Black diamond: characteristics, features, cost

Diamonds are the most coveted and popular gemstones.
They are the personification of power, indestructibility, success, luxury. There are different types of diamonds in nature, one of the most mysterious ones turns into a black diamond after cutting. This stone is believed to have powerful magical and healing properties. Unique dark gems are used to create luxurious jewelry. If you are thinking about buying products with black diamonds, then you need to know by what criteria they are evaluated, as well as how to distinguish the original from the fake. Information on the cost of black diamonds will also be useful.

Physical properties

All diamonds are pure carbon, so they are quite hard. A black diamond may contain impurities of magnetite, graphite, hematite, etc. A natural gem is difficult to process; in order to obtain a high-quality cut, the master must work longer and also have relevant experience.

Experts identify the following physical and chemical characteristics of black diamond:

1. Formula – S.
2. Mohs hardness level – 10.
3. Density – from 3.47 to 3.55 g/cm³.
4. Light refraction – 2.417 – 2.421.
5. The temperature at which diamond melts is from 3800 to 4000°.
6. The fracture is conchoidal.
7. The structure is porous.
8. Fragility – high.
9. Transparency – low or zero.
10. Gloss – matte.
11. Color – from light smoky to charcoal.

Unlike diamonds of other colors, black does not emit a glassy shine and does not have purity. Most specimens have a matte sheen and various defects. Transparent, shining exhibits are rare in nature.

This is interesting! Black crystals are used in industry and jewelry. The stone is hard but fragile, so craftsmen learned to process it with minimal losses relatively recently.

Medical use

Lithotherapists are confident that black diamond can have a positive effect on men's health. Owners of rings with a nugget are sexy people with good potency. In ancient times, warriors used black diamond to improve their hearing.

Healers claim that black diamond has a positive effect in the following cases:

• psychological disorders of any complexity;
• addiction (alcohol, nicotine, drugs, gambling);
• stabilization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• resistance to infectious diseases;
• improvement of respiratory function;
• inflammation in bones and joints.

In addition, thanks to black diamond, you can get the effect of relieving fever, as well as alleviate the symptoms of the disease in general. Earrings with this mineral have a positive effect on women's health.

History and origin

The Greeks called diamond adamas, which translates as indestructible. It is believed that the first stone was found in India more than 6,000 years ago. However, due to its phenomenal hardness, people were able to enjoy its brilliance only in the 15th century. Until this time, it was simply impossible to process the nugget.

The first deposit of black diamonds was in Brazil in 1840. Local miners called them carbonado because of their charcoal color. .

It is believed that Indian craftsmen first learned to polish nuggets. But jewelers from Amsterdam have achieved perfection in cutting diamonds.

One of the first fans of diamonds was Agnes Sorel (a favorite of Cara VII) more than 500 years ago. She was the first to notice how diamonds sparkled and began wearing jewelry with them.

Julius Caesar and Napoleon used diamonds as a talisman. In Russia it became popular thanks to Catherine the Great in 1500.

There are 2 versions of the origin of the black diamond: cosmic and terrestrial. According to the first, amazing crystals appeared on Earth along with meteorites after a supernova explosion. When they hit the earth's surface, an airless layer with enormous pressure formed inside them, in which diamonds appeared.

According to the second version, a rare black crystal was formed in kimberlite pipes, which are formed after the explosion of underground volcanoes. Other types of diamonds are found in such depressions, and black ones get their unique color due to an admixture of graphite or iron.

Important! Both theories are still relevant today, since most of the deposits are located on or near the earth's surface. In addition, deposits of black nuggets are located in different parts of the planet, separate from other types of diamonds.

Mining locations

There are only three places in the world where black diamond is mined:

• Kamchatka.
• Brazil.
• South Africa.

Perhaps somewhere on the planet there are still unexplored places where the nugget occurs, but there is no scheme by which to find them. The deposits currently being developed were discovered completely by accident.

Varieties and colors

Few people know that the black diamond that exists in nature is divided into 2 more types: carbonado and pique. These minerals differ from each other in structure, shade, and properties. One of them is considered less valuable and is used mainly in industry, and the other is included in the category of “fancy” (colored diamonds), it is used to create extravagant jewelry.

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The black diamond represents wealth, power and mystery. The ancient Greeks called it “Invincible”, associating the protection of this stone with luck and power! Arte jewelry galleries will give you the opportunity to become the owner of the “Black King” of diamonds? Chic and sparkle in jewelry for men from the Italian jewelry brand @baraka_jewelry #ARTEbaraka

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Carbonado

The first variety of black diamond is called carbonado, from the word “carbon,” which translates to coal, which it resembles. A person far from mineralogy is unlikely to distinguish a piece of coal from a carobonado.

“Industrial diamonds” were first discovered in the 18th century. The interesting thing is that the deposits are located separately from other diamonds. The carbonado base is porous, and the crystal lattice consists of tiny particles that are connected to each other using silicon, as well as a compound of graphite and iron (magnetite).

The nugget looks like a matte stone with a grainy structure that absorbs rather than reflects light. In nature, minerals of a grayish-black or greenish-black hue are found.

Due to its high hardness and brittleness, until the mid-20th century it was used only as a technical raw material. After all, as mentioned, it is very difficult to process (about 60% of the original weight of the gem is lost). Thanks to modern technology, this task has become feasible, but cutting should only be done by a highly qualified jeweler.

Pique

Piques are reminiscent of jewelry diamonds in structure and are classified as “fancy” minerals. They have a monocrystalline structure and a large amount of graphite impurity. They have a characteristic brilliant shine (but a little more matte) and differ in shades of black: dark gray, greenish-black, dark brown. Sometimes one gem combines all the colors described above. The shade depends on the number of graphite inclusions in the composition.

Under the rays of the sun or artificial light, pique diamonds appear black. Outwardly, they resemble obsidian (devil's claw).

Black crystals are rare in nature and therefore are highly valued by jewelers. After processing using HPHT (high pressure/high temperature) technology, they are used to create exquisite jewelry. They look most advantageous in combination with transparent diamonds.

Color classification

Black diamond is divided into two categories of stones – carbonado and pique.

• Carbonados are matte stones with a granular structure, due to which light is not reflected, but absorbed. They come in gray-black or dark green. The porous structure and the presence of inclusions negatively affect the processing process, so until the mid-20th century the mineral served as a technical raw material. Today's technologies make it possible to use the gem as a jewelry stone. However, only a highly qualified craftsman can cut a black crystal weighing 1 carat.

• Pique is a stone structurally similar to the usual diamond. A cut gem is on a par with multi-colored natural diamonds. Jewelers classify it as “fancy”. However, not all piqués are pure black. There are nuggets of dark tones of green, brown or gray, which also fall into this category.

In jewelry, matte black diamonds look advantageous against the background of their white counterparts, becoming an exotic addition to the image.

Also read: Heliodor - a stone born of the Sun

Healing and magical properties

According to lithotherapists, black diamond improves the health of men. Representatives of the stronger sex are recommended to wear rings with such a stone as an amulet. This will help strengthen male power and increase potency.

This is interesting! There is an opinion that in ancient times, a black diamond helped improve hearing acuity. It was used by warriors for this purpose.

Dark crystals have the following healing properties:

1. They help get rid of psychological disorders and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
2. Get rid of painful addictions (alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction).
3. They have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Accelerate recovery from various infections.
5. Normalize the functioning of the respiratory organs.
6. They relieve inflammation in diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

In order for a woman to feel the healing effect of a black diamond, she is recommended to wear earrings with crystals.

It is believed that the gem has strong magical properties and endows its owner with supernatural abilities. In addition, the stone exhibits the following properties:

1. Protects the owner from negative energy and black magic.
2. Strengthens fortitude, makes a person more careful in actions.
3. Helps maintain passionate relationships between spouses.
4. Makes the owner more confident, active, persistent, persistent, decisive. These qualities will help you achieve your goals.

For the power of a black diamond to manifest itself, you need to wait about a few months. The crystal seems to be testing its owner, getting to know him better. It will only bring harm to liars, traitors, and selfish people.

This is interesting! It is believed that the longer a black diamond is passed from hand to hand, the more power it accumulates. For its properties to manifest itself, the crystal must be worn as close to the skin as possible.

Can black diamond jewelry be worn on a daily basis?

Not really

Magic abilities

Like all black gems, this diamond is an attribute of people with paranormal abilities. Previously, it was believed that such a nugget endows the owner with an unknown otherworldly power, which cannot be refused and must be used so as not to bring trouble upon oneself.

Today, carbonado, in addition to its black color, is shrouded in mystery by the theory of cosmic origin. The Night Diamond is capable of such magical miracles as:

• Protection from any negativity, evil eye and damage. Jewelry with black diamonds strengthens the spirit and physical health of the owner, making him cautious and prudent.
• Preserving the passion of feelings in couples in love.
• The power of the stone awakens leadership in a person, as well as the qualities necessary to achieve goals: activity, perseverance, perseverance, determination.

At the same time, the black diamond will keep an eye on its owner for a long time, so it may take several months to tame the talisman. The gem will not tolerate lies, betrayal, or dishonor. A person with impure intentions risks getting into trouble by trying to make friends with the mineral of the night.

Black diamond is one of those minerals whose power grows stronger as it passes from owner to owner. This means that the most energetically powerful will be the nugget received by inheritance. You should also wear jewelry with a stone as close to the skin as possible, and you can decorate the ring finger of your left hand with a ring. Then the magic of the mineral will be fully revealed.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

The element of the black diamond is fire, so it is ideal for Leo, Aries, Sagittarius (fire signs). Dark diamond is the stone of the Sun and Venus, so it suits the signs that are associated with these planets - Taurus, as well as Libra. Jewelry with crystals can be worn by Capricorns and Cancers.

Be sure to see: Who is suitable for and what does magical green aventurine bring?

It is better for Geminis to avoid a black diamond, as it will make its owner more anxious, restless, and instill fear in the heart. For Aquarius and Pisces, the stone will also bring only discomfort.

Black diamond has no effect on Virgos and Scorpios, so if they wish, they can wear it simply as decoration.

Where are industrial developments taking place?

Deposits of gem-quality black diamonds are found only in Brazil and Africa, once connected by one ancient continent - Pangea, but not at all in those places where ordinary diamonds are mined. In the 18th century, the Portuguese called it "carbonados", meaning "burning" or "burnt". There is another version of the origin of this name. It is associated with porous black coal, which is similar to raw stone. This is what a rough black diamond looks like (photo).

There is both the lunar surface and coal.

Compatibility with other stones

Since a black diamond is associated with the fire element, it must be combined with “fire” gems. The ideal combination is diamonds of different colors. As a rule, black stones are combined with transparent or colored ones.

It is better not to combine dark diamond with minerals that are associated with the elements of water or earth. Fire and water will destroy each other and harm their owner; fire and earth also conflict, which negatively affects a person’s well-being.

Important! When choosing successful combinations, you need to take into account many nuances, so it is better to contact a professional astrologer or lithotherapist.

What kind of black diamonds and diamonds are sold in jewelry stores?

The recent increased demand for black precious minerals in the jewelry market has led not only to a tendency to increase their production, but also to a slight decrease in quality. There are some tips on how to distinguish a real black diamond from a fake, which we will talk about a little later.

According to stubborn statistics presented by the world's famous gemological experts, the vast majority of the market now contains precious minerals with large defects and with brownish or yellow inserts and inclusions. Of course, this is reflected in their cost, but it is unlikely that the inexperienced eye of a friend or relatives will be able to immediately distinguish a high-quality fake from an original stone.

Real black diamonds should be looked for either in famous and large jewelry houses, or at auctions. True, you will have to immediately prepare to shell out quite a large sum for them.

The methodology of artificial technological change of the same brown color of a stone into black is also popular.

Where is it used?

Black diamonds are widely used in jewelry. Such jewelry looks elegant and original.

Gold or platinum is usually used as a frame. Combine a dark diamond with white or yellow crystals.

Gold studs, bracelets, chokers or necklaces with black diamonds look truly luxurious. Recently, it has been very popular to give engagement rings with dark gems as a symbol of eternal love and fidelity. A diamond engagement ring is most often set in white or red gold.

On sale you can find men's jewelry with dark gems. These can be original rings, cufflinks, pendants, crosses, bracelets, etc. A ring made of white gold with a black diamond looks gorgeous. Such decoration reflects the status of its owner and indicates good taste.

This is interesting! Fawaz Gruosi, the head of the Grisogono jewelry house, is considered the “father” of black diamonds. The designer became interested in pique diamonds when they were still cheap. Gruosi was fascinated by the mysterious beauty of gems and created an entire collection with them, which became a huge success. After this, the cost of black diamonds increased 20 times.

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?The largest diamonds in the world? . Throughout the history of mankind, diamonds have been objects of universal admiration and attracted the special attention of noble people. . We present to your attention the 5 largest diamonds in the world. . 5th place: Spirit of Grisogono. The world's largest black diamond weighing 312.24 carats (62.4 grams). The stone, unique in its beauty and purity, originally weighed 587 carats. The jeweler studied the diamond for more than a year before giving it a beautiful rose shape. Now the Spirit of de Grisogono diamond is set in a white gold ring, inlaid with 702 small transparent diamonds weighing a total of 36.69 carats. . 4th place: Cullinan II. A colorless emerald-cut diamond weighing 317.4 carats (63.5 grams), the second largest diamond from the famous Cullinan Diamond, the largest in human history. The giant crystal weighing ❗3106 carats was named after the owner of the mine where it was found. The best cutter in Europe divided the Cullinan into 2 large, 7 medium and 96 small diamonds of exceptional purity. The Cullinan II Diamond adorns the crown of the British Empire. . 3rd place: Incomparable. Golden yellow diamond weighing 407.48 carats. The diamond originally weighed 890 carats. The diamond was first put up for sale at Christie's in 1988, where it was purchased for €12 million. In 2013, the unique diamond was set in a rose gold necklace inlaid with 91 diamonds. . 2nd place: Cullinan I or “Big Star of Africa”. The colorless diamond, weighing 530.2 carats, is the largest piece of the Cullinan diamond. The diamond was presented as a gift to the British King Edward VII. Now the “Great Star of Africa” is located in the Tower of London and is crowned with the scepter of the British monarch Edward VII. . 1️⃣th place: Golden Anniversary. A yellow-brown diamond weighing 545.67 carats. Before cutting, the diamond weighed 755.5 carats. Processing the stone took two years and in 1990 a diamond of amazing beauty appeared to the world. In 1997, the diamond was presented as a gift to the King of Thailand on the 50th anniversary of his reign - the golden jubilee - this event served as the basis for the name of the diamond.

A post shared by ?RINGS | EARRINGS | BRACELETS? (@alloro_d_oro) on Dec 1, 2021 at 12:26am PST

Price

The value of crystals depends on many criteria. The most valuable pique gems, which are certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The most expensive ones include registered copies, which are sold only at auction.

Jewelry stores usually sell jewelry with carbonado. The price of crystals ranges from 20 to 600 dollars per 1 carat. The cost depends on the type and quality of the nugget.

Prices for jewelry with black diamonds:

1. Rings – from 15,000 rubles.
2. Earrings – from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles.
3. Bracelet – from 16,000 rubles.
4. Brooch - from 12,000 rubles, etc.

Large diamonds can cost up to $1,000 per carat.

Criteria for evaluation

The cost of a black (and any other) diamond depends on the following parameters:

1. Cut.
2. Degree of transparency. The more transparent the stone, the higher its price.
3. Purity. If there are defects (cracks, inclusions), the cost of the crystal decreases.
4. Weight in carats.
5. Color.

Few people know which is more expensive – a black or a white diamond. The most valuable are considered to be completely transparent specimens, which are extremely rare.

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What does a black diamond look like?

What a black diamond looks like depends on its origin and structure. Ideally, this is a stone that has retained the inherent shine and some transparency of a diamond. However, most stones that are used to make jewelry are completely opaque and resemble hematite or obsidan in appearance.

Seeing a real black diamond that has not been artificially colored is quite problematic - most of these stones are in private collections. You can only see them at exhibitions and auctions, but these stones change owners quite rarely.

How to spot a fake

To increase the value of low-grade stones, they are fired, irradiated or coated with a layer of paint. You can recognize them in the following ways:

1. Look at the stone under the LED lamp: natural piqué has a smoky tint, while artificial stone is greenish or brown.
2. Look at the crystal under a magnifying glass that magnifies 10 times: the piqué has a uniform color, while the counterfeit is spotty.
3. Check the gem for electrical conductivity: this property does not change in a natural stone, but it is not developed in a fake. However, to implement this method, special devices are required.

Important! If you are going to buy a large, expensive exhibit, be sure to contact an expert. This method is the most expensive, but true.

Authentication

Manufacturers are trying to increase the cost of stone by refining low-grade minerals using firing, irradiation and painting technology, which allows them to obtain a rich black color. You can identify a fake as follows:

1. When hit by lamp light at the peak, it appears as a smoky or bright gray, opaque stone with a thick tint along the edges of the facets. The fake stone will be slightly greenish or brownish.
2. When examining a mineral under a magnifying glass, which magnifies its size many times over, one can notice a uniform color if one is looking at a natural piqué. The treated diamond is iridescent, spotted or variegated.
3. After processing, the minerals concentrate the graphite inclusions well below the surface, causing them to create a black tint. A natural nugget has an even distribution of color along its entire perimeter.

Recognizing a fake should be entrusted to a specialist. The expert will check the electrical conductivity of the diamond. On display there are not only refined stones, but also diamonds grown using synthetic technologies.

How to wear and care

A black diamond goes well with a business or evening look. Men can wear it with rings, cufflinks, and tie studs. This will make your daily business look more stylish and expensive.

Women can complement a formal dress or pantsuit with neat, elegant jewelry. Large items will be the highlight of an evening look.

In order for a black diamond to retain its beauty for a long time, you need to provide it with care:

1. Carry out ultrasonic cleaning twice a year.
2. Clean the crystal every 4 to 6 weeks using soapy water and a soft toothbrush. After cleaning, rinse the stone and wipe with a dry cloth.
3. You can also clean the gem with ammonia mixed with water (1:3). Immerse the gem in liquid for 20 minutes, brush, rinse, and dry.
4. Do not use abrasives or aggressive chemical solutions for cleaning.
5. Store jewelry in separate boxes or bags.

Choose storage areas with average temperatures and normal humidity levels.

Stone care

Diamond jewelry is cleaned with a mixture of three parts water and one part ammonia. Also prepare a soft bristle brush and a glass container.

• briefly place the ring, earrings or pendant in hot water to soak the item from grease and plaque;
• dip it in the cleaning solution and leave for an hour;
• wipe the stone with a brush at different angles;
• dry and polish it with a piece of suede or lint-free cloth.

Products with fancy stones, openwork trim and small details are preferable to be cleaned by specialists. A solution of ammonia with water will restore the shine of the stone, but may harm the alloy from which the jewelry is made.

Main conclusions

Black diamond is the choice of extravagant, self-confident and noble people. The exact origin of the stone is unknown, but it is believed that it may have come from space or kimberlite pipes. This mineral is the hardest, but brittle, which greatly complicates its cutting. There are 2 types of black diamonds – carbonado and pique.

The second gem is considered the rarest and most expensive. The cost of a crystal depends on the cut, clarity, weight, and color. The mineral has strong healing as well as magical properties. The stone is most suitable for fire signs.

Black diamond is very popular when creating men's jewelry, although there are also many fans of jewelry with a mysterious crystal among women. You can recognize a fake using an LED lamp, magnifying glass or an expert. To preserve the beauty of a stone, you need to provide it with proper care.

Share your experience of wearing a black diamond and leave feedback in the comments.

There are other hypotheses

In the depths of the Earth, where the pressure and temperature are extremely high, carbon atoms were transformed by inclusions of hematite or graphite into black diamonds.

Another theory suggests that the black color appeared due to a disruption in the diamond lattice.

That is, there is no single theory of the origin of natural black diamond. But meanwhile, it really is a diamond, only of a different nature: a black diamond does not reflect or refract light, like ordinary white diamonds, but only absorbs it. It is this quality that makes it black. When the question arises: “What is the name of a black diamond?”, the correct answer is carbonado.