What Are Black Diamonds and How Are They Formed

Diamonds are traditionally known for their sparkling appearance and glamorous appeal. However, there are a wide variety of diamonds available as well as the well-known clear versions, including pink diamonds, yellow diamonds and the very rare black diamonds.

Black diamonds are not actually black, but they contain many smaller crystals and dark inclusions that make them appear that way. Because these inclusions are made from iron oxide, they make the diamond look black.

A History of Black Diamonds Black diamonds were first discovered during the 18th century in Brazil and the Portuguese began referring to them as Carbonado diamonds – carbonado being Portuguese for burned or carbonized.

How Black Diamonds are formed

There are several theories about how these unique diamonds are formed. It is thought that, like other diamonds, they could have been formed under high pressures deep within the Earth and are a direct conversion of carbon.

Other hypotheses believe that the diamonds could have gone through dramatic changes when a meteor crashed into the Earth. Similarly, some believe that the diamonds could have originated from space themselves.

The geoscientist Dr Stephen Haggerty believed that black diamonds are the result of a supernova that took place more than 3 billion years ago. His theory proposes that a meteor that was a result of this supernova entered our atmosphere more than 2 billion years ago before hitting the Earth at a spot that later divided into the Central African Republic and Brazil.

These two locations are the only places where black diamonds have ever been found, which some believe supports his theory.

The uncertainty around the formation of black diamonds makes them seem even more special and alluring. After all, there aren’t many gemstones or pieces of jewellery that the wearer can say may have come from outer space.

However black diamonds were originally formed, there is no doubting the beauty of these rare diamonds. They look stunning when set in earrings, rings and bracelets and can be used to achieve a stylish monochrome look when set with clear diamonds.