Fun Facts About Diamonds: April's Birthstone

April (and its famous showers) has arrived with a vengeance here in Mount Joy, PA! The birthstone for April is the one and only diamond! Here are some fun facts about diamonds about the world’s most beloved gemstone.

• Diamond is the birthstone for April, as well as the gemstone for the 60th and 75th anniversaries.
• Diamonds rank as a 10 on Mohs scale. In fact, they are the earth’s hardest natural substance. The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.
• Scientists believe that natural diamonds are at least a billion years old!
• Diamonds form approximately 100 miles under the earth and are carried to the surface by volcanic activity.
• Diamonds are the only gems made of one element. They are made of pure carbon.
• Diamonds are found in every color of the rainbow. 
• The rarest natural diamond colors are blue, green, orange, and red.
• The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas.” It means invincible or indestructible.
• Diamonds can lose up to half of their weight during the cutting process.
• Many ancient cultures had beliefs about diamonds. Some believed diamonds gave their wearers courage and strength in battle.
• In the Middle Ages, many believed diamonds had healing properties.
• In 1905, the world’s largest rough diamond was found. It was named the Cullinan diamond and weighed 3,106 carats! It was later cut into many diamonds (9 large ones and 100 smaller ones).
• Only about 30 percent of diamonds mined around the world are gem quality.
• Before the 18th century, most of the world’s diamonds were found in India.
• The primary diamond source in the world has changed several times. Today, diamonds are found in many countries around the world. 
• In 1867, a 15 year-old boy named Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs found a 21-carat diamond in South Africa. This diamond was later named the Eureka Diamond.
• After the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in South Africa, people began to flock to the country to mine. 
• The discovery of diamonds in South Africa led to the Kimberly Diamond Rush, which changed the industry forever. 
• In 2014, the #1 country for the production of diamonds was Russia.
• The first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy from the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. 
• The United States is the world’s largest diamond market.
• In 2004, scientists discovered a planet they believe is at least one-third diamond! It was named “55 Cancri e.”
• Most diamonds today are mined. Before mining, people mostly found diamonds alongside or at the bottom of rivers.