By Connor O’Meara and Liam Munro Diamonds By Connor O’Meara and Liam Munro

Creation of Diamonds Most diamonds are between 1 and 4 billion years old, existing from when the primitive cores of the continents, called cratons, were formed The cratons are the only areas which contain large volcanic tubes, called kimberlite pipes, that transport the diamonds to the surface Over millions of years, diamond crystals grow hundreds of miles below the surface and are then carried up closer to the surface by very powerful volcanic eruptions. 

How do Diamonds Get Here? The diamonds must be at least 100 miles below the surface before temperature and pressures are sufficient to form diamonds Then, kimberlite pipes, a type of volcanic pipe, provide a transportation mechanism as supersonic volcanic eruptions carry the diamonds to the surface Because of reduced viscosity due to the foam like nature of the magma, the kimberlitic magma gains the required speed to carry diamonds nearer to the surface with incredible force

What are Diamonds Made Of? Diamonds are made of carbon that is arranged in an extremely strong crystal structure, making them almost unbreakable A diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth, with a ranking of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale

Economic Impact of Diamonds Diamonds, obviously, are very rare and expensive gemstones.  They have an incredible economic value.   A huge majority of diamonds come from sources that use the revenue created by the diamonds to rebuild their infrastructure and help the growth of the country

Conflict Diamonds Unfortunately, some African countries with corrupt governments use the diamonds for illicit purposes, such as personal gain and to wage wars Blood diamonds, as they are called, are diamonds illegally mined in war zones, which are then used to fund wars

Kimberley Process The Kimberley process is intended to minimize blood diamonds by investigating and shutting down local diamond-related conflicts Many Africans have died in wars over diamonds, and the UN has done its role by trying to “prevent the senseless genocide of innocents” ("Conflict Diamonds." AmnestyUSA.org). 

African Diamond Prosperity Africa gains about $8.4 billion per year from diamonds, especially in western and southern African countries such as Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Liberia The industry provides livelihoods for millions around the globe, also.  Roughly 38,000 are employed in the diamond industry in South Africa alone

Ancient Uses for Diamonds Diamonds have been around for centuries and are one of the most precious gemstones in history. They have been used in many different cultures for various reasons.  Some kings even banned diamonds and did not allow anyone, except for him, to wear diamonds. 

Religious Uses for Diamonds In ancient India diamonds were used to ward off evil spirits Diamonds have also been mentioned in The Bible and in the other scriptures from other religions The engagement ring also has a story with it. They mean that you will have everlasting love and be together forever

Modern Uses for Diamonds Many subpar quality diamonds are used to form diamond drill bits, very useful in industry Only a diamond can cut another diamond, and they cannot be damaged by any other substance Diamonds can obviously be made into jewelry, which is often very expensive

Early Diamond Discoveries The first diamonds were found in India where they were first mined. Until the 18th century India was thought to be the only source of diamonds. They were often transported along the Silk Road. Diamonds were used in the Dark Ages as a medical aid to cure disease and sickness. 

Curse of the Hope Diamond Most people believed that the hope Diamond was cursed because most of the owners had tragic events happened to them.  The person who stole the diamond sold it to King Louis XIV. They were both killed (the stealer and the king) due to the curse. 

Works Cited "Chemistry Of Diamond." About.com Chemistry. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. "Christian Symbolism in Precious Stones." Christian Symbolism in Precious Stones. N.p.,      2004. Web. 13 Apr. 2013. "Conflict Diamonds." AmnestyUSA.org. Amnesty International, n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.

Works Cited Diamond Creation - How and Where Diamonds Are Created." Diamond Creation - How       and Where Diamonds Are Created. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. "Diamond Symbols and Diamonds in Culture." Diamond Symbols and Diamonds in    Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013. "Economic Impact." Diamondfacts.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.

Works Cited Edwards, Ron, and Lisa Dickie. Diamonds and Gemstones. New York: Crabtree Pub.,          2004. Print. "History of Diamonds." History of Diamonds. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013. "Mining Diamonds." Costellos.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.

Works Cited Rosenberg, Jennifer. "The Curse of the Hope Diamond." About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12          Apr. 2013. Schumann, Walter. Gemstones of the World. New York: Sterling Pub., 1999. Print.