How are coloured diamonds formed?

When you hear ‘diamonds’, you tend to think of the classic, sparkling white gemstones. But did you know they come in a stunning array of colours too? The proof is in the rich blue of the Hope Diamond and the bright green of the Dresden Green Diamond. From fiery pinks to glowing yellows and more, natural coloured diamonds are some of the rarest and most mesmerising gems. What gives them their brilliant hues? And just how are coloured diamonds formed? Let’s uncover the secrets behind these vibrant wonders.

What Creates the Colours in Diamonds?

Colourless diamonds are made of pure carbon. Natural coloured diamonds, on the other hand, owe their shades to fascinating scientific processes. Whether it’s chemical elements sneaking into the diamond’s structure or natural forces like radiation and pressure, each colour has a unique origin story. 

The Formation of Natural Coloured Diamonds

Not all diamonds are created equal, especially natural coloured diamonds. Here’s how different hues come to life.

Pink & Red Diamonds: The Mystery of Pressure

The exact reason behind natural pink diamonds remains a mystery, but experts believe their colour comes from intense pressure within the Earth. This pressure alters the diamond’s atomic structure, bending light to create that mesmerising pink or deep red hue. Because of their rarity, natural pink diamond prices can be astonishingly high. Some noteworthy examples of these are the Pink Star Diamond and the Moussaieff Red Diamond

Blue Diamonds:
Boron’s Signature

If you’ve ever wondered how natural blue diamonds get their oceanic hues, the answer is boron. Boron is best described as a dark, lustrous metalloid whose atoms sometimes mix with carbon during diamond formation. When this happens, they absorb red light, leaving behind a breathtaking blue colour. The natural blue diamond prices reflect their extreme rarity. 

Green Diamonds:
A Touch of Radiation

Green diamonds are nature’s rebels. Their colour comes from exposure to natural radiation over millions of years. This radiation affects the surface of the diamond, giving it a unique green tint.

Brown & Champagne Diamonds: Grainy Perfection

The rich chocolate and champagne hues of brown diamonds come from internal grain lines formed under immense pressure. These diamonds have a warm, earthy beauty that’s been gaining a lot of popularity.

Purple & Violet Diamonds: A Subtle Symphony

Like natural pink diamonds, purple and violet diamonds get their colour from atomic distortions deep within the Earth. These shades are incredibly rare, making them a collector’s dream.

Black Diamonds:
A Starry Origin?

Unlike other coloured diamonds, black diamonds, also called carbonado, get their dark, mysterious look from countless tiny inclusions. Some theories suggest they originate from meteorite impacts, literally making them out of this world.

Why Are Coloured Diamonds So Rare?

As you can guess, coloured diamonds make up only a tiny fraction of all diamonds mined. Their unique formation processes require perfect conditions over millions of years. So many things have to align perfectly at the same time for these diamonds to be born. This makes them significantly rarer than their colourless counterparts. The Aurora Pyramid of Hope, deemed the most comprehensive natural coloured diamonds collection in the world, boasts a collection of 296 coloured diamonds. 

Add Some Rarity to Your Jewel
Collection with Tanishq

Whether you’re captivated by the romance of natural pink diamonds, the mystery of blue ones or the radiance of yellow stones, Tanishq brings you the finest selection of real diamonds to choose from. Explore our exquisite collection of natural coloured diamonds, each piece as rare and beautiful as you.