Diamonds

Diamonds were formed approximately 990 million years ago. They form under unique conditions of high pressure and temperatures. At depths of 125 to 200 kilometers below the surface of the earth pressure reaches a range of 45-60 atmospheres and the temperature ranges from 900-1300 degrees Celsius. These are conditions for diamond formation. Diamonds come to the earth’s surface via deep super volcanoes. It is possible for the earth’s mantle to create cracks in the crust from depths of 125 kilometers. Hot carbon dioxide creates enormous pressure that can violently explode similar to a champagne bottle being uncorked. The molten rock that rises to the surface as a result of this extreme explosion travels at the speed of sound. The diamonds are carried in this molten rock. The extreme speed of this explosion does not give the diamond the time required to transform into graphite the thermodynamically more stable form of carbon. Thus the diamond remains intact. When the volcanic cone cools the magma hardens into kimberlite. These super volcanoes are also called kimberlite pipelines. Diamond mines are located at the opening of these kimberlite pipes and often go to great depths in search of the valuable gemstone.