What are Diamonds?

 

Diamonds are minerals made of almost pure crystallized carbon (99.95%).  They are
formed millions of years earlier at depths greater than 75 miles below the earth's
surface.  Here the necessary temperature and pressure are present to create this unique
gemstone.  Over the years diamonds have been brought closer to the earth's surface by
volcanic eruptions where miners are able to collect them today.

The word diamond is derived from the Greek "adamas," which means unconquerable.  
This is fitting because diamonds are the hardest known substance to man.  In fact, the
majority of diamonds mined today are not sold to be manufactured into jewelry, but are
utilized in industrial tool parts for cutting because of the hardness of this gem.