Raw diamonds are typically found in pretty rough shapes as diamonds in their natural state are usually for “industrial grade”, meaning too included and flawed for use in jewelry. Most tend to be light yellow or white in color.
They are often found in their “octahedral” shape, which is an 8 sided shape, although other shapes such as trigons, rounds and cubes may be seen. Diamonds in the rough tend to lack the sparkling effect they have once they are cut and polished.
The rough stone may or may not contain the lustrous sparkle of a finished diamond, but to the trained eye, a rough diamond has different characteristics which give it away even before the diamond is cut.
How do you tell if you found a raw diamond?
Raw diamonds are incredibly rare, so it can be difficult to tell if you have found one. A good place to start is to look for certain physical characteristics associated with diamonds. Raw diamonds will often have curved sides, a conical shape and a glossy, waxy surface.
However, it’s important to remember that these features can also be found with various types of semi-precious stones, so it’s important to validate your find. It’s best to take your find to a jeweller or experienced lapidary to help confirm its identity.
Also, raw diamonds usually have an irregular, angular shape and a somewhat waxy texture. Additionally, they can weigh anywhere from several carats to hundreds of carats and range in color from clear to pale yellow or gray.
One surefire way to determine if a gem is a raw diamond is to have it professionally evaluated by a gem lab. Gem labs have advanced techniques and specialized equipment that can accurately assess the properties of a gem including hardness, level of clarity, and origin.
Once they’ve evaluated the gem, they can definitively tell if it is a raw diamond.
What does a raw diamond in the ground look like?
A raw diamond in the ground looks like an ordinary stone with a waxy luster or metallic-looking sheen. Its shape may appear orangey, yellowish, grayish, or black, although it may also appear clear, white, or even red.
Typically, it has curved surfaces and rounded off edges, sometimes with inclusions of minerals and other earth materials, or small fractures that were filled while still in the earth. Its size can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
Its hardness is especially high, making it resistant to scratches and damage.
How can you test a raw diamond at home?
Testing a raw diamond at home is possible, but it should be done with caution. Most of the tests that can be done at home are indirect and involve observation, rather than direct testing of the diamond.
The most common way to test for a diamond at home involves testing its hardness. Because diamonds are the hardest substance known, other materials will easily scratch it. Scratching a diamond against an object such as glass or steel can indicate whether or not it is a diamond.
It is also possible to test for a diamond’s refractive index. This requires special tools, such as a refractometer, and a knowledge of how light behaves when it passes through a gemstone. A diamond will bend light at a particular angle, so measuring the angle at which a gem bends light can indicate whether or not it is a diamond.
It is also possible to test for a diamond’s fluorescence. This involves bringing a UV light source, such as a black light, close to the diamond. Diamonds often give off an ultraviolet glow.
It is important to use caution when testing a diamond at home. Different types of gemstones can pass some of these tests, and a diamond can be damaged by the testing process.
Are raw diamonds worth anything?
Yes, raw diamonds are worth something. Uncut diamonds contain the same type of sparkle and fire as faceted diamonds, but at a much lower cost. The price of a raw diamond is typically much less than a cut diamond, as the cost to cut a diamond is often more than the value of the diamond itself.
Raw diamonds are a popular choice for those looking to create custom jewelry, as the cost savings allow for more creative or elaborate designs. Rough diamonds also offer a unique, natural look that often appeals to collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
While not as visually appealing as a polished diamond, raw diamonds still have a stunning appearance and can be set into a stunning piece of jewelry.
Raw diamonds are also often used as investments. Since the stone will typically appreciate in value over time, investors find that raw diamonds can serve as a safe and lucrative way to store wealth. Of course, all gems are unique and the cost of a raw diamond can vary in cost depending on many factors.
Buyers looking for an investment piece should always seek out a certified appraisal for any rough stones before investing.
Can you sell a raw diamond you found?
Yes, you can sell a raw diamond you have found. Depending on the size and shape of the diamond, you may find a willing buyer through an online jewelry store, a jewelry designer/maker, a jeweler, a diamond buyer, a pawn shop, an antique dealer, an auction house or perhaps even a gemologist.
You may want to seek out professional guidance before selling your diamond. It is important to understand the diamond grading process and get an appraisal in order to maximize your profits. Also, you may want to consider doing business with a licensed and reliable diamond broker or diamond buyer in order to receive the best price for your diamond.
How can you identify a diamond locally?
Identifying a diamond can be a difficult task, even for experienced professionals. There are a few ways to verify if your diamond is real using local resources.
First, you can take it to a professional jeweler and have them examine it. They will likely use a combination of tools, such as a microscope and/or a thermal detector, to get a better look at the stone and assess its characteristics.
Some stores may also use a UV light to check for fluorescence, which is one way to distinguish genuine diamonds from cubic zirconia. Once the jeweler has identified the stone, they will be able to give you an accurate assessment of its size, clarity, and carat weight.
If you don’t want to go to a professional, you can also buy a tester or diamond detector online or from a local jewelry store. These devices allow you to test the diamond yourself. You’ll just need to learn how to use the device so you can properly assess the diamond.
Lastly, you can take the diamond to a local gemologist. They can look at the stone and use their knowledge, tools, and experience to identify it properly.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to make sure that you feel confident in the results so you know you have a real diamond.
How can you tell a diamond from Crater of diamonds?
Diamonds from the Crater of Diamonds state park, in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, can be distinguished from other diamonds in the world in a few ways. The first is through their origin. The diamonds from the Crater of Diamonds have been found and mined in a 37.
5-acre plowed field. This makes them very unique as they are the only diamonds found in a US state park. The second way to tell apart diamonds from the Crater of Diamonds is through their quality. Diamonds found in the Crater of Diamonds are usually lower on the clarity scale and often have surface flaws.
Furthermore, the colors in these diamonds usually run from brown to yellow and the cutting is usually poor. Lastly, the diamonds from the Crater of Diamonds usually measure less than three-eighths of an inch in their greatest dimension.
This makes them much smaller than other diamonds found around the world.
What is the easiest way to identify a diamond?
One of the easiest ways to identify a diamond is by looking at it under a loupe or a magnifying glass and checking for certain characteristics. Diamonds usually have a sparkle or “fire” and some internal structural features due to their higher refractive index and strong dispersion of light.
When viewed under magnification, you should be able to observe curved facets (which are usually symmetrical) on the external part that’s reflective of a diamond’s crystal structure. There may also be tiny pinpoint white inclusions or internal blemishes that can be seen within the stone.
In addition, diamond testers are devices that are used to test the heat conductivity of a stone to identify if it is indeed a diamond or a simulant such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. It is also possible to tell whether or not a stone is a diamond visually by using the “scratch test”.
It should be noted, however, that using the scratch test with a softer stone such as an emerald or a ruby will result in damage to the stone, so it should be done at your own risk.
What to look for when digging for diamonds?
When looking for diamonds, there are several key elements to be mindful of that can help you find the precious stones.
The first thing to look for is a kimberlite pipe. Kimberlite is a type of subterranean volcanic rock that often brings up diamonds. Kimberlite pipes are shaped like carrot-shaped formations, so if you happen to find one, that’s a great sign.
The next thing you should look for is seismic activity or evidence of earth disturbance. This can be found in different forms, such as deformed soil or changes in the topography. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can unearth diamonds that were previously hidden, so looking for these signs can help you find the stones.
You should also keep an eye out for certain types of soil. Ore-rich soils that are dark and rich are more likely to contain diamonds, so if you find soil that looks like that, it’s worth digging more carefully.
Finally, you should look for certain types of rocks. Certain types of rocks like limonite and serpentine have been found to contain diamonds, so if you find these rocks, you may be in luck!
All in all, when digging for diamonds, it is important to keep your eyes peeled for kimberlite pipes, seismic activity or evidence of earth disturbance, ore-rich soils, and certain types of rocks like limonite and serpentine.
With the right knowledge, you may very well find a diamond!.
How do you visually inspect a diamond?
Visually inspecting a diamond is an essential step in the process of determining its quality. It’s important to use a magnifying device such as a 10x jeweler’s loupe for the most effective inspection.
This will help point out any imperfections. Once the loupe is ready, start by first inspecting the diamond from the top, or the crown. Look at the surface to see if there are any blemishes, scratches or chips.
Inspect the bezel and pavilion to see if the facets are in even symmetry. Next, check the girdle of the diamond which is the border between the crown and pavilion. You’re looking to make sure there are no nicks or scratches.
After that, examine the diamond from the bottom, or the pavilion. Make sure each facet is too perfect angles that reflect the light properly. Finally, look at the diamond through the table. It should be glossy and clear with no hazy appearance.
Does the earth still produce diamonds?
Yes, the Earth still produces diamonds. In fact, most of the diamonds that are mined globally are of naturally-occurring origin as they are sourced through geological processes. Diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle between 140 and 190 kilometers (87 to 118 miles) below the surface due to intense pressure and heat, before they are eventually forced to the surface via deep volcanic eruptions.
In addition to this, diamonds may also form in the Earth’s mantle through the high-pressure alteration of other minerals such as lonsdaleite and coesite, although this process is much less common. Submarine volcanic eruptions, called kimberlite pipes, are the primary source of natural diamonds as they bring the precious gems from deep within the Earth to the surface.
On rare occasions, diamonds may also be found on the seafloor after those pipes have been formed and the diamonds have been left behind in the sediments. Despite this, the vast majority of diamonds mined globally are of natural origin.
Are real diamonds foggy?
No, real diamonds are not foggy. In fact, a real diamond should be clear and bright. When examining a diamond, a slight hint of color can be detected due to its refractory quality. The clarity of a diamond is an important contributor to its value.
A foggy diamond is an invitation for a closer examination and possibly even a further appraisal by a gemologist to determine if it is real or not. The “foggy” look may be caused by the presence of airy inclusions, an imperfection created during the formation of a diamond.
These inclusions can prevent light from passing through the diamond, resulting in an appearance that is foggy, cloudy or hazy. Such foggy diamonds can be real and are usually classified as lower-grade diamonds with a lower price.
Therefore, if your diamond appears foggy, a second opinion may be necessary in order to properly assess the value of the diamond.
Do diamonds glow or reflect?
Diamonds both glow and reflect when exposed to light. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, diamonds may glow under shortwave or longwave wavelengths depending on the quality of the diamond. The crystal lattice structure of a diamond is composed of atoms that can absorb UV light and then re-emit the energy in a different wavelength – resulting in a phenomenon known as fluorescence.
The fluorescence colors depend on the quality of the diamond and can range from shades of blue to yellow and sometimes even green.
Diamonds also reflect light in a very unique way due to its unique optical properties. Light enters the stone and is refracted by the diamond’s layers of carbon atoms. It is then reflected back outward in a single burst of intense light.
This intense sparkle is known as fire and is what often makes diamonds so visually appealing.
Is it legal to sell unpolished diamonds?
Yes, it is legal to sell unpolished diamonds. Under United States law, diamond dealers must adhere to the Kimberley Process, an international certification system established to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, which are diamonds that have been used to fund violence and civil wars all over the world.
As part of the Kimberley Process, diamonds must be tracked from mine to end consumer to ensure that conflict diamonds are not entering the market. Unpolished diamonds must meet the certification requirements set by the Process.
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set forth “Jewelry Guides” for the sale of diamonds, which includes the requirement that dealers clearly identify whether or not the diamond is polished.
Since polished diamonds have much higher aesthetic value, many buyers look for polished diamonds, but that doesn’t necessarily make unpolished diamonds illegal. All reputable diamond dealers must abide by these laws, and if you are considering buying and/or selling an unpolished diamond, make sure to do so with a reputable and certified dealer.
