Sedona Gem and Mineral Club

Thought to be one of the hardest substances on the globe, easily scratching any other mineral.  Natural diamonds date back billions of years.  They are Isometric forming crystals: sometimes as sharp octahedra, dodecahedra, and combinations with other forms. Crystals modify, often rounded, and are distinguished by the presence of triangular-shaped pits on octahedral faces (once believed to be due to etching, these ‘trigons” are currently believed to be a result of the growth process).

Adopted from the Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible,” diamonds come in a wide range of colors such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange, and yellow. The color depends on the type of impurities present in the stone. For instance, yellow diamonds have minuscule traces of nitrogen while blue ones contain boron.

As told through the Encarta, Sanskrit texts dating back before 400 B.C., found that people associated significant value and wonderment with crystals. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to hold healing powers and to cure ailments stemming from the pituitary gland and brain. By heating the crystal and taking it to bed, it was thought to draw out the harmful toxins that were crippling the body. It was also believed that diamonds could affect an individual’s balance and clarity and could boost their energy when combined with other crystals like amethyst. There is research dating back to 1330 showing diamond cutting in Venice. The diamond trading business flourished towards the 15th century with the opening of Eastern trade routes. 

The illumination and reflection of a diamond will inspire imagination and ingenuity in the wearer, and bring about strength, fortitude, and courage through a diamond’s hardness and invincibility, having the power to drive away bad energy or fortune.  Plus, they are just beautiful to wear!