Diamonds… they’re beautiful, timeless, and ultra-sparkly. But how much do you really know about these girls’-best-friends? We’re not talking about the 4 Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat) or how to choose the perfect diamond for your ring. We’re talking about those little-known facts about them. Let’s go over some fun facts about diamonds that you may not know! 

Diamonds are super strong…

Not only are diamonds super beautiful, they’re also super strong, which is what makes diamond jewelry so popular. They’re a 10 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. he only thing that can cut through a diamond is another diamond! In fact, the word diamond derives from the Greek word “adamas,” which means invincible. Tools to cut diamonds use finely ground diamond powder to help chisel and polish these gems to perfection. 

…but not indestructible! 

Diamonds can be broken (of course, how else would we get such beautifully carved gemstones) and scratched by other diamonds. A diamond with lots of natural inclusions (imperfections within the diamond) will not be as strong as a diamond graded as flawless.

Most concentrated form of carbon

Diamond is the most concentrated form of pure carbon in the natural world in addition to being the strongest mineral on Earth. Believe it or not, graphite (often nicknamed “lead”) used in pencils is made of 100 percent carbon, just like diamonds. The crystals are arranged in a different way though, making graphite opaque and soft enough to crush with moderate pressure, very different from diamonds!

Diamonds have… special powers?!

Throughout time, people have believed that different stones hold different special powers within. Diamonds were no exception. The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that diamonds were tears cried by the gods or splinters from falling stars. In the Middle Ages, people believed diamonds had the power to heal illnesses and other complaints like fatigue. Several ancient cultures believed that diamonds imparted bravery and strength upon the wearer. Kings of old were known to ride into battle wearing diamonds for this very reason! While today we know these things aren’t exactly true, we think diamonds do hold some power… the power of love!

Diamonds are truly timeless

When we say diamonds are timeless, we’re not simply referring to the fact that they’re classic, long-lasting, or have been loved throughout the centuries. Diamonds are believed to have been formed billions (yes, billions!!) of years ago. They form about 100 miles beneath the Earth’s crust when carbon atoms bond due to enormous pressure and heat. Through volcanic eruptions, they’re brought to the surface of the Earth. Bet you won’t look at your diamonds the same way now!

Mega diamonds

The biggest diamond ever found was the Cullinan diamond, found in 1905 in South Africa. It was given to King Edward. Weighing in at a whopping 1.33 pounds, or 3106 carats, it produced 9 large diamonds and 100 smaller ones. Several of the diamonds from this original mega 

diamond are currently on display as part of the Crown Jewels.

Diamonds come in all sorts of colors

Diamonds come in many colors, including pink, yellow, blue, red, green, and black. Colored diamonds contain impurities or structural defects that result in the coloration. Natural colored diamonds are extremely rare. So rare, in fact, that the ratio of colorless diamonds to colored diamonds is said to be 1 to 10,000. As can be expected, that makes them quite expensive. Perhaps the most famous colored diamonds is the Hope Diamond, a grayish blue diamond of 45.52 carats. Red diamonds are the rarest…with only about 20 known red diamonds in existence. 

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about diamonds! For more diamond facts, check out our blog section on the Maytal Hannah website. Let Maytal Hannah design the perfect handmade custom ring for you today!