12 Fun Facts About Diamonds

In today's culture we identify with diamonds as being symbols of Love, Luxury and Promise. Here are some super fun facts about diamonds!

1. The word 'diamond' is derived from the Greek word 'Adamas', meaning invincible.

This refers to the extraordinary hardness of the diamond — as well as its supposed magical properties to protect against any poison or attack, according to the ancient myths.

2. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on the planet.

Although, they can still be scratched by another diamond.

3. The largest diamond ever found on Earth in 1905 was a whopping 3,106 carats.

The Cullinan Diamond, found in a mine in South Africa, was cut into 9 large stones and 100 smaller ones.

4. There is a 10 billion trillion trillion carat diamond named Lucy in outer space.

Astronomers believe that a star they nicknamed after a Beatles song has an enormous diamond core that is 50 light years away in the Centaurus Constellation.

5. Diamonds are billions of years old — in many cases up to 3.3 billion years old.

The famous Hope Diamond was formed 1.1 billion years ago.

6. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears cried by the gods or splinters from falling stars.

The Romans also believed that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds.

7. Diamonds are derived from just a single element — they are nearly 100% carbon.

When other elements are present in the stones, they become colored diamonds such as yellow, pink or blue.

8. Ancient Hindus believed diamonds could protect wearers from danger, and placed them in the eyes of devotional statues.

9. The first ever known engagement ring was created in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring featuring an 'M' spelled out in diamonds.

10. Lab created diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds.

Yet, they are sustainable and have minimal impact on the environment.

11. More than 80% of mined diamonds are used for industrial purposes.

12. Only one in every million diamonds weighs one carat or more.

Sources: The Gemological Institute of America; History.com.