The Lure of Diamonds

The Beginning
The shape of the diamond is caused by the different types of bonding between adjacent atoms to form different types of crystalline structure. In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, like a pyramid. Each link or bond generally comprises of the same length and the tetrahedral formation is therefore completely regular. It is the strength and regularity of this bonding that makes the diamond very hard, non-volatile and resistant to chemical attack, in fact the hardest substance in the world.

Theoretically a perfect diamond crystal could be composed of one giant molecule of carbon.
In the form of graphite, carbon may appear black or dark gray, opaque, and rather soft, whereas in the form of diamond, it is it clear, colourless, and extremely hard. Diamonds seem to have been known for about 3,000 years, being mentioned in through history, however in early times, it was not uncommon for people to confuse other hard minerals with a diamond. It is thought that the earliest diamonds were found in about the 12th century B.C., in India, which remained the most important, if not the sole, source until 1725, when diamonds were discovered in Brazil.

The Pompous Diamond
Through the publicity and promotion given to diamonds largely by the De Beers Company, and through the Diamond Promotion Service, diamonds have become the most desired gemstone. It is perhaps the unmatched luster that a fiery piece of the diamond emits, that makes it priceless. Thanks to large scale mining, and the development of efficient cutting methods and equipment, diamonds have now become a consumer luxury affordable to the masses. There are various reasons that allows a wearer to own and wear a diamond. One of the most ancient reasons why diamond was worn, was because of frequent attacks by invader, women found it extremely difficult to save them selves, the world over.

There were innumerable attacks and rape cases, prompting women to either swallow the diamond a whole or have it crushed into a powder formation that was locked in their especially designed rings. Diamond being the hardest structure, could easily slit across the soft veins and arteries through the gullet, resulting in their timely deaths.

Later, when the craze for diamonds grew, it was used for sexual purposes too. For women and men who did not have such a great libido, it was the diamond that created surroundings that gave men and women enough time for themselves and their respective spouses, in reaching their levels of ecstasy. Diamonds provide its wearer with luxury and help them amass hordes of wealth in their lifetime. With wealth in place, the fire within the diamond creates the external stimuli, for an interesting roll in the hay. Worn for improving the planetary action of Venus, diamonds are either worn by Librans or Scorpions to add in an extra touch of Romanticism, that is required in both signs.

Librans by an large have a romantic streak in them, it is only that their analysis can be so overpowering, that it might not really see the light of sexual enlightenment. Scorpions are sexual gourmets, who need to get romantic gratification only a diamond brings about. All and all, diamonds more than their cosmetic value can be used for healing purposes as well.

What’s even more interesting to note is that diamonds are now manufactured than mined. Since diamonds, make that good diamonds are rather dear, cost wise, these are synthetically produced since the year 1954, although the bulk of the synthetic production is used for industrial purposes as diamond grit. Gem quality synthetic diamonds have also been produced, although, its intriguing to note that it is still more expensive to manufacture a diamond as against mining them.

Colour:
Pure diamond, if such a thing exists, is colourless. Most diamonds are slightly coloured, even if the colouring is almost imperceptible. The commonest colour is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure, others are gray, light brown or greenish. Diamond can be almost any colour, although strongly coloured attractive specimens are very rare, and as such for astrological purposes, it is better to go in for a lighter hue in case you might not be able to lay your hands on a transparent one. Of course there are diamonds that are available in shades of pink, blue and green, the colourless variety still remains an all time favourite.

There have always been stones that looked like diamonds, but were not diamonds. Any stone which looks like a diamond could be called a diamond simulant. Natural or synthetic white sapphire, glass, colourless quartz (rock crystal), both natural and synthetic, cubic zirconia, and now moissanite, all simulate diamond to a greater or lesser degree. There are some who believe that diamonds don’t suit them. There are many who tell me so too. To those I’d like to mention that it doesn’t matter what colour you wear, it needs to be a clear diamond. And it you think these rocks are going to be cheap, then peish the thought, after all didn’t we mention that diamonds are a "girls’ best friend"; and if friends are truly dear, well, so are diamonds!