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Sunday, May 2, 2010

History of Diamond


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 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.
Natural History :
When carbon or carbon bearing materials are exposed to high temperature and pressure for an extended period of time, diamonds are formed. Deep within the Earth, there are areas that are thermodynamically favorable for the formation of diamonds, due to the high temperature and pressure found in these regions. Starting approximately 90 miles under the continental crust, with a pressure of 5 gigapascals and a temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius, diamonds are formed. Diamonds tend to grow larger under oceanic crust, after long periods of exposure to the high pressures and temperatures found there.

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