Tough Beauty

The True Value of Diamonds

Not only are diamonds one of the most expensive minerals in the world, they are among the most valuable substances on Earth overall, and there are many reasons for this fact. Diamonds possess the, apparently, largely sought-for characteristics of durability, rarity, brilliance, and fire. The largest reasons for the conceived value of diamonds are actually brilliant marketing by De Beers company and the controlled supply of the mineral (International Gem Society). To set the facts straight, diamonds are not the rarest of materials, nor are they the most expensive gems, nor are they rated the best in terms of aesthetics, but they are valuable in their own right. The marketing of diamonds can be discussed in further detail, but for this time, only the geological aspects of the diamonds’ value will be discussed.

Men have, throughout the ages, ridiculed women for having diamonds be regarded as their best friend; tiny, shiny, feminine, pieces of compressed carbon. Shallow. On the other hand, Men have dogs as their best friends; brilliant, empathetic, and proven life-saving (relatively) civilized tetrapods. What these judgemental men might not know is that Diamonds are literally the toughest things in the world! On the scale of hardness known as the Mohs scale, Diamonds are at the top of the food chain, sitting at a hardness level of 10. To be specific, this means that diamonds can scratch any and all other substances known to men. In addition, nothing can scratch and cut diamonds besides other diamonds. The hardness of the diamond is due to the molecular structure of diamonds; they are made of “carbon atoms linked together in a diamond lattice structure. Forming a tetrahedral unit, each carbon atom is covalently bonded with four other carbon atoms” (Structure and Property). This bonding results in an incredibly strong molecule. Diamonds have such spectacular properties of strength that scientists in Penn State University have researched for nearly a century, and finally discovered, a method to “produce ultra-thin [, ultra-strong], diamond nanothreads that has a wide array of practical uses” (Penn State, 2014). In other words, if a German Shepherd attempted to bite, scratch, and chew at a piece of diamond, the only thing that might be damaged, is the poor dog’s teeth and nails, which on the mohs scale sits at a 5 and a 2.5 respectively (Mohs Scale of Hardness). 

Moreover, diamonds are “virtually fireproof” as they are able to withstand 700 degrees celsius, whereas house fires usually measure about 600 degrees celsius (Gemology Institute of America Inc.). So, think twice before underestimating the manliness of these seemingly feeble, less-tough-than-tough-than-dogs, minerals. The beauty of diamonds coupled with its durability makes it the perfect artefact to be a long-lasting representative for cherished memories; and that is invaluable.

Hardness is definitely one factor of why diamonds are so valuable, but there are still many more reasons to discuss. Rarity is one of these reasons. All gems, including diamonds, are rare as they only “compose a small fraction of the Earth” (International Gem Society). Approximately 26,000 kg of diamonds are mined annually. In total, only 900,000 kg of diamonds have been mined since the beginning of the diamond-mining trend in the 1870s. However, only 20% of that are of “true gem-quality”. Due to diamonds’ rarity, they are priced at approximately $13,600 per carat (each carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams) (International Gem Society). The huge price tag is mostly as a result of the limited players in the industry and the brilliant marketing and mystery attached to the diamond industry. That is a story for another day. Nevertheless, diamonds are not, by any means, common, and they are undeniably, valuable gems.

I am from the beautiful country of Indonesia, and in the indonesian language, diamonds actually translate to berlian. Punch berlian into Google translate and you will find that it also means shine, sparkle, and brilliance. No surprise. Brilliance is another trait that really increases the value of diamonds, although, similar to its rarity, diamonds are not the most brilliant gemstone in the world. Nevertheless, again like its rarity, it is extremely brilliant in its own right. Diamonds’ exceptional brilliance is caused by its cutting and its very high refractive index; a 2.41 (Diamond 4Cs Education). This means that light travels 2.41 times slower in diamond than it does in a vacuum. The high level of the bending of light results in the great shine and sparkle that, not only women, but all people have come to know, love, and value.

Other than the magnificent brilliance of a carat of diamond, diamonds are also known for their fire, also known as light dispersion. A gemstone’s fire is its ability to separate white light into the rainbow’s many colours. Diamond has “a really high dispersion of .044” (Gemology Institute of America Inc.). Colour is a huge aspect of aesthetic value and there is something really special about a diamond’s emission of a colourful spectrum out of its colourless self.

Diamonds have been the poster boys of “value” for many generations, worn on the hands of many iconic media personalities such as the likes of Marilyn Monroe. Diamonds are incredibly strong, aesthetically amazing, and very precious. Its chemical and physical properties deem the gemstone to be a timely piece of undying value. Although diamonds may not be the best and brightest of all the gemstones, what they represent in the lives of the human race far outweighs its physical value. Through it all, diamonds have, regardless of their price tag, have in the minds of the people, become utterly priceless.

Bibliography

Are diamonds really rare? Myths and misconceptions about diamonds - International Gem Society IGS. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://www.gemsociety.org/article/are-diamonds-really-rare/

Diamond 4Cs Education - Introduction. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://gia4cs.gia.edu/en-us/the-diamond-4-cs.htm

Diamond: Fun Facts - Gemology Institute of America Incorporated (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-diamond-fun-facts

Mohs Scale of Hardness. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://www.gemologyonline.com/mohs.html

Penn State. (2014, September 21). Smallest possible diamonds form ultra-thin nanothreads. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 21, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140921145118.htm

Structure and Property. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://www.info-diamond.com/polished/characteristic.html