Perhaps a diamond is not the most expensive gem (for example, an emerald will cost more), but it is he who is called the king of stones, and it is women who are so partial to him. He is surrounded by mystery. Its cold shine is mesmerizing. Many diamonds have “their own cemetery”, because for their sake people have been killing each other for hundreds of years. Diamond rush has repeatedly swept the world. And today, many prospectors are tormenting themselves with questions about where the deposit of these precious stones is located and how diamonds are mined. This is what will be discussed in this review.
Expensive minerals and products from them
The most expensive diamond in the world is the Pink Star. This is a stone of impeccable purity! Its weight is 59.6 carats. In 2013, it was sold at an auction in Geneva for $ 74.1 million. The world's most expensive piece of jewelry is a 150-carat diamond bikini worth $ 30 million.
Where does mining take place?
Where are diamonds mined? In Russia, Australia, Botswana, Congo, South Africa, Canada, Angola, etc. Extraction is carried out in about 25 countries of the world. But the very first diamond to be cut was born in the middle of the 15th century in India. Hindus were the first to learn how to turn a diamond into a diamond.
Development of the first diamond deposits
The diamond was assigned magical and even divine qualities. These precious stones adorned the figures of the ancient gods. Where are diamonds mined? For many centuries, India has been a monopolist in this field of activity. Since ancient times, stones such as "Kohinur", "Shah", "Orlov" are known. It was the Indian mines that gave them to the world. However, the country's diamond deposits have dried up over time.
At the beginning of the XVIII century, numerous deposits of precious stones were found in Brazil. He showed Brazilians for the first time how diamonds are mined and how they should look, again from India. Brazilian stones are of high quality, but they are small in size. Large and very rare. There are six of the most famous of them: Star of the South, Star of Egypt, Star of Minas, Minas Gerais, Dresden's English Diamond and President Vargas. In 1867, the first diamond was found in South Africa. And the life of many South African countries has changed dramatically, most likely, it will never be the same ...
The appearance of jewelry in the bowels of the earth
Diamond mining in Africa is in full swing. The first South African stone weighed 10.75 carats and, after cutting, received the name Eureka. Deposits are of two types: primary (kimberlite) and secondary. All diamonds in the world are at least 100 million years old. Then, in the depths of the Earth, the temperature was several times higher than now, the rocks were in a liquid state. As they cooled, the minerals were subjected to tremendous, monstrous pressure. During volcanic eruptions, magma removes diamonds from the bowels of the earth - this is how deposits called kimberlite pipes form. The first such diamond ore deposit was found in Kimberley. Hence the term “kimberlite pipe”. By the middle of the 20th century, diamond mining in the world was advancing rapidly. The leaders were South African countries, Brazil was in second place, and India by that time had practically lost the distance.
Quarry mining
How are diamonds mined in quarries? Through the rig, a mine is created. Subsequently, explosives are laid in it. Note that at the mining stage, sparing technologies should be used during explosions, since diamond can simply be destroyed, despite the legendary strength. The rock fragments resulting from the explosions are loaded into dump trucks and transported to a specialized factory, where they are processed and diamonds are extracted directly.
As a certain depth is reached, the diamond deposit begins to run out. The average depth of the quarries is about 600 meters. But sometimes this parameter reaches one and a half kilometers. In order to continue diamond mining, workers are starting to create a mine. It should be noted that underground mining is more costly. But this is the only way to get to those gem deposits that are too deep.
There is no beauty in quarries with diamonds
If you believe that diamond mines mean a beautiful cave, completely studded with jewelry, iridescent with all the colors of the rainbow, then you are deeply mistaken. In reality, there is nothing romantic about a diamond mine. And looking at the walls, it’s impossible to even think about the presence of diamond deposits in them.
The design of mines in Russia takes place under unique conditions. In addition to permafrost, a similar process is complicated by the presence of groundwater that can corrode dump truck tires. In addition, diamond mining in Yakutia and other mines in our country is complicated by the presence of oil manifestations. During construction, workers immediately design ventilation and air-conditioning units.
Diamond mining in mines occurs in a standard situation due to combine harvesting. In addition, many specialists working at the place of extraction of precious stones are trying to provide for the possibility of using hole breaking - rock destruction with explosives laid in specially drilled wells.
How are diamonds mined? Stages
There are several stages of diamond mining. They are as follows:
- Intelligence service. It can last for several years. It implies attempts to find a diamond and confirm the presence of jewelry deposits.
- Infrastructure stage. All necessary equipment is purchased, residential premises are created, equipment is purchased, etc. If diamond mining is carried out on the ocean floor, then special robots equipped with electronic control are used. When diamond deposits are found deep in the earth, mines are created.
- Factory stage. It implies the creation and equipment of factories in which specialists will extract diamonds from rocks.
- Actually production.
Features of technology for extracting stones from rocks
How are diamonds mined? Photos, of course, can tell a lot about people interested in this area of ​​activity. But for you to fully master the information, let's look at the process of extracting jewelry from rocks.
- The use of fat systems. Pretty primitive method. On a table covered with a layer of fat, kimberlite enters along with water. As a result, water and rocks are carried away, and diamonds stick to the surface.
- The use of x-ray installations. A more advanced method, since as a result of irradiation, the jewels begin to glow.
- Connection of electromagnetic equipment. Through this technique, diamonds are separated from rocks.
- The use of suspension plants. Rocks are placed in a liquid having a high density. Heavy stones sink, and diamond remains on the surface.
- The use of devices having a foam skimmer. This method is used for the extraction of diamond dust.
Now you have at least some idea of ​​how diamonds are mined. The process, as you see, is very, very difficult. But many people don’t even think about how much work, time and effort should be put into making sparkling stones fall on the windows of jewelry stores, and then migrate to the necks, ears or fingers of secular beauties.
The first diamond deposits in Russia
In the middle of the XIX century, the first small placers were discovered in the Urals. Russian geologists did not abandon attempts to find deposits in the North. In 1954, the first diamond pipe was found in Yakutia, and over the next three years six more pipes were discovered. How are diamonds mined in Yakutia? That is what experts most often thought about at that time. But soon the area settled, the cities of Mirny and Udachny appeared on the map. And now, the process of extraction and processing of precious stones does not raise any questions from any of the specialists. Move on.
Fifteen years after the start of diamond mining in Yakutia, a primary deposit was found in Australia, and in the 90s in northern Canada. But still the leading positions in production belong to Africa. The diamonds of Botswana, South Africa and the Congo account for more than 45% of the global gemstone market.
Just decoration?
Interestingly, countries that mine diamonds do not use more than 80% of all jewelry for sale or jewelry. These stones are indispensable in the industry, as they have a hardness of 10 points on the Moss scale. Diamond is considered to be the hardest stone on the planet. However, a mineral was found that is 58% harder. This is lonsdale.
Laboratory diamond mining
The question of where diamonds are mined would not be fully covered if we only mentioned mines and the bottom of the ocean. It turns out that experts learned how to create diamonds in a laboratory way. Research on the cultivation of jewelry in the laboratory began back in the 40s, and were successful in 1953. The question of how to mine diamonds in laboratory conditions was resolved. These are HPHT or CVD diamonds. HPHT stands for high pressure and temperature, and CVD stands for chemical vapor deposition. These stones are called synthetic, which is not entirely correct, since they do not imitate a natural mineral, but are absolutely authentic. Note that about 97% of the stones used in industry are laboratory. By the way, a diamond is just one of seven ways to cut a diamond.
And one moment. Often confused are the terms “artificial diamond” and “diamond substitute.” Substitutes are inferior in strength, but also shine, although they do not play in the sun like natural or artificial gems. The most famous substitutes are moussanite and cubic zirconia. Products with similar "jewelry" can afford almost everything.
Diamonds - only for the married!
According to ancient belief, diamonds have magical powers. True, the magical abilities of a diamond are revealed only if its owner has a strong, strong-willed character. No wonder it is called the stone of kings! The diamond possesses particular strength, which is passed down from generation to generation. In no case should you sell such jewelry, because you can bring trouble. The diamond brings good luck, wealth, protects from negative experiences, anger and sadness. It is interesting that it should not be worn by unmarried women - this may interfere with meeting the chosen one. It is believed that such jewelry is intended exclusively for married ladies of elegant age. And wearing young girls is a bad taste.
When to wear diamonds?
According to an old legend, the accepting diamond is obliged to remain faithful to the giver. And again, there is a parallel with modernity: although “girls’s best friends are diamonds,” some adhere to the sweet old-fashioned opinion that it is decent to accept such gifts only from very close men. This is either a groom or a husband. You need to wear a diamond when there is a feeling of happiness. The stone will “remember” this moment, prolong the feeling of joy in life. The same thing happens with negative emotions. Diamonds bring happiness to honest and pure, like the stone itself, people. However, all these nuances have not scared anyone away. And hardly anyone will think about whether a stone suits him or not when he sees it.
We hope that after reading this article you understand how and where diamonds are mined in Russia and in other countries of the world. This process cannot be called an easy exercise.