Bens+Page+On+Diamonds

Diamond Creations
Diamonds are minerals that are created in high pressure and high temperature environments; most diamonds originate from over 140 to 190 Kilometers under the earths surface, in the lithosphere, and are then brought to the surface of the earth due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It requires somewhere between 15 and 60 kilobars of pressure and 900-1300°C. Diamonds are then mined out of rocks.

Diamonds Properties
Diamonds are the hardest mineral and naturally made substance known to man. The name "Diamond" comes from the fact that the ancient humans knew of there hardness. The hardest of diamonds can only be scratched by other Diamonds

There are researches being conducted to test diamonds magnetic properties. Diamonds are also clear, colorless, crystals.

Diamonds Uses By Man
The first diamonds were originally mined in ancient India, and used as religious icons. But the demand for diamonds boomed in the 19th century as techniques for polishing and cutting them advanced. Diamonds became a luxury object by the 20th century. Most diamonds are used in jewelry and religious symbols. But some diamonds are used for industrial purposes. This makes two types of categories for diamonds. **Commercial** and **Industrial**.

Commercial
As stated above, Commercial diamonds are known as gemstones and are sold worldwide by Jewelry stores and suppliers and are used as jewelry or religious symbols. However, some controversy has arisen for people who buy and wear diamonds. This controversy is caused because of militia groups in central and western African countries, such as Liberia, The Congo, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The Diamonds that are being fought over in these countries are refered to as "//Blood Diamonds".// Currently the largest seller of diamonds world-wide is Russia, selling an average of 38,000,000 carats per year. This, however, is not Russia's chief export. Diamonds that are being sold as gemstones are favored by being rated on their luster, cutness grade, and color.


 * Industrial**

Industrial diamonds are often used because of there hardness and heat resistance. In 1797 Smithson Tennant proved a theory that said that Diamonds magnified by the suns rays can create carbon dioxide, beginning the Industrial trade of diamonds. 570 million carats are often used for Industrial purposes. Industrial diamonds are usually used for high pressure experiments, high-performance bearings, and small use in specialized windows. Diamonds are being considered as material to make microchips.