Gems like diamonds and emeralds are among the most sought-after elements in the world of jewelry, possessing exceptional beauty and a unique charm that captures the eye and evokes admiration. But what do we mean by the term “rarity” in the context of these precious stones? Is diamond rarer than emerald, or is the opposite true? In this article, we will explore the numbers and data related to the occurrence of both diamonds and emeralds globally, while delving into the geological processes that contribute to the formation of each. We will also discuss the challenges faced in their extraction, ultimately revealing which is considered the rarest in the world of gemstones. Join us on a journey to explore these natural treasures and witness exciting details of the world of precious stones.
Rarity of Gemstones: Diamond vs. Emerald
Gemstones, such as diamonds and emeralds, are among the most impressive things that attract people’s interest throughout the ages. But which of these two stones is rarer? According to a review in the 2019 issue of the journal “Minerals,” there are 49 known emerald sites, while the estimated number of rock formations containing diamonds is about 1000. However, the number of active diamond mines is much lower, with around 82 active mines worldwide. Each of these stones carries its own story in the world of geology, marketing, and economic dimensions.
It is understood that diamonds are produced by global mining companies that have complex pricing systems and business partnerships to meet global demand. The global diamond production is estimated to be between 100 to 150 million carats annually, equivalent to about 22 to 33 tons of diamonds. In comparison, in 2015, between 7000 to 9000 kilograms of emeralds were produced, which ranges from 6 to 9 tons of emeralds. Among the countries considered to be the largest producers of emeralds are Colombia, Zambia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Brazil.
But production reports are not complete; they do not reveal many precise details due to the current chaos in how production in smaller mines, which lack reliable reporting systems, is monitored. Unlike diamonds, emerald mining is forced to rely more on small mines that do not have the large capabilities and massive capital.
Geological Processes of Gemstone Formation
Both diamonds and emeralds form under special and complex geological conditions. According to Evan Smith, a senior researcher at the American Geological Institute, diamonds form deep in the earth’s crust, located at depths ranging from 93 to 124 miles. Diamonds are formed from single crystals of carbon when changes in pressure or temperature occur in molten rock. Diamonds require a rare volcanic eruption known as kimberlite to reach the surface.
In contrast, the formation of emeralds requires different geological reactions. Emerald is the green version of the mineral beryl, which obtains its green color from the addition of chromium or vanadium. Its formation process usually involves the interaction between beryl-containing rocks and sedimentary environments like limestone or clay. Most often, emeralds are formed in mountainous areas where tectonic plates collide, resulting in complex geological interactions.
These specific geological processes require the integration of several elements over time and space to find emeralds, which disrupts the idea that the trait of rarity depends solely on the quantity available. Geological analysis shows that emeralds require a significant number of ideal factors for their formation, making them rare in access and mining. Most emerald mining operations heavily rely on manual techniques, unlike the massive mining techniques used in diamond extraction.
Rarity
The Economics of Diamonds and Emeralds
Although emeralds are considered rarer than diamonds, the supply and demand dynamics in the market play a significant role in determining the final price of each. Diamonds are more popular in jewelry markets and have a strong status among people as a symbol of loyalty and love. This strong reputation has boosted the demand for diamonds, contributing to their high economic value compared to emeralds.
Diamonds are marketed remarkably by reputable companies like De Beers, which have dominated the market for decades. These companies’ marketing strategies rely on the concept of repeat purchases of diamonds during major events such as engagements and weddings, making diamonds a highly desired gemstone widely sought after. While emeralds do not compete with the same vigor and establishment in the market, they still possess value through creative and aesthetic duality.
The prices of emeralds also vary based on the scale of color and clarity. The greener and clearer the emerald, the higher its value. However, the overall value of emeralds is still generally lower than that of diamonds due to educational and market discrepancies.
In the end, rarity and demand remain two constantly intertwined elements. Despite the clear rarity of emeralds compared to diamonds, the strong advertising and marketing support for diamonds have enhanced their position as a high-priced gemstone, illustrating how cultural and commercial elements can influence the evaluation of rarity in the world of gemstones.
Source link: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/which-are-rarer-diamonds-or-emeralds
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