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In 2009 the world demand for natural, unset gem-quality diamonds was about
$39 billion. The United States was the largest buyer of these gemstones with
a consumption of about $13.7 billion or 35% of total world consumption.
Although the United States is the largest consumer of gem quality diamonds it
has no commercial mine production. The only location in the United States
that currently produces gem-quality diamonds is the Crater of Diamonds State
Park in Arkansas where tourists can pay a small fee to prospect and keep any
diamonds that they find. In an exceptional year the Park will produce a few
hundred carats. This lack of domestic production requires the United States to
import virtually all of its diamond consumption.
The map illustrates that diamond production has spread to many parts of the
world. Diamond production in Russia and Canada has grown rapidly and
these countries diversify the geographic distribution of gem-quality diamond
production.
The histogram at right shows the estimated 2009 calendar year production for
countries that produced over 1 million carats of gem-quality diamonds.
Botswana
Botswana had insignificant production until 1970 and became one of the top
producers in the mid-1980s. Botswana has some of the highest yielding mines
in the world and has been the world's leading producer of diamonds since it
displaced Australia as the leading producer in 1999.
Russia
Russia began producing diamonds in the late 1950's and became one of the
top three producers in 1970. The Russian mines are at high latitude and in
demanding environments yet they continue to produce at high levels,
competing with Botswana for the leading producer position.
Canada
Canada is the real surprise. Commercial mining there began in the late
1990's. Numerous mines came online in rapid succession, quickly making
Canada one of the leading diamond producers. With more mines going into
production, Canada could become the #1 producer of gem-quality diamonds
in the next few years.
South Africa
South Africa was where the African diamond rush began in the 1870's. It
immediately became the leading producer of gem-quality diamonds and held
that position until the 1920's when Zaire entered major production. South
Africa has been a consistent producer for the past few decades with
production volumes regularly ranging between 4 million and 6 million carats
per year.
Australia
Australia entered commercial production in 1981 and quickly became the top
producer of gem-quality diamonds. In recent years, production in Australia
has fallen sharply as deposits there were depleted.
Where will the next big diamond discovery occur? Perhaps it will be in
Canada where many companies have allocated large budgets for exploration
and new transportation routes allow for delivery of equipment and supplies.
Or, it could be in the United States where rocks similar to the Canadian
production areas are being studied.
IMPORTANCE OF DIAMONDS
Since diamonds are formed at depth and under pressure, they are an extreamly r
towards heat and pressure. It is the exploitation of these properties of diamonds
their use widespread throughout a variety of industries today. Typical applicatio
using diamonds as a cutting tool, as a medium to transmit sound, and in a variet
As a result of the strength of diamonds, it has become standard to coat cockpit w
with a special coating (Attaway, 2002).
Gemstone diamonds are stones with color and clarity that make them suitable fo
use. These stones are especially rare and make up a minor portion of worldwide
Gemstone diamonds are sold for their beauty and quality.
Industrial diamonds are mostly used in cutting, grinding, drilling and polishing p
hardness and heat conductivity characteristics are the qualities being purchased.
measures of quality relevant to gemstones are not important. Industrial diamond
produce micron-sized abrasive powders. Large amounts of diamonds that are ge
small to cut are sold into the industrial diamond trade.
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Most of the world's diamond
production is consumed by industry
for use as an abrasive in cutting,
grinding, drilling and polishing
procedures. The second category of
Uses of Diamond diamond use is as a gemstone. More
money is spent on diamonds than all
other types of gemstones combined.
A small amount of diamond goes to
other use. These include: heat sinks,
specialty windows and bearings.
Diaphaneity transparent
Hardness 10