The Natural Formation of Diamonds: From Kimberlite Pipes to Gem-Quality Stones

Summary

This article explains the natural formation process of diamonds deep underground. It describes how extreme pressure (equivalent to 10,000 elephants) and high temperatures (like lava) cause chemical reactions in rocks called kimberlite. These kimberlite rocks rise to the surface through magma eruptions at incredible speeds, forming pipe-like structures that are the primary source of diamonds. Only about 1 in 200 kimberlite pipes contain gem-quality diamonds, and most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.