Diamonds are stunning, mysterious and rare. They reach us after a long journey starting deep down in the earth as carbon put under enormous pressure and temperature. Molten rock called magma carry them to the surface and they are found within tubes or pipes as they are known of volcanic rock, in this instance named kimberlite. Sometimes these are worn away by weathering and the diamonds will reappear within alluvial deposits at times a great distance from their original source.
Diamond production has grown over the last one hundred and fifty years, nevertheless the gem is still a rare commodity. Diamond producing countries include Botswana, Canada, Namibia, Russia, South Africa, Australia, and Tanzania.
Diamonds that come from the volcanic pipes require open pit or underground mining operations whilst those found in alluvial deposits employ different techniques that uncover diamonds in riverbed and marine locations. In either instance enormous investment and skill is required.
By Moti Israeli
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