A study published in the journal Nature Communications reveals new knowledge about the formation of pink diamonds and other colored varieties from the Argyle diamond deposit in Western Australia. The Argyle mine, which has been responsible for 90% of the world’s pink diamonds, has recently closed, making these gems even rarer and more valuable. Polished high-quality pink diamonds can reach prices in the range of tens of millions of dollars.

This study focused on understanding the geological conditions necessary for the formation of pink diamonds. By analyzing samples from the Argyle mine, scientists were able to identify the specific conditions required for these rare gems to develop. This knowledge could potentially lead to the discovery of new deposits of pink diamonds in other areas.

Pink diamonds are formed under extreme pressure and high temperatures deep in the Earth’s mantle. They are composed of pure carbon, just like white diamonds, but their unique color comes from the presence of a rare atomic structure that absorbs green light. Although the exact process of how pink diamonds acquire their color is still largely a mystery, this recent research brings scientists closer to unraveling this enigma.

The Argyle mine, with its vast reserves of pink diamonds, has been a significant source of these valuable gems for several decades. Its closure in November 2020 marked the end of an era for the diamond industry, thus increasing the desirability and value of existing pink diamonds.

While this study provides important information about the formation process of pink diamonds, further research is needed to fully understand the conditions necessary for their creation. Nonetheless, this discovery brings new hope for the future discovery of pink diamond deposits in other parts of the world.

Sources:
– “Pink diamonds: researchers unveil the geological recipe behind the world’s rarest and most valuable gems” – CNN
– Study: “Pink diamonds: insights into their origin from trace element signatures in the Argyle diamond deposit, Western Australia” – Nature Communications