Diamond Facts

The diamond is a precious stone that lots of people would love to own. In fact, Archduke Maximilian of Austria was the first person to give a diamond as a gift. He gave it to his true love, Mary of Burgundy in 1477. That is cool, but did you know that diamond actually starts out as carbon? Or the only thing that can scratch diamond is another diamond? Let's explore the world of diamond to see what other sparkling facts we can uncover are.

Diamond History

Diamonds go back three billion years. In the 1400s, people found diamonds in India. Then in the 1700s, people found more of them in Brazil. In the 1800s, South Africa was popular for diamonds. Today, we mine for diamonds all over the world.

Where can you find them?

You have to go deep inside the earth (144 – 193 km down). They are made from carbon and very high temperatures (1093 – 1648 degrees Celsius).

Diamond Myths

The Ancient people of Rome and Greece believed diamonds were the tears from the gods.

In the Middle Ages, some people believed a diamond could cure disease.

Some Ancient cultures thought a diamond on your battle armour would give you strength and courage.

Adapted from Science for Kids Club website