Do Black Diamonds Exist? (All You Need to Know)

Black diamonds are an attractive and unique piece of jewelry that is growing in popularity more and more each year. However, many fans still question their authenticity, asking, do black diamonds really exist?

Black diamonds are real and do exist. These stones are similar in composition to colorless diamonds but are comprised of many tiny crystals grouped together and have a number of inclusions or stains due to graphite.

There are a variety of black diamonds on the market today, and not all of them are real. Do you know how to tell the difference?

Do Black Diamonds Exist? 

Yes, black diamonds exist, and they exist in many different shapes, sizes, and shades. There are a few different types of these stones which are treated, natural, and lab grown black diamonds.

Each of these options has its own unique look and is a beautiful option depending on what you like.

Treated Black Diamonds

Treated black diamonds are the most common ones on the market today. These are once colorless diamonds with imperfections that wouldn’t sell for much on the market.

Companies will take these imperfect white diamonds and put them through some treatments such as high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) or radiation.

The processes are used to essentially burn the stone and give it a more desirable look.

Manmade/Lab Grown Black Diamonds

Lab grown black diamonds are less popular with those who like finer things. These are more often seen as “fake” or “faux” diamonds, making them a much more affordable option.

Although these diamonds are created in a controlled environment and specialized laboratory, they are still comprised of the same materials as real diamonds. 

While these manmade options are not as expensive as real black diamonds, they are not very cheap either. 

Natural Black Diamonds

The most sought after black diamond on the market today and one of the rarest forms is the natural black diamond.

These are actually impure white diamonds and can have a totally black appearance, develop a salt and pepper type pattern, or be completely black on just one side.

Oddly, even though these diamonds are rarer than white, blues, pinks, and other colors, they are not quite as expensive because they are not nearly as sought after.

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Simulant Black Dimonds

Another black diamond option on the market is simulant; these are other stones and gems made to look like black diamonds. The most common simulants include,

• Colorless Zircon
• Synthetic Cubic Zirconia or Zirconium Oxide
• Colorless sapphire
• Synthetic moissanite (silicon carbide)

Cubic Zirconium is the most commonly used simulant on the market. While they may look the part, they lack the same makeup and properties as actual black diamonds.

Due to this, your friends might not notice your ring is fake, but professional jewelers will.

What are Carbonados?

Carbonados is the term used for natural black diamonds. These diamonds are most often found in Brazil and Central Africa and are more porous than all other diamonds.

Carbonados, 

• Are impure
• Have a high-density
• Are a micro-porous form of polycrystalline diamonds.

Polycrystalline diamonds are made from amorphous carbon, diamonds, and graphite, which is where it gets their color. These stones also have minor crystalline that fills in the pores. 

What is the Origin of Natural Black Diamonds or Carbonados?

There is no one theory that scientists, jewelers, and diamond enthusiasts can agree upon. Because these specific diamonds grow in a part of the world separate from typical diamonds and are comprised much differently, there are a bunch of theories out there about their origin.

Pressurized Organic Carbon

The results of direct conversion to organic carbon when it is put under high pressure is the most popular theory today.

 When the organic carbon experiences such high forces from the earth’s interior, it creates these black or grey colored stones.

Accumulated Organic Sediment Struck By Lightning

As we move along in our theories, you will notice the basis of them starts to get a little more far-fetched as we go. While this theory isn’t as popular as the others, it is still a possibility.

Some believe that carbonado is the result of an organic substance that accumulated over a long period of time, getting struck by super light bolts repeatedly.

This is how glass is made in nature, so why not diamonds?

The Separation of Uranium and Thorium

A good scientific theory states that black diamonds can be the result of ration-induced formation due to a spontaneous separation of thorium and uranium.

These diamonds are found in coal pockets, given the theory a lot of credit. 

Meteor Impact

Another theory floating around is that these diamonds could possibly be the result of a high-energy collision from a mentor coming in contact with the surface of the earth.

It is theorized by some that such a strong impact and shock can result in these diamond formations. 

The Super Nova Expolosion

Some people like to believe that black diamonds first formed inside a historical giant star that exploded and distributed its stones in a Super Nova.

In short, this theory means the diamonds originated in a star that exploded and rained down onto earth thousands of years ago.

While all of these theories are interesting to read, it is hard to tell exactly what happened to create such beautiful and unique stones.

But with advanced technology and future research, we are bound to get to the bottom of things sooner rather than later. 

How Rare Are Black Diamonds?

Because the price tag on these diamonds is often lower than other colored diamonds, people are shocked to learn just how rare they actually are.

Naturally formed black diamonds are extremely rare and are pretty hard to come by. The reason they are much cheaper than colorless diamonds or other diamond colors is that there isn’t as high of a market for these stones.

Most customers looking to buy diamond jewelry want white, pink, blue, etc.; black is usually the last on the list to be requested. Because there is such a lack of demand, they won’t cost nearly as much. 

With that said, these stones may not go under-rated for much longer. Over the last few years, black diamond jewelry, especially wedding rings, has gained a lot of popularity, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Unfortunately, this only means the cost is bound to go up on these rare gems in the jewelry store, and the chances of getting a fake everywhere else are going to be much higher.

The Black Diamonds Grade on the Mohs Scale

Black diamonds rate very similar to regular diamonds on the Mohs scale at a 10. However, it is believed that these particular stones are actually much stronger than the average diamond and were used historically for many tools and tasks because they were so durable. 

Ten is the highest on the Mohs scale, which is a good reason for the black diamond not to be given a higher rating.

Diamonds are commonly known for their durability and strength, and the black diamond is no different. 

Types of Black Diamond Cuts Can You Buy

Black diamonds come in the same cuts and designs as other diamonds; they just offer a unique look. The most popular settings for these rare stones include the halo setting, the side stone setting, and the solitaire setting. 

You can also have these diamonds placed in pendants, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry to make an eye-catching accessory everyone will notice. 

Summing Things Up

Although a lot of people find it hard to believe, it is true that black diamonds do exist. These diamonds are not only rare but are naturally beautiful and offer a unique and mystifying look.

While we can’t be 100% how they originated, these wonders are still amazing finds. 

Black Diamond FAQs

What is the Largest Black Dimond in the World?

The Enigma is the largest black diamond ever found. This hunk of carbonado is labeled as a 555.55-carat stone. It is believed to be more than 2.6 billion years old and just recently sold for 4.28 million dollars.

The Enigma is also known as the “space diamond,” as it is believed to have been created after an asteroid hit the earth.

How do You Clean Black Diamonds?

You can clean your black diamond similar to any other precious stone. The best method that will provide the most gentle cleaning is with a little warm water and soap. 

Where Can You Buy Black Diamonds?

Because black diamonds are so rare, finding them can be difficult and won’t typically be on the shelves of your everyday retailer. You will need to see a specific jeweler or have one ordered in for you.

Most jewelers will order loose diamonds and create a specific piece customized to your request.

Are Black Diamonds Considered Real Diamonds?

Yes. While black diamonds are created much differently from other diamonds, these stones are still considered diamonds but with a lot of carbon, inclusions darkening the color. 

References

https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/manmade-diamonds-questions-answers

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/black-diamonds/