History of Diamond Stone

Historically, the first diamonds were extracted 3,000 years ago in India. As they are only extracted from alluvial deposits (found on riverbanks), and because of their great beauty and extraordinary resistance, diamonds are an important symbol in many cultures. Indians call it the “fruit of the stars,” and deem it to come from sacred sources; it is also an object of worship in Bhuddism, Hinduism, and as part of both the mysticism of Jainism and Lamaism. It is thus primarily used as a religious ornament in these cultures.

It was during antiquity that diamonds gained their status as a precious stone in Egypt, Greece and ancient Rome, where its rarity and popularity made its value greatly increase. It is worn as an amulet protecting its bearer from poisons, and is symbolically associated with eternal love in Greek-Roman mythology. During this period, it was used in its raw form. Indeed, faceted diamonds did not appear until the middle of the 11th century, for fear that altering the gem’s appearance too greatly would remove its powers. It wasn’t until much later that the sharp edges of cut diamond that we know and love appeared.

In the Middle Ages, and later during the Renaissance, diamonds kept their reputation as a poison antidote. Diamond stone powder was called the “ultimate panacea” and was particularly prized by royalty and aristocracy. It was used at that time as an ornament and could be found on top of crowns, as a pendant, adorning symbolic objects of loyalty (regalia), or symbolising the “third eye” of the Maharajahs.

It was in the 18th century that diamond’s composition, which is primarily made up of carbon, was uncovered, and only in the 20th century was it synthesised for the first time. Diamonds then became an industrial material, and its global production now exceeds 100 tons per year.

As popular as ever, diamonds are today found on many types of jewellery for all dress codes and events. They are highly prized as much for their purity and rarity as for their delicate lines; white or colourful, transparent or opaque, French jewellers help to demystify diamonds and make them accessible to the general population, with or without inclusions.

Origin and Composition of Diamond Stone

Etymologically, the word diamond comes from the Latin diamas, ‘hard matter’ derived from the ancient Greek adamas: “unbreakable.” Initially meaning “indomitable mind,” this term later referred to the strongest metals, in which the Greek gods would have forged their weapons and instruments. It is generally referred to as “diamond” in the English-speaking world.

Deposits and Production

Diamond was produced exclusively in India and the Borneo region from its discovery until the 16th century. Later, it was Brazilian diamonds that became established on the Western market until the end of the 19th century. South African deposits were later discovered, and since then, the majority of diamonds have come from Africa.
The main producers of diamonds on the market today are Botswana, Australia, Russia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Together they produce around 73% of global production.

Composition

Diamonds are a metastable form of carbon under normal pressure and temperature conditions. Its molar mass is 12.02 g mol−1 with a density of 3520 kg/m3. Diamonds (without structural modifications) withstand a temperature of 1700 °C in a neutral atmosphere without oxygen. Exceeding this, they morph into graphite; on contact with the air, a temperature of 700 °C will suffice for their transformation. Diamond’s ignition point is between 720 °C and 800 °C in the oxygen, and between 850 °C and 1000 °C in the air.

Hardness

There is no natural material that is harder than diamond, even though its hardness depends on its purity. Diamond’s purity corresponds to an atomic structure characterised by a very particular orientation of the carbon atoms of which it is made up of. Diamond’s hardness is one of the primary characteristics that contribute to its popularity. Unlike many other minerals, it resists scratches and can therefore be worn on a daily basis without tainting the quality of its polish. Diamond stone is thus the perfect gem for engagement rings or wedding rings, as well as for any jewel worn on a daily basis as it is impossible to damage.

Coloured Diamonds

The carat

This is the weight measuring unit used for gems. Carat measurement surfaced during the 20th century, and was used to determine the price of gems. Of equal quality, the value of a diamond is proportional to its weight, which also depends on its density, i.e. the pressure exerted on the gem whilst it was buried. The denser a diamond is, the heavier it is, and thus the greater its value: up to tens of millions of euros.

The Colour

Naturally coloured diamonds are classified by the jeweller in terms of intensity. To characterise a coloured diamond, the terms “fancy light”, “fancy”, “fancy intense”, or “vivid fancy” are used to denote the weakest colour to the deepest. For example, a vivid fancy red is a naturally red diamond with a particularly deep tone. The naturally coloured diamonds available on today’s market are:

• Pink diamonds: their hue varies from pastel pink to deep ‘raspberry’. Feminine, delicate, romantic, they are extremely rare, and come primarily from Australia.
• Yellow diamonds: they are extremely bright and capture the sun’s rays. These diamonds are very popular and the most beautiful among them come from South Africa.
• Blue diamonds: they are very rare, and their hue varies from sky blue to deep ocean blue. They come primarily from South Africa and India.
• Green diamonds: these are the rarest naturally coloured diamonds and the most highly prized by gem lovers. Their hue can vary from light mint to deep prairie green. These are primarily found in South Africa.
• Orange diamonds: these feature a bright and solar aura, their hues range from light orange to blood orange, and contain shades of brown, yellow or pink. These come primarily from African mines.
• Grey diamonds: these are exceedingly rare and have a silver tint; amateurs may confuse them with colourless diamonds.
• Brown diamonds: their hue range from light champagne to deep cognac. They come from South Africa, Siberia and Australia.
• Red diamonds: these are extremely rare and precious and are a deep pink colour. Until today, only a few small red diamonds have been extracted (of a few millimetres); the largest of these is the “Moussaieff Red Shield” which weighs just over a gram.
• Purple diamonds: very rare and precious and also very small, these are primarily found in Siberia.
• Violet diamonds: very rare and particularly small (rarely exceeding a carat) – these come from the Argyle mine in Australia.
• Olive diamonds: a blend of yellow and green, occasionally with a touch of brown or grey.

There are transparent natural diamonds and opaque varieties; Whilst the shades described above are characteristic of natural gems, you may also find fluorescent, yellow, purple, green or red synthetic diamonds on the market.

Litho Therapeutic Properties of Diamond Stone

Diamond Stone’s Mental Benefits

• Diamond is a mineral that resonates deeply with the Crown chakra (seventh chakra) located at the top of the head. It connects you to cosmic forces, to your own spirituality, allowing you easy access to the subtle energies that flow through the universe. According to yogis, diamonds energy aligns the individual with the vibrations of your heart, brain and the “etheric” body. It is therefore one of the most highly recommended minerals to accompany people during cosmic meditations.
• The diamond was deemed to make its possessor invincible, particularly in battle. It is for this reason that Napoleon consistently carried a large diamond on him. Diamond was considered to have protective properties and the power to reflect negative energies whether from black magic practitioners or malevolent beings. According to legend, only diamonds which were acquired honestly would act in the possessors interest. If it is carried by a person of bad character, such as a criminal, diamond can turn its energy against its owner.
• It has an incredible absorption capacity, and is considered both a powerful energy emitter and a highly efficient receiver.
• It therefore allows us to communicate with our highest selves but also with the more powerful and mysterious universal forces.
• Diamond stone promotes harmony both within ourselves, and with our partners. It offers foresight and clarity of mind, thereby dissolving anxieties, tension and blockages. The body and mind are calmed and aligned, allowing the development of the clairvoyant abilities present in each of us.
• Diamonds can develop one’s abilities of channelling, meditation, relaxation, telepathy and premonitory dreams.
• By allowing us to get in touch with our inner selves, it allows us to remember the memories of the earliest days of our lives. It is therefore the perfect mineral for those who have cut themselves off from memories and emotions related to early childhood.

Diamond Stone’s Physical Benefits

• In all of diamonds myths and legends, it is attributed incredible healing properties.
• In Hinduism, this gem is described as a mediator whose vibrations would have a positive effect on all organs of the body, particularly the body and brain.
• Since its discovery in India 3,000 years ago, the belief that diamonds can neutralise poisons has remained. It also protects its owner from nightmares, limiting excessive worries and preventing the formation of body stones. The powder of pure and flawless diamonds is also, according to Indian doctors of ancient times, a powerful remedy, guaranteeing strength, energy, beauty, longevity and good health to the one who consumes it. On the other hand, consuming powder from an impure or flawed diamond was considered to have negative effects, promoting the development of various diseases.
• Diamond is also linked to motherhood: green diamond rings were used by Hindus to ease labour pains.
• According to modern litho therapists, it is not advisable to wear a diamond belonging to someone else or a synthetic or poor quality gem. It is therefore preferable to acquire a natural diamond from an approved supplier. Diamonds are known to promote good health in the long term: it is said that drinking a glass of “diamond” water (water that has let diamond jewellery sit overnight) each day is beneficial. Their properties are similar to those of white quartz; in particular, they can be used to purify other minerals.
• Diamonds reduce symptoms of stress and offers calming qualities. It is known to strengthen the muscular system and detoxify the body.