Written By Alex Wong.
Last updated: 14 Oct 2024.
Blue Diamonds
Blue diamonds, among the rarest and most coveted gemstones, are highly sought after for their captivating blue hue and exceptional scarcity. These natural diamonds owe their distinctive colour to trace elements within their crystal structure, placing them in the rare Type IIb category, which represents only about 0.1% of all diamonds. This combination of rarity and unique coloration makes blue diamonds exceptionally valuable, symbolising luxury, exclusivity, and a rich historical legacy.
The Science Behind the Blue Hue
The blue colour in diamonds is primarily caused by the presence of boron atoms within the diamond's crystal lattice. When boron is present, it absorbs light in the red, yellow, and green parts of the spectrum, allowing only blue light to pass through. The concentration of boron determines the intensity of the blue colour, with higher concentrations resulting in deeper, more vivid shades. Other factors, such as hydrogen impurities and radiation exposure, can also influence the hue, leading to variations such as green-blue or grey-blue diamonds.
Types and Shades of Blue Diamonds
Blue diamonds come in a range of shades, from light pastel blues to deep, intense hues. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies these diamonds based on their colour intensity, with categories like "Fancy Light Blue," "Fancy Blue," "Fancy Intense Blue," and "Fancy Vivid Blue." The rarity of Type IIb diamonds adds to their significance, as they are not only rare in terms of colour but also in terms of their unique chemical composition.
Origins and Formation of Blue Diamonds
Blue diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature. Their blue colour is due to boron incorporated into the crystal structure, likely through subduction, where boron-rich oceanic plates are pushed deep into the mantle. The primary sources of blue diamonds include South Africa's Cullinan mine and Australia's now-closed Argyle mine. Historically, India's Golconda mines also produced some of the most famous blue diamonds.
Famous Blue Diamonds in History
Image from Smithsonian Institution
One of the most famous blue diamonds is the Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat gem with a storied history dating back to the 17th century. The Hope Diamond is known for its deep blue colour and has been associated with a fascinating, albeit ominous, legend of a curse. Other notable blue diamonds include the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond and the Blue Moon Diamond, each with its own unique history and cultural significance.
Blue Diamond vs. Sapphire
While both blue diamonds and sapphires are prized for their stunning blue hues, they are fundamentally different gemstones. Blue diamonds are formed from carbon and owe their colour to boron, whereas sapphires are made of corundum and get their colour from trace elements like iron and titanium. Blue diamonds are significantly rarer and more expensive than sapphires, and their brilliance and hardness make them distinct in the world of gemstones.
Natural vs. Treated Blue Diamonds
Natural blue diamonds are those that have formed with their blue colour over millions of years without any human intervention. In contrast, treated blue diamonds have undergone processes such as high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) treatment to enhance or alter their colour. While treated diamonds can be more affordable, they are generally less valuable than natural blue diamonds, and their altered colour may affect their market desirability and authenticity.
Conclusion
Blue diamonds are extraordinary gemstones that combine beauty, rarity, and history. Their unique blue hue, coupled with their scarcity, makes them a treasured addition to any jewellery collection. Whether admired for their aesthetic appeal or valued as an investment, blue diamonds continue to captivate and inspire, solidifying their place as one of the most coveted gemstones in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, blue diamonds are typically more expensive than many other diamonds due to their rarity and the high demand for their unique colour. The value increases significantly with the intensity and purity of the blue hue.
Yes, blue diamonds are extremely rare. They belong to the Type IIb category, which comprises only about 0.1% of all diamonds, making them one of the rarest diamond types in the world.
Blue diamonds are special due to their rare and distinctive blue colour, which is caused by the presence of boron in their crystal structure. Their rarity, unique colour, and association with famous historical diamonds add to their allure.
No, a blue diamond is not a sapphire. Blue diamonds are made of carbon, while sapphires are made of corundum. The blue colour in diamonds comes from boron, while in sapphires, it is caused by trace elements like iron and titanium.
Red diamonds are the most expensive due to their extreme rarity, followed closely by blue and pink diamonds.
Typically, brown and yellow diamonds, also known as 'champagne' and 'cognac' diamonds, are among the least expensive due to their more common occurrence.
A real blue diamond can be verified by a professional using specialised equipment to test its hardness, refractivity, and electrical conductivity (as blue diamonds conduct electricity). A certified gemological lab report can also confirm its authenticity.
Red is the rarest diamond colour, with only a few known examples in existence.
Yes, blue diamonds are considered a good investment due to their rarity and increasing demand, which often leads to appreciation in value over time.
The 'curse' is often associated with the Hope Diamond, a famous blue diamond that is said to have brought misfortune to its owners, though this is largely legend and folklore.
Yes, blue diamonds sparkle just like other diamonds, exhibiting brilliance and fire due to their exceptional light-reflecting properties.
A professional appraisal or lab certification is the most reliable way to confirm a diamond's authenticity. This process includes tests such as hardness (real diamonds can scratch glass), refractivity (real diamonds have a higher sparkle than other stones), and, for blue diamonds, electrical conductivity (since they can conduct electricity). Additionally, a certified gemological lab report will provide definitive proof of authenticity.
Yes, blue diamonds are expensive due to their rarity, unique colour, and high demand in the market.
Blue diamonds are simply referred to as 'blue diamonds'. However, they may also be described by their specific colour intensity, such as 'Fancy Vivid Blue'.
Yes, natural blue diamonds exist in real life, though they are extremely rare and highly valued.