Diamond

A diamond is forever, the hardest mineral on earth which is combined with exceptional luster and brilliant fire, has made it most highly prized of all gems. Pure colorless diamonds are most popular but other colors are also famous- from yellow and brown to green, pink, red grey and black.

Hardness:-10.0

Appearance:
Diamonds most commonly occur as isolated crystals. In most cases it is colorless. Diamonds with definite color are extremely rare. Its luster, depending on reflection from both the inner and outer surfaces of the light incident on the table and the crown, is greater than that of other gemstones, due to its high refractive index, which facilitates total internal reflection and its exceptional hardness, enabling it to acquire a similar degree of polish. The most famous cut is the round, brilliant type, which displays the special quality of the stone.  All other shapes are also cut like oval, emerald cut, marquise and pear. Old mine cut are also available. These are not properly shaped and depend on the creativity of the cutter. Rose cut diamonds or the flat diamonds are also very popular, generally in used in the old fashioned jewelry.

Occurrence:
Diamonds are formed at high temperature and at great pressure. It is a form of carbon. Before India and later Brazil were the main producers of the diamonds but now South Africa and Australia are the main producers of diamond. Diamonds are also found in Botswana, Namibian, sierra-Leone, Zaire, former USSR, and Ghana. It also found in other parts of the world.

Value:
The most valuable gemstone is diamonds. They are the most highly prized stones. They are graded by four c’s color, cut, clarity, and carat (weight). The market value of diamond is determined by complex grading system which divides them into a wide range of different category.