Black diamond: characteristics, features, cost

History and origin

There are two versions about the origin of black diamond: terrestrial and cosmic.

It is believed that the mineral came to Earth with a giant asteroid more than a billion years ago. At that time, South America and Africa were a single territory. After the break, the new continents were separated by water. The version is supported by deposits of the mineral in Brazil and West Africa, plus the peculiarities of its occurrence. The mineral is not found in kimberlite pipes, where other diamonds are mined. It doesn't lie that deep.

Black brilliant

American scientists found in it nitrogen, titanium, and other compounds found in meteorites. Only some characteristics of a black gem make it similar to earthly diamonds.

Another point of view: black natural diamonds are formed in the same way as colored transparent stones, but under different conditions. This is confirmed by crystals from alluvial (water) sediments and rocks from the Avachinskaya Sopka in Kamchatka.

The name of the stone was given by Brazilian miners who discovered it at the end of the 19th century. The pristine black diamond is more reminiscent of coal, for which it was dubbed carbonado, that is, “carbonaceous” in translation from Portuguese.

Origin of the mineral

The word adamas is translated from Greek as “indestructible.” In ancient times, diamonds were called that way. And there is nothing to be surprised here; the name of the mineral conveys its essence as accurately as possible: it is really very hard . The black brilliant stone was discovered in 1840, from that moment it was already considered very strong in terms of its healing qualities and belonged to the category of magical attributes. How much time has passed since then, but people still believe in the magical properties of diamonds. Interestingly, the first minerals mined were called carbonado.

This magical gem has a beautiful and mysterious origin story. For a long time, no one could understand where the mysterious stone came from.

The most popular theory to date was first proposed by Joseph Garay. The scientist suggested that the mineral contains hydrogen, which explains its extraterrestrial origin. According to his point of view, this is a meteorite rock that has transformed into black diamonds over billions of years.

Today another opinion is widespread. Many researchers claim that the mysterious gem is an ordinary diamond, but with the inclusion of iron or graphite.

Interestingly, the largest cut black diamond in the world is a stone called the Spirit of Grisogono. The original weight was 587 carats. But after cutting, the gem, so to speak, lost a little weight. Now it weighs 312.24 carats or 62.4 g. However, this does not prevent it from taking an honorable first place in weight among other similar breeds.

This is the rarest diamond, but due to its not very high quality, the cost is usually at the level of classic diamonds. There are black diamonds that can be bought inexpensively, they are made from brown rocks with a lot of voids. Diamond of decent quality is produced only in Israel, Belgium and Italy.

Physicochemical characteristics

The physical characteristics of the stone are determined by the porous structure and inclusions of graphite, hematite and magnetite. Their combination gives opacity, blackness, and increased strength.

Black diamonds

The stone is compared with outwardly similar minerals: black smooth specimens imitate obsidian, gray porous specimens resemble pumice. The raw material is difficult to polish and cut. The properties of carbonado black diamond are more in demand by industry.

Deposits and types

A black diamond is a rare stone. Very few deposits have been discovered:

• Brazil;
• Central Africa.

Low-quality minerals are cut in India, and high-quality diamonds are cut in Belgium, Italy, and Israel.

The color of the mineral is created by impurities (graphite, magnetite, hematite) that are included in the composition. Carbonado and pique are used to create exclusive jewelry.

Carbonado

The carbonado mineral is considered a technical diamond. It has a semi-crystalline structure. Upon magnification, a porous structure is revealed. The composition contains inclusions of graphite, magnetite, and hematite. Sometimes there are impurities of nitrogen, hydrogen, and boron. Characteristic is charcoal black color.

Pique

The difference between pique and carbonado is its monocrystalline structure, which is identical to transparent diamond. The gem contains impurities of graphite and other compounds. The rich black color appears due to the refinement of the stone with X-rays and ultra-high temperatures. A cut pique diamond is classified as a fancy colored natural diamond.

There are not only black shades, but also gray, brown, and greenish.

Varieties and colors

The concept of “black diamond” implies the following categories:

• carbonado (from the Latin carbon - coal);

  
  Carbonado

• pique;

  
  Pique

• dark diamond chips.

The last type is diamond processing waste.

Carbonado

Description of carbonado: opaque amorphous porous formation of dark green or gray-black color with a matte sheen. “Grains”-crystallites randomly welded together by a silicon base create a structure that absorbs light instead of reflecting it. There is no talk of any shine.

The color is given by inclusions of magnetite, hematite and graphite; nitrogen and hydrogen may be present.

Carbonado is hard, but fragile; it breaks easily when cut; porosity and inclusions prevent polishing. Therefore, until the 1950s, it was used as a technical diamond and was not of interest to jewelers.

The development of technology eliminated the problem: specialists turned carbonado into a jewelry stone. Initially, we experimented with uniformly colored large specimens (no smaller than 10 carats). Today, jewelry with one-carat stones is common. But only highly qualified craftsmen can process the mineral.

Pique

Pique (French Pique) is a natural black single crystal with a structure similar to a classic diamond.

The color is created by graphite dust particles and other impurities. A cut pique diamond is a fancy diamond, that is, equal to colored natural diamonds. But a rare specimen has a natural black color, so crystals of a brown, dark gray or green hue also fall into this category.

Uniformly colored specimens are used as jewelry. Opaque matte, without the shine required for diamonds, the stones stand out from the rest of their “brothers”.

What is the name of black diamond

Carbonado is the original name for all representatives of this color. There are also pique diamonds, the color of which is obtained based on other impurities. The color of the mineral may vary. It includes the following shades:

• pure black (without inclusions of other colors);
• rich dark gray (a rarer option common to both types);
• bright brown (found among pique diamonds);
• dark green (can be either pale or quite bright).

It should be noted that regardless of color, all representatives are classified as black diamonds. Pique often takes on lighter shades after processing, becoming a colored variety of this mineral.

Medicinal properties

Healers claim that the stone has healing properties:

• treats the psyche in all directions;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system;
• relieves alcohol and nicotine addiction;
• relieves fever;
• neutralizes infection;
• facilitates the course of the disease.

Black brilliant

The stone helps the stronger half: a man's ring or ring slows down aging, maintains potency and sexuality. For ladies, earrings have a healing effect.

What is a treated diamond?

The first thing you need to immediately understand is that diamonds do not become less valuable after refining processes. They were the “kings of gems” and remain so. Why refine already noble crystals? And in order for their appearance to improve, their purity and color became better.

• Read: The most expensive stones of the Diamond Fund

The refining process itself is aimed solely at correcting their physical properties, after which their chemical structure does not change in any way. Those diamonds that have been cleaned or cut are not considered refined, since these methods can change the original structure of the gem beyond recognition, significantly increasing its value.

Refining diamonds is a normal manipulation in the jewelry industry. It cannot be considered criminal or illegal, since all-natural crystals may not have ideal parameters. Such artificial improvement allows you to create truly luxurious and exclusive gold jewelry.

Diamonds are refined according to two parameters. The first is purity, the second is color. Natural diamonds most often have a grayish or yellowish tint, and it is the colorless or intensely colored crystals that are of particular value. So jewelers “help” nature by improving the external characteristics of beautiful stones.

Magic properties

A black stone attracts the attention of sorcerers or people interested in the paranormal. An additional argument is the cosmic origin of the mineral. Although fantasy writers associate it with the dark spirits of the Earth.

• Black diamonds in jewelry put a barrier to external negativity (evil eye, damage, problems). They strengthen the owner spiritually and physically, making him alert.
• The stone symbolizes leadership, instilling in a person the necessary qualities. The energy of crystals activates male character traits: perseverance, endurance, determination, activity. Teaches you to win and get out of problematic situations with dignity.
• The power of the mineral is useful for couples who want to maintain the intensity of sensuality.

The magic will be maximum if the amulet is adjacent to the skin, and the left ring finger is decorated with a ring.

The magical properties of a diamond as a family jewel accumulate. The strongest specimens are inherited. If the stone is new - purchased personally or given as a gift, it takes time to establish contact.

The meaning of a stone for a person is determined by the character of the owner. The messenger of the cosmos brings happiness to people with pure intentions. Black natural diamonds are the kind of stones that do not accept deception or betrayal and other vices. The line of fate of such an owner may break off or go in the wrong direction.

Properties of a black diamond

This gemstone is often used by people to perform magical rituals. It has extremely strong magical and healing properties. On the other hand, the effects of the mineral are contradictory, so it is recommended to use it with caution. Carbonado is quite useful as a material due to its physical properties.

Magical

Black diamond helps maintain both the physical and psychological health of the owner. It is not inclined to remember the wearer, so it can be given to other people. The mineral is capable of aggression, but such behavior occurs relatively rarely. If you select the right stone, it will not cause any inconvenience. Carbonado is distinguished by a list of magical effects:

1. Brightness of feelings, emotions. The mineral improves the perception of the surrounding world and helps maintain relationships with loved ones.
2. Protection from harm. Black diamond drives away bad luck and bad people. It gives its owner increased attention, as well as additional caution.
3. Showing determination. Carbonado helps develop confidence. This stone is useful for career growth and development of leadership qualities. It will help in acquiring useful skills and abilities.

To ensure that the mineral gives only positive effects, it is recommended to select it according to the character of the owner. It will manifest itself most clearly in an indecisive or unlucky person. However, the stone almost does not manifest itself in strong-willed people.

Important information

It is important to note that black diamond is sensitive to any negative character traits. He reacts extremely negatively to greed, as well as arrogance.

At the same time, the mineral acts quite radically, directing all its energy against the owner.

Healing

Carbonado is very effective for men if it is in the ring. Women are advised to wear earrings containing this material. Black Diamond eases any painful sensations, reducing symptoms. It also helps in the treatment of ailments such as:

• infectious diseases;
• bad habits, addiction;
• labored breathing;
• inflammatory processes of the skin, bones;
• mental imbalance.

This stone is safe to use. It does not have a negative effect on any diseases. The positive effect of the mineral also lies in the fact that it fills the owner with its own energy. At the same time, the diamond replenishes the owner’s vitality.

Physical

In addition to color, black diamond has several other differences from ordinary representatives. Most often the stone is not transparent. When exposed to light, the mineral shines very brightly. Sometimes carbonado can be translucent, but such stones are rare. It's quite solid. Upon closer inspection, you can notice the porosity of the surface. Because of it, black diamond becomes extremely fragile. Most of the representatives are matte.

Chemical

The basis of this unique mineral is carbon. However, it stands out for its list of rare impurities that affect its structure, as well as its color range. Among them are relatively common:

• hydrogen;
• nitrogen;
• boron;
• iron.

The external characteristics of a stone largely depend on its origin. The chemical composition of the mineral varies, but the exact reason for this is unknown. It is widely believed that the changes occur due to various volcanic processes.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Astrologers have found that the stone suits several zodiac signs to varying degrees. His favorites are representatives of the element of Fire. But zodiac compatibility is not enough: the black mineral does not tolerate dishonesty. If this quality dominates, it is better not to count on the help of a magician stone.

(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)

How to improve the clarity of diamonds

Many diamonds (almost more than half) cannot boast of ideal sparkle due to natural inclusions. Their shine is not as bright as it should be, so jewelers have invented some pretty effective technologies to improve the clarity of crystals. The latest discovery is a laser beam that can easily make a microscopic hole in a gemstone. Through it, acid is introduced into the structure, which burns the inclusion. Then a special solution is introduced to fill microcracks, after which the refractive index noticeably improves, which allows diamonds to be sold at a much higher price.

• This is important: GIA and TU purity table (Russia)

Each subsequent refining technology allows us to achieve better results. Diamonds begin to simply amaze with their radiance and purity. But at the same time, the opposite problem arises: it becomes increasingly difficult to determine whether a crystal is real or fake. You can buy an ennobled diamond for thirty percent cheaper than a similar crystal of natural origin. But compared to stones that have defects, they will be more expensive. Therefore, their popularity is constantly growing, as people buy gold jewelry with diamonds at lower prices, and at the same time, jewelry inserts amaze with their appearance and the complete absence of various defects. The “human hand” in this case is practically invisible, it seems that nature did its best.

Where is it used?

The scope of application of black diamonds is determined by their type and degree of processing.

Jewelry

Black diamonds are the youngest of gemstones, only a few decades old.

Silver ring with black diamond

Story

The “godfather” of the stone was jewelry designer Fawaz Gruosi. Having bought a batch of nondescript specimens for almost nothing, he created jewelry from them. The accessories flew away instantly, making the gem a new favorite. Fawaz founded the De Grisogono jewelry house, the “face” of which was a black mysterious diamond. The cost of the stone has increased 20–30 times in a couple of years.

Today the De Grisogono brand is a trendsetter in this segment.

Criteria for evaluation

The stone is opaque, so the 3C rule applies to it, not the 4C: weight, color, cut. Processing is also assessed differently: for a crystal to begin to shine, it is not the type of cut of the diamonds that matters, but the number of polished areas. For example, the Amsterdam diamond, in contrast to the standard 57 facets, has 145 of them.

The stone is fragile, so a triangular facet is often chosen - simple but effective. Many famous black diamonds have it, including the Amsterdam. Even stones with almost absolute clarity (SI and I) are treated with an electric beam to improve color. Premium diamonds are free of voids and are cut and polished to the highest possible standards.

Compatibility

The stones look best in jewelry with yellow or clear diamonds. For products with black diamonds, gold (sometimes black) or platinum is used as a setting. In most jewelry, a large stone is complemented by a scattering of transparent small diamonds. A large black gem does not increase the price of the product too much.

Black Diamond Necklace

A spectacular classic - a black crystal in white gold.

Other areas

Once upon a time, the inhabitants of Brazil polished wood with these stones; they were used to supply drilling rigs when digging the Panama Canal. Today, unevenly colored, highly porous carbonados are used for scientific and technical purposes.

Price

The cost of a first-class black carbonado diamond is $510–650, recolored specimens of average quality are $160–180, small ones cost $16–25 per 1 carat. The price of pique with a GIA - Gemological Institute of America certificate is 1-3 thousand dollars per carat, “personalized specimens” are more expensive.

APPLICATION

Black diamonds are used not only in the jewelry industry.

Esotericists believe that the amulet can heal alcohol, nicotine, drug and mental addiction.

Pique

In general, the scope of application depends on the type of mineral.

Healing properties of the stone

Almost immediately after their discovery, diamond stones were used to cure many diseases.

• The therapy has achieved its greatest success in the treatment of phobias, depression, and insomnia.
• The amulet helps improve memory and hearing, and get rid of bad habits.
• The magnetism of the gem has a positive effect on patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal, digestive, and respiratory systems, and improves the condition during the penetration of infectious carriers.
• A ring with a mineral helps men maintain their sexuality and increases potency.

The magical properties of a black diamond

Mystical properties are attributed to the stone not only because of its color, but also because of the extraterrestrial theory of origin. Sorcerers who have such an amulet have enjoyed fame and greatness since ancient times.

• Previously, it was believed that if you constantly wear a mineral, its properties will be transferred to the owner.
• Nowadays, the most powerful stones are those that are inherited and gain their power over the years.
• Jewelry with the mineral is worn against damage and the evil eye. They reflect all negativity and help restore physical and spiritual strength. This is a leader's talisman, with all the attendant qualities.

Amulet

It is important to remember that the gem does not accept people with bad thoughts, because it does not like lies and betrayal. We recommend: LEUCOSAPPHIRE - the modest charm of a gem

Which zodiac signs suit a black diamond?

For men and women, a black diamond can be both a friend and an enemy.

• Since the mineral is protected by the Sun and Venus, it is suitable for the signs of these planets: Taurus, Leo, Libra.
• For people with a strong character, born under the influence of the fire element, the amulet will become a true friend. These include: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
• For Capricorns and Cancers, a diamond promises success in everything.

The mineral is neutral in relation to Virgos and Scorpios. Usually it brings neither harm nor benefit to such owners.

Wearing a stone is prohibited for Pisces, Aquarius and Gemini.

How to spot a fake

Let us clarify: fancy stones, that is, cut pique, are offered only at auctions. Jewelry stores offer processed carbonados (they are cheaper than transparent ones).

There are three methods to give diamonds a natural black color to increase their value: irradiation, firing, and painting. The first time the stones take on a dark, rich green hue. High firing temperature (second method) turns coal into graphite.

Black brilliant

You can identify the origin as follows:

• Examine the stone against the light under an LED lamp: the piqué is opaque, smoky or deep gray. The tinted fake is distinguished by its brownish or green color. In opaque crystals, the shade of color is concentrated at the tip of the edges.
• In treated minerals, graphite inclusions are concentrated just below the surface of the stone, creating a black tint. Dispersion throughout the volume means the natural origin of the stone.
• Under a tenfold magnifying glass, the color of the piqué is uniform; the treated crystal exhibits spotting, variegation, and iridescence of shades.
• A reliable way is to test a sample for electrical conductivity. For transparent and natural black crystals it is the same, but for processed ones it is different. This method is available to specialists.

Technologists have created an artificial black carbonado diamond. The process involves high pressure using nickel as a catalyst.

Physical properties

All diamonds are pure carbon, so they are quite hard. A black diamond may contain impurities of magnetite, graphite, hematite, etc. A natural gem is difficult to process; in order to obtain a high-quality cut, the master must work longer and also have relevant experience.

Experts identify the following physical and chemical characteristics of black diamond:

1. Formula – S.
2. Mohs hardness level – 10.
3. Density – from 3.47 to 3.55 g/cm³.
4. Light refraction – 2.417 – 2.421.
5. The temperature at which diamond melts is from 3800 to 4000°.
6. The fracture is conchoidal.
7. The structure is porous.
8. Fragility – high.
9. Transparency – low or zero.
10. Gloss – matte.
11. Color – from light smoky to charcoal.

Unlike diamonds of other colors, black does not emit a glassy shine and does not have purity. Most specimens have a matte sheen and various defects. Transparent, shining exhibits are rare in nature.

This is interesting! Black crystals are used in industry and jewelry. The stone is hard but fragile, so craftsmen learned to process it with minimal losses relatively recently.

How to wear and care

Not everyone would risk wearing jewelry with black stones: many people consider them exotic or something reprehensible. The owner (especially the owner) needs to be prepared to become the center of public attention.

Wearing rules

Designers create men's and women's accessories with diamond inserts. The mineral is a godsend for men who do not accept “effeminate” colored or shiny stones. Their choice is rings or a formal tie clip.

Jewelry with black stones makes the owner stand out from the general background. They can be matched with a branded business suit or a chic evening dress. Studs and rings with night-colored droplets are worn during the day; jewelry with larger pieces is suitable for the evening.

A gold engagement ring with black stones is preferred by extraordinary and creative people.

Pendant “Drop Black Diamond”

Rules of care

To clean precious stones, you need a solution of water and ammonia (3:1), a soft brush and a glass container. Cleaning steps:

• put the decoration in hot water to soak;
• transfer to the solution for 55–60 minutes;
• wipe the mineral with a brush;
• dry, polish with suede or other soft cloth.

It is better to give openwork items to a master for cleaning or buy a product for caring for diamond stones.

PURCHASE AND CARE

Not everyone will risk purchasing such a talisman.

• Ideal for respectable, serious men. The amulet can be presented in the form of a cufflink, a ring, a ring, or a tie pin.
• Women buy jewelry with black diamonds, emphasizing their originality, extravagance and style. The jewel goes well with evening wear and a business casual suit. For the office, select small elegant pendants, rings, and earrings. It is customary to wear large and attention-grabbing diamonds to parties and dinner parties.

How to spot a fake

In order to recognize a fake, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to:

• Price. A black diamond is a rare stone and costs accordingly.
• Shine. The tone of a real mineral does not have an overflow or a sharp transition. By examining the edges of the stone under a magnifying glass, you will notice that there is no color change.
• Pique can only be purchased at auction.
• Carbonado has a matte finish.

Authentication

True pique under an LED lamp has a uniform, opaque smoky color with maximum shade intensity at the edges.

If the stone is artificially colored, it will show green or brown spots.

Favorable time to buy

Depending on the purposes, the amulet can be purchased at different times.

• If it is intended for treatment, then when purchasing it you must adhere to the lunar calendar. You need to go to the store on the 15th lunar day.
• Having brought home the purchase, the negative energy is removed from the amulet by holding it in cold water.
• You can begin magical and healing rituals from the 29th lunar day.

Additions and recommendations

Famous black diamonds and jewelry with them:

• “Star of Africa” - 202 carats, purchased for $1.2 million;
• "Orlov" - 67.5 carats;
• “Korloff Noir” - 88 carats, owned by the French jeweler Paylasier;
• “Eye of Brahma” - over 67 carats, according to legend, was the eye of a statue in India; stolen and cursed, considered a source of misfortune for the owner, but purchased in 2006 for $352 thousand;
• “Amsterdam” - 33.74 carats, found in Africa, in 2001 it was sold at auction for almost 348 thousand dollars;
• Bahia - 352 carats, found in Brazil, exhibited in 1851;
• "River Styx" - 28.5 carats, from Africa, marquise cut, stolen in 1958.

Fawaz Gruosi owns an amazingly beautiful heart pendant. The weight of the stone is more than 115 carats.

How to determine if a diamond is enhanced

The most important indicator, in this case, is the mark in the quality certificate. Such stones in the “Origin” part receive a special mark: Artificially Irradiated or HPHT Annealed. It is almost impossible to visually determine the difference.

• This is useful: How to distinguish a diamond from an imitation

Only a highly qualified and experienced jeweler can do this accurately. It is impossible to see that a diamond was subject to artificial changes without special devices. For these purposes, professionals have tools that magnify so much that the laser trace, several microns thick, becomes noticeable. Sometimes refinement is determined by brilliance, when the structure of the crystal contains natural shades that differ from the general color scheme. Jewelers create special flashes of light that show that the stone has been treated. And the hardest thing to identify are those diamonds that have been refined using the HTHP method.

The improvement process is constantly being improved. But the more artificially “corrected” crystals there are, the greater the value of all-natural diamonds.

Varieties

There are only two types of black diamonds found in nature: pique and carbonado. Their properties are similar, but some parameters differ.

Carbonado

These are opaque porous stones of gray-black or dark green color. The gloss is matte, since the structure of the mineral (“grains” - crystallites welded together by a silicon base) does not reflect light, but absorbs it.

The color of the nugget is given by inclusions of hematite, magnetite, and graphite. Possible presence of hydrogen, nitrogen, boron.

The largest carbonado (3167 carats) was found in Brazil and given the name Sergio.

Pique

This variety is a single crystal, similar in structure to classic diamonds. Small particles of graphite and other impurities create the color of the stone. Black color in pique is rare, it mainly has brown, dark brown and green shades.

Price

The price of black diamonds is lower than regular, transparent ones, and all because low-quality transparent diamonds are used to produce black ones in fairly large quantities. A well-polished round black diamond costs $1,400–$1,700. However, it does not have any defects. Black diamond is a very ancient stone, but only relatively recently, in the twentieth century, it began to be valued on the jewelry market. Therefore, prices for black artificial diamonds are noticeably lower. Weight, color and cut are indicators of quality. These make up the price. The price of one carat can start from $1,000 and reach up to one and a half thousand. Of course, buying an elite stone is not cheap, but it has become available not only to people of blood. A wide range of products will allow middle-income people to choose jewelry to their liking.

This stone has become fashionable. Marketing is a black diamond, and its prices are gradually increasing. It depends on the suppliers, their promotions and market demand.

Benefits and harms

The artificial food additive E 151 has no biological value.

In some cases it can be harmful to health.

Black shiny PN is excreted naturally. Like all azo dyes, it has the property of breaking down into amines in the human body. Organic compounds pose serious problems:

• allergic reactions (rash, runny nose, swelling in severe cases);
• bowel dysfunction;
• arrhythmia;
• skin diseases.

It is advisable for children and pregnant women not to include foods with code E 151 in their diet.

An expert committee at the World Health Organization has determined a safe daily intake of a food additive of one mg per kilogram of human weight (a weight of 60 kg is taken as the standard).

Lamisters are simply necessary in establishments and companies that deliver food to your home.

Saffron or E164 is the most expensive spice in the world. Why - find out about it in our article.

What is the best kitchen processor to buy for a catering establishment? Our material is devoted to this issue.

Improving Diamond Color

To obtain a perfectly black diamond, diamonds with defects are used, which are then hidden by the black color. Therefore, their cost can fluctuate very sharply: from 100 dollars to several thousand per carat. Too much depends not only on the quality of the laser-cut stone, but also on the cutting and polishing. The certificate and guarantee of such a stone always indicates how the stone is processed, but never states its price.

Precious stones give rise to desires and lusts, and carry madness, entail death and crown love stories.