Properties
Mineral group: Carbon crystallized
Chemistry: C
Color: Colorless white, brown, yellow and rarely green, blue, red, orange and black
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Mohs Scale hardness: 10
Refractive index: 2,417-2,419
Birefringence: 0
Specific gravity: 3,5-3,53
Information
Possibilities for Confusion
CZ, Zircon, Goshenite, Danburite and many other white/coloured varities of other gemstones. There are many simultantss where mossainite is most dangerously near diamond in physical properties.
Treatments
There are various techniques for treating Diamonds. A common and accepted method is colour treatment by exposing diamonds to radiation, called irradiation. This method gives stronger and more even colour. Black diamonds are often treated with this method to give them an even black colour. The term for this is ‘colour enhanced’. The term ‘fancy’ is often used for coloured diamonds. Opinions vary on the correctness of using this term in reference to colour enhanced diamonds.
Naturally coloured diamonds in the ‘fancy’ category such as blue, red, pink and other clear colours are incredibly rare and very expensive, often more expensive than high quality white diamonds. Colour enhanced diamonds are inexpensive in comparison. Colour enhanced diamonds have an even colour that penetrates the whole gem.
All our diamonds under the category ‘Colored’ are treated in this way.
Another important treatment method for diamonds is clarity enhancement. One way is to cut small holes with a laser to remove inclusions and then filling these with glass or other material. This treatment will lower the value of the gem stone.
As far as synthetic diamonds are concerned, they was rare on the market until reacently. Nowdays it is common with syntetic diamonds of all sizes, qualities and colours. Usually they are refered to as "Lab Grown Diamonds". We in Riddgem therefore nowdays purchase only from established distributors in Antwerpen. Who can garantee natural produced diamonds within Kimberley Process. And therefore approved according to EU:s regulations 2368/2002 There are also so called ‘simultants’ which can be Zircon, Cubic Zirconia amongst others. These are easily identifiable with instruments and density measurement.
Instruments for ID
The usual method to test diamonds are done by using so called diamondtesters, for example Presidium. This instruments is avaliable for both diamonds when use conductivity (heat leading) and as combination instrument wich also test mossainite (electricity leading).
Deposits
Diamonds are not so rare as one can think, in fact there is many deposits. Very wellknown are the deposits of south and west africa, Also central africa have huge deposits of diamonds. Furthermore there are main deposits of diamonds in Australia, Russia and Canada.
Miscellaneous
Riddgems description of clarity and colour for diamonds
Clarity scale for Diamonds:
FL-IF = Flawless-Internally flawless; Perfect - free from inclusions
VVS1-VVS2 = Very, very slight inclusions; Small inclusions. Hardly visible in 10X loupe by professional
VS1-VS2 = Very slight inclusions; Small inclusions, visible in 10X loupe by professional but not untrained non-prfessional
SI1-SI3 = Slightly included; Slight inclusions visible with 10x lupp - clearly visible inclusions with 10x lupp.
I1 (Pique1) = Included; Inclusions barely visible with the naked eye
I2 (Pique2) = Included; Prominent inclusions clearly visible to the naked eye that reduce the luster significantly.
I3 (Pique3) = Included; Very prominent inclusion that reduce the overall lustre significantly.
NOTE! Gemstones in category SI1 through I1 are beautiful gemstones and excellent value for jewellry, in our opinion..
Whiteness rating of Diamonds:
D-E = River. Perfect, colourless white.
F-G = Top Wesselton. Almost colourless white
H = Wesselton. Very fine, white. Only trained professional will see the difference to the above
I= Top Crystal. Fine white slight colour, hardly visible to untrained non-professional.
J-K= Crystal, White with slight colour, visible when compared to category F-I.
L= Top Cape, Slightly coloured but obviously coloured when compared to white category F-I.
M-N = Cape. Obviously coloured.
O-R = Slightly light yellow.
Read / learn more about Diamonds
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Diamond in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
The diamond is one of the most powerful and symbolic crystals and has a variety of unique healing properties. Representing purity, clarity and high energy, it is believed to have a powerful effect on both body, mind and spirit. Here are some of the diamond's most prized healing properties:
1. Promotes Clarity and Purity
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The diamond is known to enhance mental clarity, helping the wearer to think more clearly and make more informed decisions. It helps clear the mind of negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.
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Ideal for helping the wearer see things for what they are, it promotes a sense of clarity that facilitates a deeper understanding of both oneself and one's surroundings.
2. Strengthens Self-esteem and Personal Power
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The diamond is connected to the crown chakra and promotes a sense of inner strength and self-confidence. It helps the wearer get in touch with their authentic self and supports personal development and self-esteem.
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The diamond enhances personal power and courage, making it especially valuable for those who want to increase their self-confidence and sense of being in control of their life.
3. Supports Spiritual Enlightenment and Higher Consciousness
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As a high frequency crystal, the diamond supports spiritual development and enlightenment. It opens the crown chakra and helps the wearer connect with universal energy and wisdom.
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The diamond is ideal for spiritual work and meditation, as it helps achieve higher levels of consciousness and increases understanding of one's higher purpose.
4. Enhances Energy Flow and Healing of Other Crystals
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The diamond has a strengthening effect and can raise the energy in other crystals and tools used in healing and energy work. It is known to amplify both its own and other crystals' energies.
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It is therefore often used as a supporting crystal in crystal grids, where it can contribute additional power and reinforcement.
5. Promotes Physical Vitality and Balances the Body
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The diamond is believed to have a healing effect on the body and promotes physical balance and vitality. It supports the body's natural energy flow and strengthens resistance to diseases and imbalances.
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It can help the wearer feel energetic and vital, and is said to strengthen the body by supporting the immune system.
How the diamond is used:
Because the diamond is a small but powerful stone, it is often used as jewelry close to the body, allowing it to transmit its energies continuously. To work with it for spiritual awakening, it can be placed at the crown chakra during meditation, facilitating connection to higher consciousness and inner clarity. Many wear the diamond to gain increased energy, self-esteem and determination in everyday life. In crystal grids or together with other crystals, it strengthens the energy flow and makes the energy work more efficient.
