How Earth Makes Diamonds

How Diamonds Are Made

Diamonds formed deep down in the Earth’s interior as far back as 3.3 billion years ago. A large number of these formations were in Northern Canada.

  1. Iron inner core (solid)
  2. Outer Core (liquid)
  3. Lower Mantle (Mesosphere)
  4. Molten Upper Mantle (Astenosphere)
  5. Lithosphere (where diamonds are made, from 150km to 200km deep)

Volcanic activity occurs in the Astenosphere layer, which forces the diamonds into the Lithosphere layer. They travel through the Lithosphere layer and cool when they approach the Earth’s surface. A diamond is a product of lava that originates in the Astenosphere; eventually the lava cools where they become diamonds.

History

When the lava forces its way to (or through) the earth’s crust it is known as Kimberlite pipes (named after the town of Kimberley/ South Africa). Over time, the earth’s weather changed. When the ice age arrived giant glaciers covered the Kimberlite pipes. Eventually the climate became warmer causing many of the glaciers to melt. Once melted, there was a trail to follow known as Kimberlite pipes.

The phenomenon left deposits of diamonds in 4 main continents; Australia, Asia, Africa & Canada.

Canadian Kimberlite Pipes

Map Source

Current Operational Diamond Mines

Africa

  • Baken
  • Cullinan (previously “Premier mine”)
  • Finsch
  • Kimberley, Northern Cape
  • Koffiefontein mine
  • Venetia
  • Murowa, Zimbabwe
  • Williamson, Tanzania
  • Letseng, Lesotho

Angola

  • Catoca
  • Fucauma
  • Luarica

Asia

Russia

  • Mirny GOK
  • Udachny GOK

India

  • Golkonda
  • Kollur Mine
  • Panna
  • Bunder Project

Australia

  • Argyle
  • Merlin

Botswana

  • Damtshaa
  • Jwaneng
  • Letlhakane
  • Orapa

North America

Canada

  • Diavik
  • Ekati
  • Jericho
  • Snap Lake
  • Victor
  • Gahcho Kue Project

United States of America

  • Crater of Diamonds State Park
  • Kelsey Lake

These are the areas on our planet that are known to be top producers in the diamond industry. From industrial diamonds to the finest jewelry in the world, diamonds are always found with fine exploration and drilling equipment. Mirow specializes in “same day delivery” diamond drilling equipment. We can ship our products anywhere in the world, usually within 24 hours. This insures that you maximize profits by eliminating downtime.

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