2006-10-04 10:22:40 · 7 answers · asked by bettcheese 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Diamonds and rubies are one of the hardest to find. Many have tried to get them, but something is usally wrong. The size might be too small, cracks, bad clarity, and so on. When they do find the good ones they are beautiful. The reason why they shine so well is because of the Amethyst that it contains.
2006-10-05 03:10:09 · answer #1 · answered by heartiagram 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why Diamonds are Valuable
Rarity: The rarity of a diamond makes it so valuable. Only a few survive the hazardous journey from the depths of the earth to reach the surface. In fact, some estimates suggest that as few as 350 tons have ever been mined in recorded history. Only fifty percent of the diamonds mined today are of gem quality. Even fewer are large enough to be cut into diamonds that can be worn as jewelry. Approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed to produce a one-carat, gem quality polished diamond.
Older than Civilization: Diamonds are the oldest gems. Many were created over 3 billion years ago. Most diamonds are at least 100 million years old.
The hardest substance known to man: No other natural substance can match a diamond's hardness. Diamonds are 2,000 times harder than either rubies or sapphires and 3,000 times harder than synthetic cubic zirconium.
Complicated Beauty: Diamonds are the most difficult stone to mine. A three-carat diamond, for example, can cost up to seven times more than a one-carat diamond of equal color and clarity. Only one polished diamond in a thousand weighs over one carat.
2006-10-04 10:28:46 · answer #2 · answered by stuckondaeastcoast 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about rubies, but diamonds are expensive because there is a monopoly on the market; one company owns nearly all the diamond mines, and so there is no competition to keep the prices low. Diamonds, in fact, are NOT very rare anymore, and are extracted regularly (with EXTREME implications for the environment).
2006-10-04 10:27:52 · answer #3 · answered by J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because in gem quality, they are extremely rare, and therefore more expensive. Miners will go through 100's of tons of earth nad rock to find even one substantial enough rough gem to cut. That's a lot of overhead, before you ever get to the middleman, or the retailer.
There are other stones that are just as rare, or more so. You just hear less about them, since not every jeweler has them.
2006-10-04 16:26:59 · answer #4 · answered by Randi L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a good question, considering other gems are far more uncommon. I personally feel that Alexandrite is the most fascinating, awesome and gorgeous gem ever.
I guess it is because of their popularity in jewelry, and propaganda by jewelers
2006-10-04 10:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they were everywhere, they would not be valuable. We would use them to make concrete. But because they are so hard to find, and last forever, we want them more than they can be supplied.
2006-10-04 10:28:03 · answer #6 · answered by Lab 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are rare, hard and pretty. And apes like shiny things. ;-)
2006-10-04 10:25:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋