Diamonds are one of the most popular gems in the world as they are not only beautiful but also very durable. Being one of the hardest natural materials on earth, diamonds are now widely considered as the essential gemstone in fine jewelry especially in engagement wedding rings, eternity bands and other symbolic jewelry. But how does it stand with other gems? Are they really in a league of their own or are they as close to other gemstones as they can possibly be?
Are Diamonds Considered Gemstones?
Diamonds are categorized as gemstones. Like other gemstones, diamonds are crystalline formations that have taken millions of years to be created within the Earth’s crust. However, what makes diamonds to be different from the other gemstones is their formation. While most gemstones are made up of a combination of two or more elements, diamonds are formed entirely from a single element: carbon. This carbon is exposed to very high pressure and temperature at depths of the earth’s mantle that is responsible for the hardness and clarity of diamonds.
On the other hand, the other gemstones are made up of different elements and compounds in their composition. For instance, emerald is composed of beryllium, aluminum, and silicon while sapphire is composed of aluminum and oxygen. These elemental differences are one of the main reasons that make diamonds different from other types of gemstones. At Almas Diamond, a top diamond polishing company, all type of gemstones are available, and you can purchase your favorite type with them!
Diamond and other gemstone formation:
The creation of gemstones is a very interesting process that starts in the earth’s crust about 3-25 kilometers below the surface of the earth. Diamonds on the other hand are formed much deeper at about 100 miles under the earth’s surface in a formation known as the mantle. This makes the process of getting a diamond from the mantle of the Earth to your jewelry case a rather magical one.
The Earth's crust is composed of three main types of rocks: There are three types of rocks which include igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. These rock types have their uses in the formation of various gemstones in the earth’s crust.
After it gets extracted, Diamond and other gemstones goes through the diamond evaluation process, and this is the process is what Almas Diamond, a top diamond polishing service, considers before buying any kind of Diamond.
Growth of Gemstones in Igneous Rock
Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling, and subsequent crystallization of molten rock known as magma. Gemstones can form in igneous rocks through two primary processes: either through the process of crystallization of magma below the surface of the earth or through the eruption of lava on the surface of the earth where it crystallizes. The speed at which the molten rock cools also determines the size of the crystals that form, and this gives the rock its specific composition. The rate of cooling has a direct impact to the size of the crystals and the slower the rate the bigger the crystals formed.
Igneous rock is most famous for the following gemstones; diamonds, emeralds, garnet and topaz. Diamonds specifically crystallize in a particular kind of igneous rock known as kimberlite and only in the mantle of the Earth. Occasionally when kimberlite is transported to the surface through volcanic activity diamonds are also transported along with the kimberlite. After this, the diamond evaluation process starts, and Almas Diamond, a company that offers diamond services in Dubai, only selects Diamonds that fits the diamond evaluation criteria.
Processes of Formation of Gemstones in Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rocks are those rocks that are formed because of deposition of material on the surface of the earth where minerals and other particles combine and gradually form layers. These layers accumulate over time and the pressure that builds up turns them to sedimentary rock. The gemstone develops in sedimentary rock when mineral water and wind put down layers of minerals in cracks and voids of the Earth’s crust. These minerals accumulate and over time, are pressed together and in the process form gemstones.
Some examples of the gemstone that is formed in sedimentary rock include opals and zircons. These gems can therefore have very specific patterns and color that are the direct reflection of the conditions in which they were created. Diamonds go through the process of diamond boiling, and this process enables the use of diamonds in creating items such as rings.
Formation of gemstones in metamorphic rock
Metamorphic rocks are the rocks that are derived from one rock type, which can be either igneous or sedimentary, and is changed through heat and pressure. This process is called metamorphism, which may lead to the formation of new kinds of rocks with new minerals that crystallize into gems.
The famous gemstones that are found in metamorphic rocks include: Jade, Turquoise, ruby and sapphire. These stones are usually appreciated for their beautiful colors and hardness and therefore are used in making jewelry.
Are Gemstones cheaper than diamonds?
As for the costs, it is essential to understand that, in most cases, diamonds are more costly than other gemstones. This can be attributed to their scarcity and the market that already exists for them, especially when it comes to engagement and other valuable pieces of jewelry. The colored diamonds that are almost invisible can sell at a rate higher than $10,000 for a carat. The market for diamonds is also very regulated, which contributes to high prices.
On the other hand, prices of other gemstones are relatively more sensitive to normal market forces and may change with supply and demand forces. This often makes them cheaper than diamonds, but there are some which are almost as costly as diamonds. However, the reader should appreciate that the price of the gemstone may differ from the above examples due to factors like the rarity, color, clarity, and carat weight. For example, quality emerald or sapphire can be sometimes cheaper or even more expensive than diamonds.
If you want to buy high-quality diamonds for top prices, your best bet is Almas Diamond, a diamond polishing business that offers the best diamonds for sale.
Diamonds Durability Compared to Other Gems
This is one of the reasons why diamonds are so valued, because they are extremely durable. Diamonds are the hardest natural material known to exist on the surface of the earth, and they are rated 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes them extremely immune to scratching and other forms of wear and that is why they are used in making engagement rings and other jewelry that are worn most of the time.
Other gemstones, although quite hard, are not as hard as diamonds in most cases. For instance, sapphire and ruby are 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness which makes them rather hard but more likely to be scratched than diamonds. In terms of hardness, emeralds fall between 7. 5 and 8 on the Mohs scale and as such are slightly softer than sapphires and can easily chip if not well handled.
For the most durable Diamonds, you should visit Almas Diamond, a top diamond polishing service that sells the most durable and high-quality gems in the UAE.
Diamonds and Gemstones: Jewlery – An Eternal Choice
Every diamond or gemstone has its own beauty and an attraction of its own kind. Diamonds, which are known to be highly durable and extremely brilliant, are a perfect match for a man who wants to give a timeless gift. Their durability means that whoever buys them will continue to dazzle for many more years even if they use the jewelry often.
Other gemstones with their wonderful shades and unique characteristics are also perfect and elegant pieces of ornaments that can be worn for many years. They are not as hard as diamonds, but they come in a variety that can meet the need of any person with any style or taste.
All in all, the decision to buy diamonds or other gems depends on the preference, cost range, and the characteristics of the jewelry that is desired. Each of them possesses qualities that entitle them to admiration and desire, qualities that are different and distinctive. If you want to buy Diamonds or any kind of gemstones, you should visit Almas Diamond, a top diamond polishing company, as they offer top and high-quality diamonds for the best prices.
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