This document provides an overview of diamonds, including their history, formation, types, mining, and cutting/polishing processes. It discusses how diamonds formed deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure. It outlines the early history of diamonds in India and their various uses. The document details the major types of diamonds including pink, white, champagne, and yellow varieties. It describes the two main mining methods - pipe mining which extracts diamonds from volcanic pipes and alluvial mining from riverbeds. Finally, it summarizes the multi-step cutting and polishing process to transform rough diamonds into brilliant gemstones.

1. Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Diamond
A. History of Diamonds
 Early History
 The Dark Ages
 The Middle Ages
 Recent Times
B. Types of Diamonds
1. Pink Diamonds
2. White Diamonds
3. Champagne Diamonds
4. Pink Champagne Diamonds
5. Yellow Diamonds
6. Blue Diamonds
7. Green Diamonds
C. Mining Diamonds
1). Pipe Mining
2). Alluvial Mining
D. Diamond Cutting and Polishing
1). Diamond Cutting
2). Diamond Polishing
III. Conclusion
IV. Reference

2. I. Introduction
Diamonds are decidedly one of the most highly valued and fascinating precious gems and
considered by all people across the globe as nature's unique gift to mankind. It is interesting to
know diamonds evolved - millions of years ago in pockets of carbon dioxide that existed deep
beneath the Earth's crust. Tremendous heat and pressure combined to cause the carbon atoms to
crystallize forming diamonds and the intermittent volcanic eruptions brought the diamonds up to
the surface.
Diamonds originate from two types of deposits - Primary deposits that consist of
diamond-bearing pipes of a volcanic rock called Kimberlite. From deep inside the earth, these
deposits were carried to the surface as molten rock called as magma. The secondary deposits,
also referred to as alluvial, were formed as a result of erosion of material from primary deposits.
They are said to contain diamonds that have traveled away from their original source.
Even though world diamond production has tripled since 1980, diamonds continue to be a
scarce resource. Geologists are using extensive methods in diamond exploration, including
satellite surveys, reconnaissance sampling and drilling in the ground.It is the chemical and
physical properties of this mineral that give it the superior cutting ability for industrial use.
However, many people expect a diamond to be unbreakable. This is not true. A
diamond's crystal structure has "hard" and "soft" directions. A blow of sufficient force, in a very
exact direction, can crack, chip, split or even shatter a diamond.

3. II. DIAMONDS
Diamonds have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are the hardest, the most
imperishable, and the brilliant of all precious stones. The word "diamond" comes from the Greek
word adamas, meaning "unconquerable".
A diamond is a transparent gem made of carbon, one of the earth's most common
elements. The formation of diamonds began very early in the earth's history, when the
condensation of solid matter into a sphere caused the Centre of the planet to become subjected to
incredible extremes of temperatures and pressure.
It was these conditions that caused deposits of carbon to begin to crystallize deep in the
earth. As the earth's surface cooled, volcanic activity forced streams of magna (liquid rock) to the
surface, carrying with it the diamond crystals. Later, the diamond-bearing rock hardened,
encasing the diamonds in vertical volcanic "pipes". But not all diamonds are found where they
first came to the surface. Subsequent erosion of the topsoil over millions of years washed some
of the diamonds into streams and rivers, and sometimes as far away as the sea. It is highly
probable that they were first discovered in areas such as these, far away from their original
location.
The atomic structure of a diamond gives it the property of being the hardest substance
known to man, natural or synthetic. The diamond is thousands of times harder than corundum,
the next hardest substance from which rubies and sapphires are formed. Even after many years of
constant wear, diamonds will preserve their sharp edges and corners when most other stones will
have become worn and chipped.

4. A. History Of Diamonds
From myths about valleys of diamonds protected by snakes, to the production of millions
of carats in rough diamonds each year, the history of diamonds is one of mystical power, beauty
and commercial expertise.
 Early History
The first recorded history of the diamond dates back some 3,000 years to India, where it
is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract light. In those days, the
diamond was used in two ways-for decorative purposes, and as a talisman to ward off evil or
provide protection in battle.
 The Dark Ages
The diamond was also used for some time as medical aid. One anecdote, written during
the Dark Ages by St Hildegarde, relates how a diamond held in the hand while making a sign of
the cross would heal wounds and cure illnesses. Diamonds were also ingested in the hope of
curing sickness. During the early Middle Ages, Pope Clement unsuccessfully used this treatment
in a bid to aid his recovery.
 The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages more attention was paid to the worth of diamonds, rather than
the mystical powers surrounding them. Due to the heightened public awareness of the value of
diamonds, mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous. This was to prevent
the mineworkers swallowing the diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the mines.
The popularity of diamonds surged during the Middle Ages, with the discovery of many
large and famous stones in India, such as the Koh-I-Noor and the Blue Hope. Today India
maintains the foremost diamond polishing industry in the world.

5. As the Indian diamond supply dwindled, smaller finds occurred in Borneo and Brazil, but
these were not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for diamonds. The mid-nineteenth
century discovery of diamonds near the Orange River in South Africa sparked the world's
biggest diamond rush, and helped to satiate the world's increasing appetite for diamonds.
 Recent Times
During the mid-nineteenth century, diamonds were also being discovered in eastern
Australia. However, it was not until late 1970's, after seven years of earnest searching, that
Australia's alleged potential as a diamond producer was validated. On October 2nd 1979,
geologists found the Argyle pipe near Lake Argyle: the richest diamond deposit in the world.
Since then, Argyle has become the world's largest volume producer of diamonds, and alone is
responsible for producing over a third of the world's diamonds every year.

6. B. Types of Diamonds
1. Pink Diamonds
The pink diamond is the world's most rare and valuable diamond.The Argyle mine is the
world's foremost source of unrivalled intense pink diamonds, producing 95% of the world's
supply. However, an extremely small proportion of Argyle Diamonds production is Pink colour,
in fact less than one tenth of 1% is classified Pink.
The legend of Argyle pink diamond has grown over the past ten years. At the 1989
Christie's auction in New York a 3.14 carat Argyle pink sold for $1,510,000. Privately, Argyle
has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat.
For years the white diamond was considered the world's most beautiful diamond, until
the discovery of the Argyle mine heralded the arrival of the Argyle pink diamond. Never before
pink diamonds had displaying such intense shades of colourhad been seen. The natural colour
diamonds have in fact been around as long as the classical whites but in much smaller quantities
and never in great demand.
The Argyle pink diamond comes in shades ranging from delicate pastel rose to robust
raspberry and full-blooded purple-reds. The prices per carat are determined by the intensity of
colour. Argyle selects only its most vibrant pink diamonds for polishing at its head office in
Perth. There, the stones are polished in a wide range of cuts, such as round brilliant, marquise,
oval and pear, to enhance their natural beauty. Polished pink diamonds are available in the same
size ranges as traditional commercial sizes. Once a year, Argyle Diamonds issues a special
release of outstanding pink diamonds that are sold by special bids in the international and
invitation-only, Pink Diamond Tender.

7. 2. White Diamonds
White diamonds are produced by mines all over the world in a wide variety of shapes and
sizes.The white diamonds recovered from the Argyle mine are particularly brilliant and of high
quality.
White diamonds with secondary pink colour
The Argyle mine also produces white diamonds with secondary pink colour that
command a higher price per carat. In an effect similar to that described of pink champagne
diamonds, the white diamond will display slight to bold flashes of pink when viewed from the
top. A higher price is commanded for pink secondary colour depending on its depth and strength,
because pink is one of the most rare colours found in diamonds.
3. Champagne Diamonds
Champagne diamonds are naturally coloured diamonds that are produced in a wide range
of colours from light straw to rich cognac. The 4C's of colour, cut, clarity and carat weight apply
to coloured diamonds just as they do to colourless diamonds except the intensity of colour, not
lack of it, plays a greater part in the valuation.
Argyle Diamonds created the following scale specifically for champagne diamonds. The
diamonds are graded on a C1-C7 colour scale. C1 and C2 represent light champagne, C3 and C4
medium champagne, and C5 and C6 dark champagne. The fancy cognac diamond is graded C7.
4. Pink Champagne Diamonds
Attractive champagne diamonds with secondary pink colour are also available and
command a higher price per carat than champagne diamonds. These stones display slight to bold
flashes of pink in their fire.

8. Argyle Pink Champagne Diamonds are available in three ranges of shades, from light
pink champagne to medium and dark pink champagne.As pink is one of the rarest colours found
in diamonds, even secondary colours demand a higher price depending on depth and strength of
colour.
5. Yellow Diamonds
Fancy yellow diamonds come in a broad range of shades ranging from light yellow to a
rich canary colour.
A limited quantity of fancy yellow diamonds is recovered from the Argyle mine.
6. Blue Diamonds
Fancy blue diamonds are available in a wide range of shades, from the blue of the sky to
a more "steely" colour than sapphire.
A Limited quantity of fancy blue diamonds are recovered from the Argyle mine.
7. Green Diamonds
Fancy green diamonds are also available. Usually, penetration of the colour is not very
deep and is often removed during the fashioning of the stone.A limited quantity of fancy green
diamonds is recovered from the Argyle mine.

9. C. Mining Diamonds
Of all the diamonds mined in the world each year, less than half are gem quality; the rest
fall into two other main categories known as near-gem quality and industrial quality diamonds.
Gem quality diamonds display a high standard of excellence in quality and are used in jewelry.
The clarity of these diamonds ranges from flawless through to visible inclusions.
Near-gem quality diamonds represent those stones of a quality between gems and
industrial that in fact can be used as either depending on the individual stone. These stones have
clarity grades ranging from visible inclusions through to industrial.
Industrial quality diamonds are low quality or badly included stones and are suitable only
for industrial use; for example, they are used in dentist's drills and earthmoving equipment.
Diamonds are recovered by way of pipe or alluvial mining.
1). Pipe Mining
Pipe mining refers to the extraction of diamonds from volcanic pipes. Typically, a very
large area has to be covered. An average of 250 tonnes of ore must be mined in order to produce
a one-carat gem quality polished diamond.
In most countries, a diamond pipe mine is composed of kimberlite, or blue ground.
Initially kimberlite is dug from the surface of the pipes in rough opencast mining. Once the
surface deposits have been exhausted, shafts are sunk into the ground at the edge of the pipes,
and tunnels are driven into the deeper parts of the pipes. After the diamond-bearing rock is
brought to the surface, it is then transported to a screening plant where the diamonds are
separated from the host rock.

10. 2). Alluvial Mining
This process involves the extraction of diamonds from riverbeds or ocean beaches.
Millions of years ago, at the time the diamond pipes were formed, some diamonds were
weathered out of the pipes and carried great distances along rivers and even into oceans.
In order to extract these diamonds from beaches, a wall is built to hold back the surf. Up
to 25 metres of sand is bulldozed aside to reach the diamond-bearing level. Once reached, the
diamond-bearing earth is removed and transported to screening plants.
D. Diamond Cutting and Polishing
The history of diamond cutting and polishing has its origins in India, where it was
discovered a long time ago by Indian lapidaries that a diamond could be made to glisten simply
by grinding another diamond against it.
Nowadays the diamond and its powder play an important role in the cutting and polishing
of diamonds. Over time modern machinery has replaced traditional diamond cutting
tools.Diamond cutting and polishing requires anywhere from several hours to several months to
complete. During this process, a diamond will lose on average half of its original weight.
1). Diamond Cutting
As every diamond is different, a stone must first be carefully examined by the cutter and
then marked for cutting. Of all the cuts, the most popular is the round brilliant because of its
ability to give a stone the greatest possible brilliance and fire with the most minimal amount of
weight loss. The following cutting and polishing procedures uses the round brilliant cut as an
example.

11. The rough diamond is divided into two parts by sawing or cleaving. Most stones are sawn
across the "grain" (visible evidence of the diamond's crystal structure) by a paper-thin metal disc
coated with diamond dust revolving at high speed or by laser. The stones that are marked for
cleaving are split along the grain by a single blow from a steel blade.
After cleaving or sawing, the corners of the diamond are rounded off by a process known
as bruting or girdling (only round brilliant cuts require this step). The stone is cemented into a
"lathe", a holder that fits on a turning shaft. Another diamond is cemented to the end of a long
rod held under the bruter's arm. As the lathe rotates, the two diamonds are brought together and
grinded to shape. Diamond dust is produced from this action and is used in further sawing and
faceting.
The brilliant now has a girdle-a sort of rim at the widest part by which it is usually set.
The size or position of the girdle should not change throughout the rest of the diamond cutting
process.
2). Diamond Polishing
The polishing of the diamond begins; one by one, facets will be ground on to the stone. A
facet is the tiny plane or surface that traps the light and makes a diamond sparkle. Most diamond
cuts have 58 facets.The facets are applied to the diamond on a "turntable", made of porous iron,
which has been coated with diamond dust and oil. The diamond is set into a holder and held
against the turntable as it revolves at a very high speed.
A diamond has been cut well when its facets are clean, sharp, and symmetrical, and the
proportions above and below the girdle are correct. A diamond is correctly proportioned when
one-third of the total weight of the gem is above the girdle and two thirds below. A well-cut
diamond will be fiery, brilliant and beautiful.

12. III. Conclusion
A diamond is a transparent gem made of carbon, one of the earth's most common
elements. The formation of diamonds began very early in the Earth's history, when the centre of
the planet was subjected to incredible extremes of temperatures and pressure.
Since the small stone that makes up the small four tons are industrial diamond. Diamonds
are an ideal of mechanical parts that must resist wear and undergo a sudden temperature changes
and that must not change size, create friction or rust.
Diamond bearing are used in instruments for laboratoties. No friction is created when
rubbing them together because of their hardness.Some machines turn at 90 000 revolutions a
minute.No lubrications are needed even at this high speed to keep the bearing from wearing
away.The round point on the diamond needs to resist being worn down.In turn, it does not wear
out,it grooves on the record.The sound will stay true since the diamond does not rush.
IV. Reference
 http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/Diamond polishing.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond
 http://diamondmining.net/
 Jones, Kenneth L. Diamond Industry. New York: Harper and Row, 1989.
 Payne, Wayne A., et al. Diamond: Issues for Today. Boston: Mosby Year Book, 1991.
Project

13. In
English
Submitted by:
Deci R. Vidallo
IV- Aristotle
Submitted to:
Mrs. Cheryl D. Villanueva
Teacher