Characteristics, features and cost of a black diamond

Black diamond: what is it and, besides color, how does it differ from its transparent “brother”? This frosted crystal is one of the most unusual and exquisite gemstones known to man. Absorbing the rays of light falling on it, the stone shimmers with a satin shine, setting off the radiance of gold or platinum.

Black diamond stone

Cut black diamonds are often used in men's accessories as inserts in cufflinks and tie pins. However, stylists also recommend them to women: earrings and rings with dark droplets can be worn every day, combined with a business suit and an evening dress.

• It has long been believed that jewelry with black diamonds protects a person from the evil eye, damage and troubles, strengthening his spirit and body, sharpening his vigilance. The amulet stone should be adjacent to the skin, and if it is a ring, then it should be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. The properties of the amulet are more pronounced in crystals received as an inheritance, and if they were purchased or given as a gift, they depend on how long the owner has had the jewelry.
• In addition to magical properties, the stone is also credited with healing properties. Our ancestors believed that it treated fears and depression, helped get rid of addiction to nicotine and alcohol, relieved fever and eased the course of illness.

There are two types of black diamonds in nature: carbonado and pique. They have similar properties, but differ in many respects.

History and origin

There are two versions about the origin of black diamond: terrestrial and cosmic.

It is believed that the mineral came to Earth with a giant asteroid more than a billion years ago. At that time, South America and Africa were a single territory. After the break, the new continents were separated by water. The version is supported by deposits of the mineral in Brazil and West Africa, plus the peculiarities of its occurrence. The mineral is not found in kimberlite pipes, where other diamonds are mined. It doesn't lie that deep.

Black brilliant

American scientists found in it nitrogen, titanium, and other compounds found in meteorites. Only some characteristics of a black gem make it similar to earthly diamonds.

Another point of view: black natural diamonds are formed in the same way as colored transparent stones, but under different conditions. This is confirmed by crystals from alluvial (water) sediments and rocks from the Avachinskaya Sopka in Kamchatka.

The name of the stone was given by Brazilian miners who discovered it at the end of the 19th century. The pristine black diamond is more reminiscent of coal, for which it was dubbed carbonado, that is, “carbonaceous” in translation from Portuguese.

Mining locations

There are only three places in the world where black diamond is mined:

• Kamchatka.
• Brazil.
• South Africa.

Perhaps somewhere on the planet there are still unexplored places where the nugget occurs, but there is no scheme by which to find them. The deposits currently being developed were discovered completely by accident.

Physicochemical characteristics

The physical characteristics of the stone are determined by the porous structure and inclusions of graphite, hematite and magnetite. Their combination gives opacity, blackness, and increased strength.

Black diamonds

The stone is compared with outwardly similar minerals: black smooth specimens imitate obsidian, gray porous specimens resemble pumice. The raw material is difficult to polish and cut. The properties of carbonado black diamond are more in demand by industry.

Varieties and colors

The concept of “black diamond” implies the following categories:

• carbonado (from the Latin carbon - coal);

  
  Carbonado

• pique;

  
  Pique

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• dark diamond chips.

The last type is diamond processing waste.

Carbonado

Description of carbonado: opaque amorphous porous formation of dark green or gray-black color with a matte sheen. “Grains”-crystallites randomly welded together by a silicon base create a structure that absorbs light instead of reflecting it. There is no talk of any shine.

The color is given by inclusions of magnetite, hematite and graphite; nitrogen and hydrogen may be present.

Carbonado is hard, but fragile; it breaks easily when cut; porosity and inclusions prevent polishing. Therefore, until the 1950s, it was used as a technical diamond and was not of interest to jewelers.

The development of technology eliminated the problem: specialists turned carbonado into a jewelry stone. Initially, we experimented with uniformly colored large specimens (no smaller than 10 carats). Today, jewelry with one-carat stones is common. But only highly qualified craftsmen can process the mineral.

Pique

Pique (French Pique) is a natural black single crystal with a structure similar to a classic diamond.

The color is created by graphite dust particles and other impurities. A cut pique diamond is a fancy diamond, that is, equal to colored natural diamonds. But a rare specimen has a natural black color, so crystals of a brown, dark gray or green hue also fall into this category.

Uniformly colored specimens are used as jewelry. Opaque matte, without the shine required for diamonds, the stones stand out from the rest of their “brothers”.

Medicinal properties

Healers claim that the stone has healing properties:

• treats the psyche in all directions;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system;
• relieves alcohol and nicotine addiction;
• relieves fever;
• neutralizes infection;
• facilitates the course of the disease.

Black brilliant

The stone helps the stronger half: a man's ring or ring slows down aging, maintains potency and sexuality. For ladies, earrings have a healing effect.

Magic properties

A black stone attracts the attention of sorcerers or people interested in the paranormal. An additional argument is the cosmic origin of the mineral. Although fantasy writers associate it with the dark spirits of the Earth.

• Black diamonds in jewelry put a barrier to external negativity (evil eye, damage, problems). They strengthen the owner spiritually and physically, making him alert.
• The stone symbolizes leadership, instilling in a person the necessary qualities. The energy of crystals activates male character traits: perseverance, endurance, determination, activity. Teaches you to win and get out of problematic situations with dignity.
• The power of the mineral is useful for couples who want to maintain the intensity of sensuality.

The magic will be maximum if the amulet is adjacent to the skin, and the left ring finger is decorated with a ring.

The magical properties of a diamond as a family jewel accumulate. The strongest specimens are inherited. If the stone is new - purchased personally or given as a gift, it takes time to establish contact.

The meaning of a stone for a person is determined by the character of the owner. The messenger of the cosmos brings happiness to people with pure intentions. Black natural diamonds are the kind of stones that do not accept deception or betrayal and other vices. The line of fate of such an owner may break off or go in the wrong direction.

Compatibility with other stones

Since a black diamond is associated with the fire element, it must be combined with “fire” gems. The ideal combination is diamonds of different colors. As a rule, black stones are combined with transparent or colored ones.

It is better not to combine dark diamond with minerals that are associated with the elements of water or earth. Fire and water will destroy each other and harm their owner; fire and earth also conflict, which negatively affects a person’s well-being.

Important! When choosing successful combinations, you need to take into account many nuances, so it is better to contact a professional astrologer or lithotherapist.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Astrologers have found that the stone suits several zodiac signs to varying degrees. His favorites are representatives of the element of Fire. But zodiac compatibility is not enough: the black mineral does not tolerate dishonesty. If this quality dominates, it is better not to count on the help of a magician stone.

(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)

Where is it used?

The scope of application of black diamonds is determined by their type and degree of processing.

Jewelry

Black diamonds are the youngest of gemstones, only a few decades old.

Silver ring with black diamond

Story

The “godfather” of the stone was jewelry designer Fawaz Gruosi. Having bought a batch of nondescript specimens for almost nothing, he created jewelry from them. The accessories flew away instantly, making the gem a new favorite. Fawaz founded the De Grisogono jewelry house, the “face” of which was a black mysterious diamond. The cost of the stone has increased 20–30 times in a couple of years.

Today the De Grisogono brand is a trendsetter in this segment.

Criteria for evaluation

The stone is opaque, so the 3C rule applies to it, not the 4C: weight, color, cut. Processing is also assessed differently: for a crystal to begin to shine, it is not the type of cut of the diamonds that matters, but the number of polished areas. For example, the Amsterdam diamond, in contrast to the standard 57 facets, has 145 of them.

The stone is fragile, so a triangular facet is often chosen - simple but effective. Many famous black diamonds have it, including the Amsterdam. Even stones with almost absolute clarity (SI and I) are treated with an electric beam to improve color. Premium diamonds are free of voids and are cut and polished to the highest possible standards.

Compatibility

The stones look best in jewelry with yellow or clear diamonds. For products with black diamonds, gold (sometimes black) or platinum is used as a setting. In most jewelry, a large stone is complemented by a scattering of transparent small diamonds. A large black gem does not increase the price of the product too much.

Black Diamond Necklace

A spectacular classic - a black crystal in white gold.

Other areas

Once upon a time, the inhabitants of Brazil polished wood with these stones; they were used to supply drilling rigs when digging the Panama Canal. Today, unevenly colored, highly porous carbonados are used for scientific and technical purposes.

Price

The cost of a first-class black carbonado diamond is $510–650, recolored specimens of average quality are $160–180, small ones cost $16–25 per 1 carat. The price of pique with a GIA - Gemological Institute of America certificate is 1-3 thousand dollars per carat, “personalized specimens” are more expensive.

How to spot a fake

Let us clarify: fancy stones, that is, cut pique, are offered only at auctions. Jewelry stores offer processed carbonados (they are cheaper than transparent ones).

There are three methods to give diamonds a natural black color to increase their value: irradiation, firing, and painting. The first time the stones take on a dark, rich green hue. High firing temperature (second method) turns coal into graphite.

Black brilliant

You can identify the origin as follows:

• Examine the stone against the light under an LED lamp: the piqué is opaque, smoky or deep gray. The tinted fake is distinguished by its brownish or green color. In opaque crystals, the shade of color is concentrated at the tip of the edges.
• In treated minerals, graphite inclusions are concentrated just below the surface of the stone, creating a black tint. Dispersion throughout the volume means the natural origin of the stone.
• Under a tenfold magnifying glass, the color of the piqué is uniform; the treated crystal exhibits spotting, variegation, and iridescence of shades.
• A reliable way is to test a sample for electrical conductivity. For transparent and natural black crystals it is the same, but for processed ones it is different. This method is available to specialists.

Technologists have created an artificial black carbonado diamond. The process involves high pressure using nickel as a catalyst.

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.

How to wear and care

Not everyone would risk wearing jewelry with black stones: many people consider them exotic or something reprehensible. The owner (especially the owner) needs to be prepared to become the center of public attention.

Wearing rules

Designers create men's and women's accessories with diamond inserts. The mineral is a godsend for men who do not accept “effeminate” colored or shiny stones. Their choice is rings or a formal tie clip.

Jewelry with black stones makes the owner stand out from the general background. They can be matched with a branded business suit or a chic evening dress. Studs and rings with night-colored droplets are worn during the day; jewelry with larger pieces is suitable for the evening.

A gold engagement ring with black stones is preferred by extraordinary and creative people.

Pendant “Drop Black Diamond”

Rules of care

To clean precious stones, you need a solution of water and ammonia (3:1), a soft brush and a glass container. Cleaning steps:

• put the decoration in hot water to soak;
• transfer to the solution for 55–60 minutes;
• wipe the mineral with a brush;
• dry, polish with suede or other soft cloth.

It is better to give openwork items to a master for cleaning or buy a product for caring for diamond stones.

Package

The state standard puts forward strict conditions for packaging and transportation of artificial food coloring E 151.

The following can be used as containers:

• multilayer paper bags;
• bags made of natural fabric;
• cardboard corrugated boxes for food products.

All packaging must comply with the relevant GOST standards. Markings are applied on top.

Regardless of the container chosen, food coloring E 151 is pre-packaged in bags made of unstabilized film 0.08 mm thick.

Packaging in barrels and containers made of food-grade polymer materials is allowed.

Additions and recommendations

Famous black diamonds and jewelry with them:

• “Star of Africa” - 202 carats, purchased for $1.2 million;
• "Orlov" - 67.5 carats;
• “Korloff Noir” - 88 carats, owned by the French jeweler Paylasier;
• “Eye of Brahma” - over 67 carats, according to legend, was the eye of a statue in India; stolen and cursed, considered a source of misfortune for the owner, but purchased in 2006 for $352 thousand;
• “Amsterdam” - 33.74 carats, found in Africa, in 2001 it was sold at auction for almost 348 thousand dollars;
• Bahia - 352 carats, found in Brazil, exhibited in 1851;
• "River Styx" - 28.5 carats, from Africa, marquise cut, stolen in 1958.

Fawaz Gruosi owns an amazingly beautiful heart pendant. The weight of the stone is more than 115 carats.

Substance name

In addition to the name “Black shiny BN”, the consumer may encounter other names:

• Food grade black 1 (synonym);
• Brilliant black BN (international name of the substance);
• Food black 1, Black BN, Black PN (options);
• E151 (index in European codification);
• E-151 (index in Russian and some international sanitary and epidemiological documents);
• 151 (number in the international INS system;
• Brilliantschwarz BN (labeling in German);
• Noir brillant BN, noir BN (French synonyms).