Where Are Black Diamonds Mined?

Some geologists believe carbonado diamonds, or black diamonds, originated from an asteroid that collided with the earth. These gemstones are mined in the Central African Republic and Brazil, according to the Diamond Source of Virginia.

Geography

Black diamonds only occur in areas where rivers have deposited stones. They are not found in conventional mines -- carbonado diamonds only appear in one layer of sediment in countries that are very far apart. Scientists theorize that over time, the areas where the meteorite struck separated and drifted apart.

Features

Unlike conventional diamonds, black diamonds do not appear to form deep below the earth's surface; they also do not occur in countries that supply most conventional diamonds. The unusual composition of black diamonds also points to a different origin, according to Geotimes.org. While they do consist of carbon, carbonado diamonds form from small crystals clumped together, and their surface resembles coal. A conventional diamond forms from one crystal.

Hydrogen

Black diamonds contain hydrogen, according to the American Geological Institute. Meteorites commonly contain tiny diamonds, which similarly contain hydrogen. This also points to an extraterrestrial origin for black diamonds, some geologists say.

References

• Diamond Source of Virginia, Inc: Fancy Colored Black Diamonds
• American Geological Institute: Black Diamonds