Carbonado, a natural black diamond, is an ancient (4 billion years old) clump of tiny diamond and graphite crystals formed in a supernova. Found in Central Africa and Brazil, these grey stones are super tough due to their polycrystalline structure. They can be dyed black or mistaken for marcasite (used in costume jewelry) due to their similar appearance.

Carbonados can be irradiated and heated to darken their color. Irradiated carbonados are jet black resembling onyx or black spinel. Until recently, black diamonds were considered worthless and unsuitable for jewelry and used primarily as abrasives and drill bits. Even today, black diamonds are cheap by diamond standards costing very little compared to white diamonds.

Natural black diamonds are completely opaque, with a high luster that gives the stones an almost metallic appearance. People have the misconception that because of their colour, they are not real diamonds. There is a real basis for this concern, as there are in fact three different kinds of black diamonds on the market.The first and most expensive are genuine, naturally occurring black diamond. However, the market also offers manmade black diamonds and treated black diamonds. Therefore, when you are looking to buy a black diamond engagement ring, be aware and do your research. Retailers often don’t even know what they are selling. That being said, what is the difference between the three types?

Natural black diamonds are very unusual in their characteristics in comparison to ‘normal’ diamonds. With no sparkle and lustre, these diamonds are completely opaque and come only in one colour. The black colour comes from large quantities or clouds of minute mineral inclusions such as graphite, pyrite or hematite that extend throughout the stone. They also have many fractures that are stained black or have become black as a result of graphitization. It is the concentrations of these internal features that are responsible for the colouration. The actual body colour of a natural black diamond may range from near colourless to brown.

Most black diamonds on the market are treated or enhanced rather than natural. These treated black diamonds are genuine diamonds that have undergone processes to change their color. There are two main methods: irradiation, which alters the crystal structure to turn the diamond black, and heating to extreme temperatures, creating a black graphite residue within the diamond. The latter method is more common. Despite these treatments, the diamonds remain real.

Enhanced black diamonds are significantly cheaper than natural ones. Additionally, their structure is less porous, often resulting in a smoother surface. Treated or lab-grown black diamonds offer the same appearance and quality as natural black diamonds but at a lower cost. These diamonds are certified by reputable institutions like IGI and GIA, ensuring proper evaluation of their color, clarity, carat, cut, and dimensions

Treated black diamonds are 100% real because they contain properties identical to natural gems, such as hardness, 4Cs grades, shape variations, and chemical attributes. Treated diamonds obtain their color properties from the heat and pressure from adding the pyrite and hematite. These diamonds are certified by GIA and IGI organizations, and they offer an expert evaluation.

• The 489.07-carat black diamond is yet to be named and is rumored to be priced at just under two million US dollars.
• The 312.24-carat Spirit of de Grisogono Diamond is the world’ s largest black diamond.
• 202-carat Black Star of Africa was last seen in Tokyo in 1971. Did anyone investigate Godzilla?
• The 160.18-carat “The Table of Islam ” emerald-cut black diamond comes from Central Africa.
• The Gruosi Diamond is a 115.34-carat heart-shaped black diamond cut by the famous Swiss jeweler Fawaz Gruosi.
• Orloff Noir (the cursed one) is a 67.50-carat cushion-cut diamond of very dark gun-metal color. It is also known as the Eye of Brahma Diamond.
• The Amsterdam Diamond is a 33.74-carat stone sold in 2001 for $352,000.