11 Cremation diamonds facts you’ve never heard before
There’s no doubt about it — diamonds are amazing. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about cremation diamonds made from human ashes or mined diamonds formed by the Earth, there’s nothing quite as beautiful and ever-lasting as a diamond.
While many aspects of diamonds are well-known (such as their hardness, their brilliance, and their being a symbol of love), their lesser known aspects are even more fascinating.
The following 11 facts are sure to give you a greater appreciation for these beautiful gemstones. Whether you’re researching things to do with your cremated remains or you’re thinking about turning a loved one’s cremated ashes or hair into a diamond, these interesting diamond facts will give you something to think about.
1. LAB GROWN DIAMONDS HAVE THE SAME COMPOSITION AS MINED DIAMONDS
Some people prefer mined diamonds over lab grown diamonds because they believe they’re somehow superior. However, in chemical composition, lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds grown in the Earth’s crust. They have the same rigid, tetrahedral formation of the carbon atoms, giving them the same brilliance and quality of mined diamonds.
2. THROUGHOUT HISTORY, DIAMONDS HAVE BEEN THOUGHT TO HEAL
In the Middle Ages, diamonds were sometimes used to treat a variety of ailments. In some circles today, diamonds (particularly yellow diamonds) are still thought to improve emotional health and bring about clarity in thinking. This is just one of the reasons yellow is a popular color for cremation diamonds.
3. HISTORICALLY, DIAMONDS HAVE ALSO BEEN THOUGHT TO GIVE STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND PROTECTION TO THOSE WHO WORE THEM
Diamonds have also often been thought to strengthen and protect their wearers. This is particularly true for diamonds used in cremation jewelry. For example, a diamond ring might be given to someone to endow them with a peaceful and strong spirit. Kings would sometimes add diamonds to their armor for protection in battle.
4. ANCIENT ROMANS AND GREEKS THOUGHT DIAMONDS CAME FROM THE TEARS OF THE GODS OR FROM STARS
The radiant beauty of diamonds can make them seem mystical. Because of their unique beauty, mystical stories have arisen about the origin of diamonds. The ancient Romans and Greeks thought diamonds were the tears of the gods or pieces of stars fallen to earth.
5. PLATO DESCRIBED DIAMONDS AS LIVING BEINGS
The mystical traditions surrounding diamonds reached a sort of climax with Plato, who claimed that diamonds were alive with celestial spirits. When you consider cremation diamonds made from the ashes or hair of your loved, this is essentially true.
6. DIAMONDS ARE THE HARDEST SUBSTANCE ON EARTH, AND THEIR NAME REFLECTS THAT FACT
As the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, and ranking at the top of Moh's scale of hardness, nothing can scratch diamonds except for other diamonds. They also have an incredible pressure resistance that allows them to withstand pressures of up to 6 million atmospheres without damage. This is true for both diamonds made out of human hair and diamonds made from carbon inside the Earth.
The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word “adamas”, meaning "indestructible." Thanks to their unique hardness, diamonds really are forever.
7. DIAMONDS ARE A FORM OF ENERGY
Diamonds, like the human body, are made from energy. The form that energy takes in the human body can easily be dissolved, such as during cremation. The energy in a diamond, however, cannot be dissolved.
High pressures and temperatures force the energy of the carbon atoms into the rigid shape that gives them their unmistakable and breathtaking appearance.
8. ROUGH DIAMONDS LOOK VERY MUCH LIKE REGULAR STONES
When you think of a diamond, you probably think of the colorless, glistening jewel set in a piece of jewelry. However, diamonds only become this gorgeous after careful cutting and polishing by an expert.
A rough diamond actually looks much like a regular rock — its beauty waiting to be revealed through cutting and polishing.
9. DIAMONDS HAVE UNIQUE INDUSTRIAL USES THANKS TO THEIR THERMAL AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
Memorial diamonds are designed to provide comfort. But diamonds can be practical, too. Often, the thermal conductivity and lack of electrical conductivity of diamonds make them useful in certain settings. Some cutting-edge research is being done on how to put these qualities to even more advanced use.
10. ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE DIAMOND IS PRESERVED AFTER CUTTING AND POLISHING
Much of the rough diamond is lost after cutting and polishing. The largest diamonds are broken into smaller pieces with a diamond saw to be cut and polished into beautiful individual gemstones. The resulting gems are even more precious and valuable as a result.
11. DIAMONDS COME IN MANY COLORS
When you think of a diamond, you probably think of a colorless or clear gem. However, diamonds come in many different colors, from pink and brown to blue and black. In nature, it’s rare to find a color of the diamond other than white or clear. Lab grown diamonds, however, can be made in any color, allowing you to enjoy the kind diamond jewelry that you wish.
Diamonds are fascinating gemstones and the act of turning ashes into diamonds is a fascinating process. Their unmatched beauty and radiance, combined with their long history make them an ideal choice for any type of jewelry. With a memorial diamond from Heart In Diamond, you can use a diamond as a permanent reminder of the life of a deceased loved one.