Black diamond: what it is, properties, quality, value, the most expensive and rare specimens, photos, how much it costs, which zodiac signs the stone is suitable for

The prices of black diamonds are significantly higher than the cost of other types of diamonds. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this stone. There is still no clear answer regarding its origin. Some are inclined to think that the gem does not belong to the category of diamonds. Despite this, the gem is an object of adoration for millions of fans and true connoisseurs of beauty from different parts of the world.

Fascinating history of the origin of the mineral

There are two theories regarding the origin of black diamond. The first assumption was based on the connection between the mineral and the cosmos. Scientists suggest that a star exploded in outer space billions of years ago. The result of the event was the fall of diamond chips, reminiscent of dust, on the surface of our planet. Over time, the formation of black stones occurred.

Thanks to the efforts of scientists from world-class research centers, it was possible to find out that the mysterious mineral contains chemical compounds based on nitrogen and titanium. It also contains a lot of hydrogen. Such components are often found in meteorites, and huge amounts of hydrogen can be seen in space.

The cosmic theory is confirmed by the natural environment of the mineral. The black diamond, the photo of which captivates the eye, can be found in western Africa, as well as in Brazil. These data indicate that the nugget was formed in the area where the fault line of the previously united continent ran. The phenomenon was caused by a meteorite falling onto the earth's surface, which occurred approximately a billion years ago. The total volume of diamond production over the past hundred years reaches 600 tons. However, no black diamond was found. Such facts are arguments in favor of the alien origin of the mineral.

No less famous is the more down-to-earth version. Researchers are confident that the exotic mineral is formed in the same way as its counterparts in a different color. The difference is in the conditions for crystal formation. At the end of the 20th century, a study of volcanic rock took place on the territory of Kamchatka. As a result, deposits of a unique black diamond were discovered.

In the jewelry catalogue, such minerals are called carbonado. The name was given by the inhabitants of Brazil when they first discovered the stone. The Portuguese word carbo in Russian sounds like coal. In its basic state, the nugget resembles coal.

Where is it mined and how is it processed?

Carbonado stands out for its extraordinary rarity. This stone is very difficult to find, and only a few are suitable for processing. The mineral is found exclusively in Africa and Brazil. The search for this unique material in other areas was unsuccessful. The collected stones are sorted by quality, just like regular diamonds. However, most minerals are worse than their purest counterparts: they are almost unsuitable for processing. The quality of black diamonds is generally low, sometimes average. Such stones can be used in jewelry, but they are difficult to work with. A high-quality carbonado is a unique diamond that is one of the most valuable in the whole world.

Mining black diamonds

There are only three places on the globe where the rare mineral is mined. These are Kamchatka, Brazil and South Africa.

There may be deposits of black diamond on the planet that have not yet been found. Everything is explained by the fact that there is no clearly developed system for detecting the mineral. Areas where valuable stones are mined were discovered in random order.

Versions of origin

Among experts on Earth minerals, there are two versions of the origin of black diamond . According to the first of them, the stone came to us from space, the second speaks of the earthly origin of the gem.

Space

Since the gem contains a lot of hydrogen, scientists assumed that the crystal was formed during a supernova explosion. The scattered diamond dust fell on Earth, where it turned into unusual gems.

The presence of titanium and nitrogen compounds suggested that the “parents” of the mineral are meteorites that fall on our planet .

Earthly

Supporters of the earthly origin of black diamond believe that it was formed in the same way as the transparent diamond we are familiar with. Its dark color is given by inclusions of graphite and many other impurities.

Physical parameters of the stone

Black diamond has a porous structure. The black color is completely opaque, but the combination of magnetite, graphite and hematite makes the nugget quite durable. This diamond is quite difficult to polish. Giving it the required shape is also quite difficult. Despite this, the parameters of black diamond have a certain value for industrial enterprises.

Unlike other diamonds, a black diamond does not have the play of light. It is not an extremely pure mineral endowed with radiance. It is quite rare to come across transparent specimens that shine and are able to refract the rays of sunlight.

How to distinguish carbonado from a fake

Artificial stones are extremely similar to real ones. For this reason, it is quite difficult to distinguish carbonado. Key factors to pay attention to:

Color change under rays of light. A natural sample shines, but an artificial one does not. Also, fakes have a green or yellow tint. Carbonado has no tint (the exception is black pique diamonds).
Uniform color distribution. This mineral is characterized by a complete absence of overflow. Artificial stones are rarely painted evenly.
Electrical conductivity. Considered the best option, but testing is difficult. Artificial coloring leads to changes in the degree of electrical conductivity, which indicates that the sample is counterfeit.

It should be noted that the external characteristics of both stones are similar. High-quality artificial samples can only be distinguished by electrical conductivity.

Classification by color

Carbonado and pique are varieties of the valuable mineral.

Matte carbonado has a grainy structure. The mineral is able to absorb light without reflecting it. Gray-black and dark green stones of this category are found in nature. The porous structure and inclusions complicate the processing process. Therefore, until the middle of the 20th century, such a diamond was considered a technical raw material. Modern technologies make it possible to use the nugget in the jewelry industry. To cut a black crystal weighing 1 carat, a specialist must have a fairly high level of skill.

Pique has a structure identical to a standard diamond. A cut nugget is equated to colored diamonds. Jewelers call the stone fancy. Not every pique has a black color. The mineral may be dark green, brown or gray in color.

In jewelry, matte black diamonds are complemented favorably with white stones, which allows you to create an exotic piece of jewelry.

Artificial black diamond

Modern technologists have developed a synthetic process for creating carbonado. The industrial scale of production has provided jewelry lovers with an excellent analogue of a precious stone. The process requires high pressure, carbonite synthesis using a nickel catalyst.

Black diamond has long been considered a technical raw material. For jewelry, a small portion of special crystals are selected, with an even distribution of color tone. The price of black diamonds depends on the method of obtaining them.

Medical use

Lithotherapists are confident that black diamond can have a positive effect on men's health. Owners of rings with a nugget are sexy people with good potency. In ancient times, warriors used black diamond to improve their hearing.

Healers claim that black diamond has a positive effect in the following cases:

psychological disorders of any complexity;
addiction (alcohol, nicotine, drugs, gambling);
stabilization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
resistance to infectious diseases;
improvement of respiratory function;
inflammation in bones and joints.

In addition, thanks to black diamond, you can get the effect of relieving fever, as well as alleviate the symptoms of the disease in general. Earrings with this mineral have a positive effect on women's health.

Place of Birth

The place where the unprecedented black diamond was born has always been considered ominous and bringing death. But the diamond mines of Golconda until the 17th century were the source of the largest and most expensive stones. Adventurers and treasure hunters from all over the world flocked here in search of easy money. After the rainy season, streams of water flowing from the hills washed diamond placers into the light.

The dampness gave way to unbearable heat. The bed of the Krishna River turned into a thin, dirty stream flowing between the stones. Under the scorching sun, the hillsides emitted a ghostly glow. The season of seekers has begun - a period of merciless hunting for diamonds. Not everyone was able to come out of this fight alive: without water and shade, surrounded by poisonous snakes and cold-blooded rivals, it was a great success.

The hard work of diamond prospectors in the mid-17th century did not bring them fabulous incomes. The bulk of the stones found were sold at the market in the Golconda fortress. On the way from the mine to the reseller, the diamond could change several owners, becoming well saturated with their blood.

The first mention of a huge black diamond found in the Kolur mines, near Golconda, dates back to 1640. The whole story about him has almost no documentary evidence and, by and large, resembles a myth. Each narrator, to the delight of the listener, adds more and more details and his own vision to it.

However, a diamond of incredible size, almost 800 carats, was immediately noticed on the diamond market and confiscated by the authorities. It is also natural that the chroniclers name its first rightful owner as the Raja of Golconda, the main person in the city. But he did not even have time to enjoy the possession of the wonder: as soon as the Raja showed the stone to his family and retinue, his days were numbered. Some sources claim that the once devoted servant, succumbing to the evil spell of the stone, meanly killed his beloved master. Later, when he came to his senses, he realized what he had done. To avoid inevitable death, he secretly brought the stone to Agra, where he presented it as a gift to Shah Jahan, the great padishah and ruler of the world.

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Use in magic

A black diamond is an item necessary for those with abilities in the field of the occult. Previously, it was believed that the nugget endowed its bearer with special powers, which were not possible to renounce. You can use the power you gain to protect yourself from danger.

Carbonado has the following magical properties:

Providing protection from any kind of negativity, evil eye and damage. Jewelry with black diamonds can strengthen the wearer’s fortitude and health. The owner of such jewelry becomes more careful and circumspect.
Preserving the passion between couples in love.
Development of leadership abilities, as well as activity, resilience, perseverance and determination.

It takes a long time for a black diamond to get used to its owner. The stone begins to interact with the wearer after a few months. The gem loves truth, loyalty and honor. People with dirty intentions can attract a lot of trouble by trying to tame the mineral.

A mysterious mineral is gaining strength, changing owners. Over time, it gains the strength of its previous carriers, so the inherited diamond is a powerful artifact. It is advisable to achieve direct contact with the skin. A good option would be to wear a ring with such a diamond.

New crystal name

Mughal the Great Shah Jahan - a new name, the padishah was so shocked by the greatness of the black diamond that he gave it one of his many names.
This is how the story of the diamond, the Great Mogul, was born. There is no need to say that each name brings a certain energy to its owner. To understand what the name “Mughal” meant at that time, you will have to delve a little into the history of Shah Jahan. It truly evoked mystical awe among contemporaries. All the negative human qualities that have ever existed, magnified many times over and mixed with incredible vanity, were combined in him. His path to power is strewn with corpses: family members, children, relatives, entire nations. The great padishah had nothing sacred except strengthening his power. Only once did he experience love for one of his six wives - Mumtaz Mahal. But when she died during childbirth, the rage of the ruler of the world returned to him with renewed vigor.

Combination

Black diamond belongs to the element of Fire. Therefore, it is not recommended to wear it with stones from the Water and Earth class. Fire-water combinations will negate the benefits that both minerals can bring. A fire-earth pair will not be the most intelligent. An earthly gem will be suppressed by a representative of the fire element, which will cause discomfort for the owner of such a tandem.

The research activities of Pavel Globa made it possible to identify a rather poor combination of carbonado and topaz. It is better not to combine conflicting stones. The best option would be a combination of diamonds that optimally suit each other in all respects.

Black diamond in jewelry.

The mineral began to be used recently. Most often it can be seen in frames made of gold or black platinum. The crystal can be presented in combination with a scattering of diamonds in a contrasting color. The inserts will not have a significant impact on the final cost of the product.

In the fashion world, the black diamond was first used by Fawaz Gruosi. The designer bought a batch of crystals for little money to create jewelry from the stones. The novelty turned out to be in demand in society. The specialist founded a jewelry factory, the symbol of which was the black diamond. The mineral multiplied its value approximately twenty times in two years. De Grisogono is now a fashion-defining mystery stone brand.

Black diamond prices vary based on various factors. The most valuable are pique diamonds, which have a special certificate, as well as black diamonds of a personal design. Such jewelry and stones can be purchased at auction. Carbonado is more common in the jewelry industry. Jewelry made from this stone also has different prices.

The cheapest ring or earrings with a black diamond will cost the wearer at least 15,000 rubles. The bracelet will not cost less than 16,000 rubles. The cheapest brooches are 12,000 rubles. A suspension with carbonado will cost at least 8,000 rubles.

Diamonds look most impressive when set in white gold. Black diamonds come in a triangular cut with 145 facets. The technology allows you to carefully process the porous mineral.

Where is it used?

If at the time of the discovery of opaque diamonds they were used only in technical production, then after the magnificent presentation of Fawaz Gruosi they became full members of the family of precious stones and found a new life in jewelry.

Jewelry

Just a few decades ago, black diamonds entered the arsenal of jewelers . Quickly appreciating the merits of minerals, craftsmen began to create amazingly beautiful products.

Today, exquisite jewelry with them is included in the collections of the most famous jewelry houses.

Criteria for evaluation

According to the GIA 4Cs™ international nomenclature, the criteria for grading colorless diamonds are clarity, color, cut quality and carat weight. Grading is carried out for diamonds whose color ranges from D to Z.

Black color does not fall within these boundaries, and the diamond is graded according to the system adopted for colored diamonds. The rule for grading such a diamond is 3C , where the criteria are cut, carat weight and color.

Such diamonds are not issued certificates from gemological laboratories. The product document provides information about the identification and origin of the color. The processing of a mineral is also assessed differently, taking into account not the type of cut, but the number of polished areas. The famous black diamond "Amsterdam" has 145 facets .

This is interesting! The largest specimens of black diamond received their names: “Spirit of Grisogono” and “Black Star of Africa”.

What do they go with in jewelry?

When making jewelry, it is customary to combine dark diamonds with yellow and transparent counterparts. As a rule, jewelers resort to the most advantageous design: a large black diamond in a halo of transparent diamond scattering. The gem is set in gold or platinum.

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Other Applications

The highest hardness of carbonado allows it to be used in the production of drill bits. The mineral easily passes through the hardest rocks .

Bort, or black diamond with defects, is used in the manufacture of cutters and drills for the metalworking industry. Such tools allow you to turn all kinds of parts from hard and superhard metals.

Price

The price for a black diamond per 1 carat depends on the grade and size. A natural first-grade gem (carbonado) costs from 500 to 600 dollars per 1 carat . Small specimens sell for $16–25 per carat.

The cost of pique, the quality of which is confirmed by a GIA certificate, is 1-3 thousand dollars per carat. The infamous Orlov black diamond was sold for $1.5 million in 1995 .

Authentication

Manufacturers are trying to increase the cost of stone by refining low-grade minerals using firing, irradiation and painting technology, which allows them to obtain a rich black color. You can identify a fake as follows:

When hit by lamp light at the peak, it appears as a smoky or bright gray, opaque stone with a thick tint along the edges of the facets. The fake stone will be slightly greenish or brownish.
When examining a mineral under a magnifying glass, which magnifies its size many times over, one can notice a uniform color if one is looking at a natural piqué. The treated diamond is iridescent, spotted or variegated.
After processing, the minerals concentrate the graphite inclusions well below the surface, causing them to create a black tint. A natural nugget has an even distribution of color along its entire perimeter.

Recognizing a fake should be entrusted to a specialist. The expert will check the electrical conductivity of the diamond. On display there are not only refined stones, but also diamonds grown using synthetic technologies.

The magical properties of a black diamond

Stones and jewelry with natural true crystal formations have unearthly power and magic. Its main property is energy intensity. A person who owns a stone quickly builds a career. He becomes influential in his environment and feels the power of managing people. He has strong leadership qualities.

The energy of the crystals creates a masculine character, the young man begins to acquire new character traits:

Determination;
Activity;
Ability to emerge victorious from difficult situations;
Persistence;
Excerpt.

The power of the crystal was used by married couples to maintain the brightness and freshness of feelings, the joy of communication. A smart stone brings happiness only to pure thoughts. But it can punish those who wish harm to others. The space alien does not understand earthly vices: lies, deceit, betrayal. He is capable of punishing and ruining both the line of fate and health.

Talismans and amulets

Diamonds have been part of amulets since ancient times. Strong, powerful magicians knew its meaning for humans. For them, he was a symbol of royalty, special status and significance. Its meaning is honesty and truthfulness. It was believed that the stone, by its glow, showed the truthfulness of the owner’s words. Therefore, many centuries ago it was used in court decisions. The amulets darkened and sparkled, separating the innocent person from the guilty.

A black diamond will easily detect poison if placed near or inside dangerous food.

The talisman strengthened love and was used in intimate relationships. It increases the desire of partners for each other. Such products should not have a more precious frame that overshadows the power and magic of the base. The properties of the black mineral act separately, apart from the arrangement of other metals.

Ways to distinguish a fake

Small black crystals have become popular jewelry designs since the 90s. They were combined in one piece with colored diamonds, increasing the value and uniqueness. Compatible colors may be inharmonious in the usual sense, but are unique in the jewelry works of masters. Natural black diamonds are a rare find. The processed samples made it possible to satisfy the needs of many who want to own carbonate.

There are two production methods that make diamonds black:

Mineral irradiation;
Burning at high temperatures.

With the first method, the stones acquire a dark, rich green hue. At high temperatures, firing turns coal into graphite inclusions. They concentrate close to the surface of the stone and give it a black tint. In natural samples, graphite needles are located throughout the entire internal volume.

To carry out the procedure for determining the authenticity of a diamond, a number of tests are carried out:

Examining the edge of the product. Under the bright light of a lamp, a natural specimen will not change color. Processed crystals have a green or dark brown tint.
Use of special magnifying equipment. A true mineral has an even tone, while the processed one has some variegation and unevenness, iridescence of shades.
Checking electrical conductivity. This is only available to specialists. They will be able to determine the authenticity of the stone based on the quality of electricity transmission.

Rules for wearing a stone

A black diamond can complement a man's look. All kinds of rings, cufflinks and tie pins will add sophisticated style to the everyday image of a business person.

For women, jewelry with black diamonds allows them to stand out from the general background due to their extravagant image. Wardrobe items must correspond to such items in status. A business suit or a chic evening dress will look good. Neat and elegant jewelry is suitable for work in the office, but for a party it is better to wear massive jewelry with large stones.

Designers offer extraordinary creative individuals the use of exotic wedding rings decorated with black diamonds.

You should purchase a stone for medicinal or magical purposes based on the optimal phase of the moon. It is recommended to buy such talismans on the 15th of the lunar calendar, but you can start using the mineral on the 29th-30th lunar day.

Proper care

Such products require certain care. The system looks like this: 1. The product is soaked in boiling water. 2. For an hour it is in an alcohol solution (the ratio of water and alcohol is 3 to 1). 3. Clean the stones using a soft bristle brush. 4. Drying. 5. Polishing with soft types of fabric. A good option would be to use suede.

There are special products needed to ensure proper care of the stones. Products of a thin or openwork type, where there are many elements and curls, are recommended to be cleaned by a specialist. It is advisable to store such products separately.

Compatibility in astrological aspect

A black diamond does not go harmoniously with every zodiac sign. For Leos, Aries and Sagittarius, an energetic union with a mineral will have the optimal effect. Diamond belongs to Venus and the Sun, so its bearers can be Libra and Taurus. Success in any endeavors of Capricorn and Cancer will be ensured by a black diamond.

Zodiac signs that should not use the mineral:

Geminis are overly influenced by the space stone. Fear and anxiety may develop. The union of Gemini and black diamond can lead to negative consequences for the wearer.
Black diamond requires energy, which Aquarius and Pisces do not have. If the stone is worn by representatives of these zodiac signs, feelings of discomfort are expected.
Virgos and Scorpios are energetically neutral to the stone. These zodiac signs can wear nugget jewelry under any circumstances.

The incompatibility of a black diamond and the character of its wearer can overshadow any astrological prerequisites. People who are able to conquer the mysterious stone can endow it with the properties of their element. Even the difference between the element of the carrier and the element of the mineral will not become a difficulty. A hardened amulet can act with double efficiency, bringing positive emotions to its owner.

The origin of the mysterious stone, which may have arrived on our planet and outer space, remains a mystery. A black diamond can charm anyone who even looks at it. The gem is able to help its wearer in any endeavor. He will become the optimal friend, assistant, conductor of magical energy and accessory. The power of each element is represented in the form of a specific mineral. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing your stone.

Black magician and zodiac signs

Astrology gives accurate advice on who a gemstone is suitable for. The patrons of diamond are the Sun and Venus. The effectiveness of action varies from sign to sign. The best option is Fire signs. Sagittarius, Aries, Leo will be able to receive the necessary protection of cosmic forces. Pisces should not wear jewelry. Vigor is contraindicated for them by birth. Capricorn will reach unprecedented heights and success. The black mineral will interfere with Virgos, Aries, and Scorpios. In their hands it will become an ordinary piece of jewelry, giving nothing but beauty.

Any sign should know not only whether it suits the horoscope. A black diamond does not tolerate dishonesty or dishonesty. If you know your bad traits, it is better not to take risks when purchasing a magic stone.