10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Diamonds, the Birthstone of April

Diamonds are forever!

And since it’s the birthstone for this month of April, let’s give the spotlight to these elegant gemstones we have learned to love and cherish thorough the century, and were even said to be a girl’s bestfriend. So to celebrate these dazzling gemstones, we’ve rounded up fifteen interesting facts and bits of lore about these beloved diamonds.

Fact #1

Long ago, the ancient believed that diamonds were tears cried by the gods o splinters that came from falling stars. Romans, all the while, believed that Cupid's arrows were tipped with these stones (a fact that may perhaps be the earliest association between diamonds and romantic love.)

Fact #2

Diamonds are known to be the hardest natural substance on Earth. Actually, diamonds came from the Greek word "adamantinos" which means untamable or unbreakable.

Fact#3

Diamonds were formed billions of years ago through a combination of tremendous pressure and temperatures of around 2000º to 3000º F and at depths between 75 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface. No doubt, they were truly precious.

Fact#4

Diamonds in their pure state, they are colorless. Blue and red are the rarest colored diamonds, while yellow and brown are the most common colored diamonds.

Fact#5

And did you know that diamonds are brought closer to the earth’s surface through volcanic activity. These gemstones can also be found in shallow alluvial deposits where the crystals settle after being transported by rivers away by geological activities.

Fact#6

One polished diamonds weighs more than one carat (1 carat = 0.2 grams or .007 ounces). The largest rough diamonds is the Cullinan diamond which is discovered in 1905 and weighs around 3,106 carats (2.8 pounds).

Fact#7

Aside from being unbreakable, diamonds are also fireproof. To burn one, it must be heated to 1292 degrees Farenheit.

Fact#8

According to history, the earliest written account of diamonds dates back to around 500 B.C. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to have healing properties able to cure ailments ranging from fatigue to mental illness. While the Ancient Hindus used diamonds in the eyes of devotional statues and believed that it protects it wearer from any danger.

Fact#9

In 1725, diamonds were discovered in Minas, Gerais, Brazil in South America. In 1840s, there also diamonds found in North America but was soon forgotten due to the discovery of diamonds in Africa ensuing the Great Diamond Rush.

Fact#10

Diamond is the world’s most popular and sought after gemstone. They are frequently worn as part of jewelry such as rings and necklaces especially in engagement or wedding rings.