The April birthstone is diamond. Diamonds are a crystalline form of carbon that are prized for their beauty, hardness and brilliance. They have long been a symbol of love, luxury and wealth. The diamond is the perfect birthstone for April, as its crystalline structure represents clarity and new beginnings – ideal for the spring season. In this article, we’ll examine the physical traits of the April diamond birthstone and what makes it so unique and desirable.
What is the April Birthstone?
The April birthstone is the diamond. Diamonds are the birthstone for the month of April. Other birthstones associated with April are rock crystal and clear quartz. However, the diamond is considered the primary modern birthstone for April.
Physical Traits of Diamond
Diamonds have several key physical traits that set them apart:
Composition
Diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure. The carbon atoms form extremely strong chemical bonds, giving diamonds their hardness and durability. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth.
Color
Diamonds can occur in almost any color, including clear, yellow, brown, blue, green, black, pink, orange, purple and red. The most prized and expensive diamonds are perfectly colorless. Slight tints of yellow or brown are common and reduce value. Fancy colored diamonds in vivid hues are rare and valuable.
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the internal flaws and inclusions within the stone. Flawless diamonds are the most rare and expensive. Very, very slightly included (VVS) and internally flawless (IF) diamonds have minute imperfections only visible under magnification. Diamonds with fewer, smaller or less visible inclusions have greater clarity and value.
Cut
Diamond cut refers to the proportions, symmetry and polish of a finished gemstone. Well-cut diamonds exhibit outstanding brilliance, fire and scintillation. The round brilliant cut is the most common. Other cuts include princess, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, emerald and asscher.
Carat
Carat weight measures diamond mass. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are exponentially rarer and costlier. High quality one-carat diamonds command premium prices. Many April birthstone diamond jewelry pieces range from 0.25-1.5 carats.
Natural Properties of Diamond
Diamonds possess exceptional natural properties that make them so highly coveted:
Hardness
Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, rating 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Their hardness provides durability and resistance to scratching, chipping or breaking.
Dispersion
Diamonds have high dispersion ratings, meaning they exhibit strong fire and brilliance. Light entering a diamond gets refracted into all the colors of the rainbow.
Luster
Diamonds have an exceptional brilliance and adamantine luster. Well-cut diamonds are optically reflective and shiny.
Rarity
Large, high quality diamonds are extremely rare. Their scarcity greatly increases their value. Only a fraction of diamonds are suitable for fine jewelry.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 10 on Mohs scale – hardest known natural material |
| Dispersion | High – strong fire and brilliance |
| Luster | Adamantine – exceptional brilliance |
| Rarity | Very rare in sizes and quality suitable for fine jewelry |
How Are Diamonds Formed?
Diamonds form naturally deep within the Earth under immense heat and pressure:
1. Carbon Sources
Diamonds originate from carbon sources subject to extreme pressure. This includes carbon trapped in Earth’s mantle about 90-120 miles below surface.
2. Crystallization
The carbon atoms form cubic crystal lattice structures and bond tetrahedrally to four other carbons under pressure.
3. Growth
Over billions of years, the diamond crystals continue to grow larger, often forming octahedral shapes.
4. Transport to Surface
Diamond-bearing rocks from deep mantle are pushed towards the surface by volcanic eruptions of magma. Diamonds are mined from kimberlite and lamproite pipes.
5. Cutting and Polishing
Rough diamonds are cut and polished to reveal their brilliance and fire. The final shape is determined by the diamond cutter.
So April birthstone diamonds form deep underground over billions of years, before being brought to the surface through volcanic pipes.
Where are Diamonds Mined?
While small deposits exist worldwide, here are the top diamond producing countries:
Russia
Russia is the largest producer of rough diamonds by volume. Major deposits include Mir mine and Udachnaya pipe.
Botswana
Botswana is the leading source for gem quality diamonds. Major mines include Orapa and Jwaneng.
Canada
Canada is a major producer. The Diavik and Ekati mines yield high quality diamonds.
South Africa
South Africa has historically been the top diamond producer. Famous mines include Cullinan, Kimberley and Premier.
Australia
The Argyle mine in Western Australia produces over 90% of Australia’s diamonds.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC has large diamond reserves. Major mines are located in Kasai Province.
So while scattered deposits occur worldwide, Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa and Australia are the major diamond sources.
Grading Diamonds: The Four C’s
Diamonds are evaluated and graded based on the 4Cs – cut, clarity, color and carat weight:
Cut
Cut quality refers to a diamond’s reflective qualities, determined by its proportions, symmetry and polish. Well-cut diamonds exhibit a balance of brilliance, fire and scintillation.
Clarity
Clarity is based on the size, number and position of internal imperfections within a diamond. Diamonds with fewer or smaller inclusions have greater clarity.
Color
Whiter diamonds with less color are more rare and valuable. Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown).
Carat
Carat measures diamond weight – one carat equals 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are exponentially rarer and more expensive.
So the 4Cs determine a diamond’s quality and value. The best April birthstone diamonds combine top color, clarity, cut and carat weight.
| 4C’s | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cut | Quality of proportions, symmetry and polish |
| Clarity | Inclusion size, quantity and position |
| Color | Rated D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown) |
| Carat Weight | 0.2 gram increments |
Famous April Birthstone Diamonds
Exceptionally large or rare diamonds can gain worldwide fame. Here are some of the most celebrated April birthstone diamonds:
Hope Diamond
The 45.52 carat Hope Diamond exhibits rare deep blue color. It was discovered in India and is displayed at the Smithsonian.
Cullinan Diamond
The massive 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa was cut into smaller gems, including for British crown jewels.
Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The 105.6 carat colorless Koh-i-Noor originated in India. It is part of the British Crown Jewels.
Centenary Diamond
Unearthed in 1986, the flawless 273.85 carat Centenary Diamond is the world’s largest high quality colorless diamond.
Akbar Shah Diamond
The Mughal emperor Akbar originally owned the 116 carat colorless Akbar Shah Diamond, which is now part of Iran’s national jewels.
These diamonds demonstrate the splendor, mystery and intrigue surrounding the April birthstone.
Popular April Diamond Jewelry Designs
April birthstone diamonds are incorporated into many beautiful and popular jewelry designs:
Solitaire Pendants
A round or princess cut diamond solitaire suspended from a chain makes an elegant and versatile pendant. Simple four prong or bezel settings maximize brilliance.
Three Stone Rings
Three evenly sized round diamonds in a row create a classic engagement ring or anniversary band. The stones can represent past, present and future.
Diamond Stud Earrings
Diamond stud earrings with round or princess cut diamonds are a staple jewelry item. They work for everyday wear or dressy occasions.
Tennis Bracelets
Tennis bracelets feature a line of matched diamonds in a flexible linkage setting. Modern versions often combine round, baguette and princess cuts.
Halo Rings
A center diamond is encircled by a halo of smaller accent stones for maximum sparkle. The setting emphasizes the main diamond.
April diamond birthstone jewelry ranges from simple solitaires to elaborate multi-stone and halo designs.
How to Care for Diamond Jewelry
While tough, diamonds require some basic care. Here are tips for cleaning and maintaining April birthstone jewelry:
– Use a designated jewelry cleaning solution and soft cloth to gently wipe pieces.
– Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine or acidic cleaners.
– Remove diamond jewelry before swimming, exercising, cleaning, yardwork etc.
– Store pieces separately in fabric-lined boxes to prevent scratching.
– Have diamonds professionally inspected annually and re-pronged if needed.
– Take care putting on and removing rings to avoid physical damage.
By practicing proper storage, cleaning and wear habits, April diamond birthstone jewelry will sparkle forever. Professional inspections ensure settings remain secure.
April Birthstone Lore and Symbolic Meanings
Beyond physical traits, diamonds carry rich symbolic meaning:
– Strength and Courage
Historically diamonds represented strength, invincibility and courage in battle. Warriors embedded diamonds in battle armor and shields for protection.
– Love and Romance
The diamond’s legendary power crystallized as an enduring symbol of romantic love and commitment. Diamond engagement rings traditionally profess enduring love.
– Wealth and Success
Large, fine quality diamonds signify substantial wealth, success and prestige. They represent a pinnacle of luxury, fortune and achievement.
– Purity and Innocence
The diamond’s crystalline perfection evokes qualities of purity, flawlessness and innocence. It is a metaphor for incorruptible human virtues.
– Renewal and New Beginnings
Diamonds emerging from dark depths represent renewal, clarity and dawn of a new era – an appropriate symbol for spring.
The April diamond displays multifaceted magic and mythology alongside its physical splendor.
Conclusion
In summary, the April birthstone diamond is prized for its unparalleled hardness, brilliance and fire. Natural diamond crystals form deep in Earth’s mantle over billions of years, before volcanic eruptions transport them to the surface. Diamonds are graded on the 4Cs – cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Large diamonds can gain fame for their exceptional size, color or history. April diamond jewelry ranges from simple solitaire pendants to elaborate designs with multiple stones. While physically durable, diamonds require care when cleaning and wearing. Beyond material qualities, diamonds carry cultural symbolism of love, eternity, strength and renewal. The crystalline perfection of the April diamond birthstone conveys exceptional meaning, mystique and allure.