A Billion Year Glow-Up:
The Story Of Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds have always been hyped, from ancient royalty where it adorned the finest of jewels to modern pop culture where singers have used it as their muse countless times. But have you ever stopped and wondered how diamonds are made? These shimmering wonders go beyond being symbols of luxury and love, they are geological marvels that take millions, sometimes billions, of years to form. From deep within the Earth’s mantle to the celestial meteorites, the expanse of a diamond’s journey is nothing short of miraculous.

Let’s explore how natural diamonds are formed, what diamonds are made of, and the fascinating processes that bring them to the surface.

What are Diamonds?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how diamonds are made, let’s talk about what they actually are. Diamonds are pure carbon—yes, the same element found in graphite (the stuff in your pencil) but arranged in a way that makes them the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. This unmatched hardness and brilliance is what make them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Their true uniqueness, though, lies in their formation process. Unlike other gemstones that form through mineral crystallization, natural diamonds require extreme conditions that only nature can provide.

How Are Natural Diamonds Formed?

The creation of natural diamonds takes place under intense conditions, requiring the perfect cocktail of time, temperature and pressure. Let’s break down the most fascinating ways of how diamonds are formed:

Deep in the Earth

Wondering how natural diamonds are formed? In various ways, that’s how but this is the origin story that plays out most frequently. In the Earth’s mantle, about 140 to 190 kilometres beneath the surface, carbon atoms are subjected to immense pressure (45,000 times the atmospheric pressure) and extreme temperatures (1,000–1,300 degrees Celsius), allowing them to bond in a crystal lattice, forming diamonds.

Tectonic Plate
Movement

Diamonds love drama, and what’s more dramatic than continents crashing into each other? When tectonic plates shift and collide, they create enormous pressure, pushing carbon deposits deep into the Earth, where they can crystallise into diamonds over time.

Meteorite Impact

Diamonds can also be born from cosmic chaos. When meteorites crash into the Earth, the sudden, intense heat and pressure from their high-speed collisions create the perfect environment for diamond formation. These tend to be small, but their extraterrestrial origins make them exceptionally rare and scientifically valuable.

Meteorites in Space

If you thought diamonds were only found on Earth, think again! Scientists have found that some meteorites contain tiny and unique diamond crystals known as nanodiamonds. These originate from ancient stars and can provide clues about the universe’s early history.

Are Diamonds Made from Coal?

We’ve all heard, “A diamond is just a piece of coal that did well under pressure.” Does that mean they’re made of coal? Well, let’s bust this myth once and for all. Diamonds are NOT made from coal. While coal and diamonds are both forms of carbon, they have entirely different origin stories. Coal comes from decayed plant matter found in sedimentary rocks, while most natural diamonds are far older than any known plants. Coal simply doesn’t exist where diamonds form deep within the Earth. In short, diamonds are not formed from coal but from pure carbon exposed to extreme conditions over millions of years.

Natural Diamonds: A True Miracle

Natural diamonds are one of Earth’s most spectacular creations, forged over billions of years in extreme conditions. Whether they’re formed beneath the Earth, through meteorite impacts, or even in space, their journey is as fascinating as their final form. 

And if you’re looking for a diamond that’s as rare and extraordinary as its journey, explore Tanishq’s exquisite collection of natural diamond jewellery. Each piece is crafted to perfection, bringing you the best of nature’s brilliance in timeless, elegant, and truly one-of-a-kind designs.