Diamonds are a mineral composed of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance known and a valuable gemstone!

            Diamonds are formed deep in the Earth by tremendous amounts of pressures and temperatures over long period of time.  In the crystal structure of a diamond, each carbon atom is linked to four other equidistant, carbon atoms.  This tight crystal structure results in properties that are very different than those of graphite.  Graphite is the other form of pure carbon!

            Diamonds vary from colorless to black, and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque!  Diamonds that are colorless or pale blue stone are most valued.  Yet most gem diamonds are tinged yellow.

            Thanks to diamonds extreme hardness, they are an important tool in the industry world!  Most industrial diamonds are gray or brown and are translucent or opaque.  In the symbolism of gemstones, the diamond represents steadfast love and is the birthstone for April.