April’s birthstone is the diamond, which is the most durable, scratch-resistant gemstone of them all. “Diamond” derives from “adamas,” which is Greek for “invincible” or “unbreakable.” On the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds have a rating of 10, which is the highest of any gemstone. Individuals born in April, according to astrology, are known to be fearless, strong, emotional, resilient, and ambitious.
Diamonds are formed when carbon is exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure beneath Earth’s surface over hundreds of millions of years. In addition to being recognized as April’s birthstone, the diamond is also traditionally the gem of choice for engagement rings because the strength of these gems is comparable to marriage, which is supposed to be an unbreakable bond.
Diamonds are among the most visually stunning gems, with the highest levels of brilliance. They are also one of the oldest minerals known to mankind. The average natural diamond was formed over a billion years ago and many of them are well over three billion years old.
The Color Pallette of Diamonds
(Pictured above: Lab Grown Yellow Diamond)
The most frequently used diamond color in jewelry is clear / colorless. However, diamonds are available in a wide assortment of colors, many of which are extremely rare. Natural, purely orange diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable. One reason why orange diamonds are so scarce is because of the nitrogen impurities they are exposed to when being formed.
Other rare diamond colors include pink, blue, purple, red, yellow, brown, green and black. Variations in diamond color are attributed to exposure to different kinds of elements and conditions during the formation process deep below Earth’s surface.
Natural green diamonds get their color from exposure to radioactive minerals such as thorium and uranium. Natural blue diamonds get their color from the presence of boron in the carbon lattice. Blue diamonds form within extremely rare geological conditions, at over 400 miles below Earth’s surface, which is significantly deeper than the average depth that diamonds are formed.
Natural vs. Lab Grown
Lab grown diamonds have become more popular in recent years. They have the same optics and properties as natural diamonds but they are made in a lab over the course of a few months instead of forming over millions of years under Earth’s crust.
Differences between natural and lab grown diamonds cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, one attribute that separates them is the presence of small amounts of nitrogen. Natural diamonds have nitrogen. Manmade diamonds do not.
Lab grown diamonds can be more enticing than natural diamonds for prospective buyers since they are sold at significantly lower prices. However, natural diamonds retain their value better than their lab grown counterparts.
Folklore & Symbolism
In ancient civilizations, diamonds were believed to stimulate creativity and prevent fear. In some cultures, they are said to be the tears of Gods, contain celestial spirits, or are formed when lightning strikes rocks.
Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because in ancient Egyptian culture, that finger is said to have contained the “vena amoris,” which translates to “vein of love” in English. In medieval times, people believed this vein ran directly to the heart.
Conclusion
Whether you are celebrating a birthday in April, starting a new chapter in your love story, or just want a stylish, brilliant, timeless piece of jewelry, diamonds are an excellent choice. We have a plethora of diamonds to choose from here at Little Treasury along with extremely knowledgeable staff members who are here to help you make informed buying decisions.