10 things you didn't know about diamonds
There are so many fascinating facts about diamonds
. There is a lot more to them than the diamond rings we see in jewellery stores and the elaborate diamond jewellery worn by Hollywood's celebrities. We have been told many times that diamonds are a girls best friend. But what are some of the fascinating things about diamonds we don't already know? Here we listed our pick of the top ten interesting facts about our beloved diamonds:
Only 20 percent of mined diamonds are cut and sold as whole diamonds
The rest of the diamonds that are mined are crushed into diamond powder which is used in the metal of drills, saws and knives. The best sandpaper cover is diamond powder.
Almost all natural pink diamonds are found in only one country
Australia is where the majority of all natural pink diamonds are mined.
All of Australia's pink diamonds are found in only one place
These are found in Australia's Argyle Mine.
The word diamond translates literally into 'indestructible'
We all know diamonds are a hard stone, but the word diamond literally does translate into the word 'indestructible.'
The word itself comes from the Greek term, 'adamas.' For those who know and love X Men, it is said that Adamas is at the heart of 'adamantium' the made up alloy in X-Men Wolverine's body.
Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth
Diamonds literally are one of the hardest substances known to man.
Dentist drills are a popular place for diamonds to go
It is fair to say that you probably have had diamonds in your mouth on a number of occasions as dentists drills are made up at least partly of diamond powder.
"Carats" actually refer to a diamond's equivalent weight in carob seeds
Diamonds are measured in carats. This term comes from the Greek word for 'carob seed.' Diamonds were actually measured against their equivalent weight in carob seeds.
Diamonds cut before 1950 are shaped differently from most diamonds cut since then
It wasn't until the 1950's that the 'Antwerp Cut' was developed. They found a shallower geometry which in turn distributed more light through the diamond and therefore more sparkle.
You can be a real diamond miner for a day in Canada
In Canada there are two mines you can visit and look for diamonds. They will pay you for what you find. They are the Diavik and Ekati mines. They are difficult to get it to, but worth the journey.
A diamond typically loses 35 percent of its weight when it is cut
A diamond loses its weight when the facets are cut, which are needed to make the light pass through the diamond, making it reflect light and sparkle.
There is so much more to diamonds than dazzling engagement rings and the perfect pair of earrings. A lot more goes into creating diamonds than one would initially think. I hope our list of fun facts has given you some insight into the lives of diamonds, and the many uses for them across the world.
10 things you didn't know about diamonds
By: Deepak Khurana
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