Diamond Facts

Did you know?

• Diamond is the hardest substance known.
• Diamond is carbon in its most concentrated form. Carbon is the chemical element that is fundamental to all life.
• Diamonds can form in most of Earth's interior but not near its surface.
• The name Diamond is derived from the Greek word adamas, meaning invincible.
• Diamonds can be found in a variety of colors, such as light blue, green, yellow, brown, milky white, pink, violet, and red.
• Today diamonds are mined in about 25 countries, on every continent but Europe and Antarctica. Places like Africa, Australia, Canada, Russia, Venezuela, Brazil, India, and the United States.
• Eighty percent of the diamonds mined annually are used in industry.
• Diamonds are used for multiple industrial purposes. Like the cutting edge on drills and other tools.
• The largest cut diamond weighs 530.20 carats, and has 74 facets. It is known as the Cullinan 1 or The Star of Africa. It is set in the scepter of King Edward VII.
• Microscopic diamonds are fairly common in space, where they may be the result of exploding stars or supernovas.