signals bad times to the person who wears it.

It is believed that a turquoise gifted to a friend or a lover turns his or her life into one of happiness and good luck.

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