Crystallographic methods for non-destructive characterization of mineral inclusions in diamonds
The mineralogy and chemical compositions of inclusions in diamonds are the primary source of information about the environment in which...
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- Jul 31, 2022
Non-cratonic diamonds from UHP metamorphic terranes, ophiolites and volcanic sources
The discovery of diamonds in metamorphic rocks of continental affinities occurred shortly after the discovery of coesite in similar...
- Jul 31, 2022
Polycrystalline diamonds from kimberlites
Monocrystalline diamonds are the most valuable diamond type, economically. However, there are other varieties of diamond forged in...
- Jul 31, 2022
Morphology of monocrystalline diamond and its inclusions
Since first being discovered in India over 2000 years ago, the most striking and universally recognized shape of an uncut diamond is the...
- Jul 31, 2022
A review of the geology of global diamond mines and deposits
This chapter covers both primary and secondary diamond deposits because both have played an important role in the science of diamond...
- Dec 14, 2020
The $15.7M surprise from Canada’s Victor Mine
In October 2020, a flawless D-colour 102 carat diamond sold for $15.7 million US (read more here). Diamonds like this make headlines from...
- Dec 7, 2020
Diamond, a technological gem in the quantum realm
Diamond, clearly, is synonymous with the gemological trade but in the last 20 years of material science research, diamond is now firmly...
- Nov 27, 2020
Where is the oldest diamond-bearing mantle?
Quartz conglomerates from Nunavut in northern Canada (near the Coronation Gulf) are one part of the puzzle to figure out when and how the...
- Sep 13, 2020
Where does the carbon for diamonds come from?
We know that subduction is the key way to get carbon into the diamond-forming regions of the deep Earth. But which rocks in the...
- Sep 10, 2020
Diamonds Are Not Forever! Diamond Dissolution
Trigons on a diamond from the Fort a la Corne deposit in Saskatchewan, Canada. Image by Janina Czas / University of Alberta. Trigons are...
- Sep 10, 2020
How were diamonds discovered in Siberia?
Siberia has among the highest grade diamond mines in the world. But did you know that we had two women to thank for their discovery? The...
- Jun 30, 2020
Why do we want to learn more about nitrogen in diamond?
Nitrogen is the most common trace element in both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, and the number and nature of the...
- May 25, 2020
Retracing the path of kimberlite melt composition
Kimberlites are complex volcanic eruptions that have ferociously traversed more than a hundred kilometers of rock from source to surface....
- May 20, 2020
What fluids do diamonds crystallise from?
Diamonds are comprised mostly of carbon. Any other elements present in the diamond are normally at incredibly low abundances that are...
- Apr 26, 2020
Kimberlites: Earth’s Diamond Delivery System
Diamonds are the most amazing of gems. Just as amazing, however, is how natural diamonds reach Earth’s surface. Diamonds are formed 150...
- May 26, 2019
How old are diamonds? Are they forever?
This is a sulphide mineral inclusion trapped in a diamond from Ellendale (Australia). The sulphides were broken out of the diamonds,...
- May 26, 2019
How do diamonds form in the deep Earth?
Diamond geologists now have evidence for a wide range of diamond source fluid compositions, including carbonate-bearing fluids,...
- May 26, 2019
Diamonds help solve the enigma of Earth's deep water
Ringwoodite is the high-pressure form of the mineral olivine (Mg2SiO4) that occurs between 520 and 660 km below the surface of the earth...
- May 24, 2019
Mineral inclusions in diamonds
Colourless olivine inclusion in a natural rough octahedral diamond. Image by Stefano Castelli (University of Padova). Natural diamonds...
- May 24, 2019
Where can we find more natural diamonds?
Image of a garnet mineral inclusion in diamond by Anetta Banas (University of Alberta). Natural diamonds are rare. Where should diamond...
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