Blue diamonds are among the rarest and most coveted gems in the world. With their distinctive blue hue and unparalleled beauty, blue diamonds have captivated collectors and enthusiasts for centuries. Despite their popularity, however, the origin of blue diamonds remains shrouded in mystery. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the mystery of the origin of blue diamonds and explore some of the theories and discoveries surrounding these elusive gems.
What Makes Blue Diamonds So Rare?
Diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s mantle, where intense heat and pressure cause carbon to crystallize into the familiar diamond shape. The majority of diamonds are formed from pure carbon, which gives them their classic white or colorless appearance. However, some diamonds contain trace elements that can cause them to take on a range of different colors, including blue.
Blue diamonds are among the rarest of these colored diamonds, with only a handful of mines in the world producing significant quantities of blue diamonds. This rarity is due in part to the unique combination of elements and geological processes required to create blue diamonds.
Theories on the Origin of Blue Diamonds
The origin of blue diamonds remains a subject of debate among geologists and diamond experts. However, there are a few prevailing theories that attempt to explain how these rare gems are formed.
One theory suggests that blue diamonds are formed when boron is present in the diamond’s crystal lattice structure. Boron is a rare element that is often found in areas where diamonds are formed, and it is believed to be responsible for the blue coloration in some diamonds.
Another theory suggests that blue diamonds are formed when nitrogen is present in the crystal lattice structure. Nitrogen is another element that can cause coloration in diamonds, and it is thought to be responsible for the coloration in yellow and brown diamonds. However, the exact mechanism by which nitrogen causes blue coloration remains unclear.
Recent Discoveries
Recent discoveries have shed new light on the mystery of the origin of blue diamonds. In 2018, a team of researchers from Australia’s Macquarie University discovered a rare type of diamond that contains both boron and nitrogen. This diamond, which was found in Western Australia’s Argyle mine, is believed to provide new insights into the formation of blue diamonds.
Another recent discovery came in 2020, when researchers from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced the discovery of a blue diamond that contains a mineral called vaterite. Vaterite is a rare mineral that is typically associated with the shells of marine organisms, and its presence in a blue diamond suggests a complex geological history.
The mystery of the origin of blue diamonds continues to fascinate scientists and enthusiasts alike. While theories and discoveries have shed new light on the formation of these rare gems, much remains unknown about their geological history. As research and exploration continue, we may gain new insights into the origin of blue diamonds and the unique processes that create these breathtaking gems.
