Black diamonds have enjoyed a great deal of popularity lately. Black diamonds have a mystery surrounding them. In the gem trade a black diamond has been called Carbonado. The term "carbonado" was coined by Portuguese in Brazil in the mid 18th century because it resembles porous charcoal. Carbonado or black diamonds are so tough that it took a 20-ton hydraulic press to break one. Black diamonds are rare and rarer than white diamonds. Unlike white diamonds that are found all over the world, black diamonds are only found in Brazil and the Central African Republic. Black diamonds are not associated with volcanoes the way other diamonds are. Other types of diamonds came to Earth's surface from eruptions 100 million to one billion years ago. Black diamonds are older than 3.8 billion years. The scientific world has found that black diamonds have hydrogen in them, suggesting the diamonds were formed in an environment like a star. When examined under infrared radiation, researchers found a spectrum similar to a type of diamond that exists in space.

If you are looking for a rare gem, black diamonds should be at the top of the list. To fill the demand for black diamonds some white diamonds have undergone heat and irradiation to turn them black. The enhancement is permanent and the gems are very attractive. However, if you are a connoisseur and want to make sure you have a true "Carbonado" black diamond make sure you have a lab report stating that the gem as not been treated. To see a splendid example of a connoisseur class black diamond, look for a picture of the 33.74 carat pear-shaped Star of Amsterdam. Cut in Holland from a 55.85 carat rough in 1972 it is said to be the finest black diamond ever cut.

It may be hard to find such a gem, most people are happy with a beautiful jet black diamond. If you want something out of this world and a real scientific mystery, keep searching for a true "Carbonado" diamond.