Black diamonds
Diamonds are white rather colorless, but black diamonds are unique and they have a special significance of their own. They do not have the sheen and luster of the white stones, yet they have the majesty and charm which is unmatched. These diamonds have been promoted and marketed recently. They are less preferred compared to the original diamonds because of the less attractiveness and for other obvious reasons.
Why are these Diamonds Black?
Generally the diamonds get the color from the impurities imprisoned inside the stone. The more the impurity is present in the stone the less the clarity. Black Diamonds also have tiny inclusions in them. These inclusions or impurities are predominantly the iron oxide minerals magnetite and hematite along with native iron itself. These iron inclusions can even make the diamonds magnetic.
Where are these diamonds found?
The black diamonds are found in the mines of Brazil and Central Africa. They are called as Carbonado. They occur as porous and compact pieces in the mines. The less flawless and denser ones can be polished yet their look is rather irregular. Some stones even appear to be grey or dark grey rather than black making them look less attractive.
Now let us see how these beautiful stones originated.
Theories of origin
Some say the black diamonds have originated due to direct conversion of carbon under high pressure. However this hypothesis is proved wrong because if the diamonds were formed due to high pressure on the carbon then they should be found all over the world why are they found only in specific places.
Others say that these diamonds were formed due to shock induced by a meteorite striking the earth. Such effect is said to create hexagonal diamonds within the mines. Rarely these black diamonds are hexagonal. Hence this theory also was disapproved.
Radiation from the fission of uranium and thorium can induce the formation of these diamonds. These radiations are too small to create diamonds. Hence this theory also was disproved.
Some scientists believe that these diamonds were formed when meteorites crashed on the earth?s surface. These meteorites were formed during a supernova explosion and they struck the earth when the African and American continent had not separated. This theory also proves that as these diamonds are porous and air or any gas cannot be trapped inside diamonds at such depths the only way is that they were formed in hydrogen rich interstellar space.
Mystic Value
There are many mysteries and myth surrounding these magnificent stones. In Indian mythology because they look like the eyes of the serpent they were dedicated to Yama- the God of death, whereas in ancient Italy it was considered as a stone of reconciliation. The tough of the black diamond had the power of patching up all the misunderstandings between warring couple.
The cursed black diamond
The Black Orlov or the Eye of the Brahma was removed by a monk from the idol of Hindu Diety Brahma from a shrine in Pondicherry in South India. It weights 195 carats. This removal was considered a sacrilege and all the future owners of the diamond died violent deaths. The former owners, Princess Nadia Vyegin-Orlov and Princess Leonila Galitsine-Bariatinsky jumped to death in 1947. Later J.W. Paris imported the stone to U.S. after 15 years; he too jumped to death from New York?s tallest buildings after the sale of the diamond.
In order to break the curse of the diamond it was cut into three stones, henceforth the owners have not been affected by the curse of the stone. The 67.5-carat Black Orlov is set in a 108-diamond brooch suspended from a 124-diamond necklace and has been displayed in the Natural History Museum Diamonds exhibition.
Famous Black Diamonds
Black Diamonds have enthralled people all the world over. Many of these gemstones have become so famous that they have made history. The Pearl Shaped Amsterdam Diamond was so named on the occasion of Amsterdam?s 700th anniversary. It weighs around 55.85 carats.
The Black Diamond of Brazil is also famous. This stone weights 359 carats and is famous for its unpolished rugged look. The Black Star of Africa is considered the largest colored diamond in the world. It weights 202 carats and is valued 1.2 million US Dollars.
Use of Black Diamond in Jewelry
Black Diamonds were used only for industrial purpose. In 1990s some Avant grad jeweler started using black diamonds in jewelry and the fashion started. Now black diamonds are used in combination with colorless diamonds to make jewelry. Artificial irradiation technique is used to make the diamonds glitter. These irradiated diamonds glitter with green color in transmitted light.
Fashion and Design Options
The modern craze for black diamonds is due to its unusual beauty and charm. They are combined with white gold or platinum. They are teamed with other colored gemstones or white diamond which accentuates the beauty of the gems. The various types of jewelry made with the black diamonds include:
1. Rings
2. Ear Rings
3. Pendants
4. Chains
5. Bracelets
The Stores which sell the valued diamond jewelry are:
1. generousgems.com
2. diamonds.goldenmine.com
3. jewelinfo4u.com
4. mysolitaire.com
Thus many a time we think that only white diamonds are beautiful. Black diamonds have made a mark for themselves with their mystic charm and elegance that they are valued more than the white or colorless ones. Let us celebrate their beauty by buying them and wearing these jewels.
Other Articles
