Where Do Diamonds Come From?

You might know that diamonds, gold, and other jewels are rare, which makes them valuable. But have your ever wondered where diamonds come from — how they are actually made?

Thousands, millions and maybe even billions of years ago, extreme heat and pressure turned pure carbon into colorless diamond crystals 100 miles or more below the Earth’s surface. Diamonds are the only gemstone made of only one element: carbon.

Eventually, volcanic activity brought diamonds closer to the Earth’s surface. Volcanic pipes — known as kimberlite pipes — push diamonds to the surface, cooling them along the way. Today, diamonds are mined in areas that have experienced volcanic activity in the past, as well as in gravel beds and ocean floors.