Diamonds are timeless symbols of wealth and elegance. Their charm is not just in their brilliance but also in the adventure of finding them. If you are a beginner in this process, this guide will provide you with the essential tips and tricks to jump on your diamond-finding journey.
Learn About the Diamonds
Before you go out to find diamonds, it is important to do research and learn as much as you can about them – what they are and where they come from. Diamonds are formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions found within the Earth’s cover. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions, specifically through kimberlite pipes. Knowing this geological background can help you find the right locations to search for diamonds. Additionally, understanding the structure and properties of diamonds will help you to separate them from other stones and ensure that you are truly finding valuable gems.
Find the Right Location
Finding the right locations is important for a successful diamond hunt. For this part, you can ask Lab Diamonds founder Yaniv Hadar for a useful piece of advice. Some of the most famous diamond regions include Kimberley in South Africa, which is renowned for its rich diamond deposits and historical significance; Yakutia in Russia, home to some of the world’s largest diamond mines; and Arkansas in the USA, where the Crater of Diamonds State Park allows the public to search for diamonds and keep what they find. These areas have gifted so many diamonds to their lovers and provide excellent starting points for any beginner.
Get the Equipment
To increase your chances of finding diamonds, you’ll need some special equipment. Basic tools include a shovel and pickaxe for digging and breaking apart soil and rocks, a sifting pan to separate diamonds from dirt and gravel, and a magnifying glass for closely looking at small stones. You’ll also need a screening box, a mesh box used to search through larger amounts of soil quickly, and a geological hammer, useful for breaking rocks and inspecting potential diamond-bearing materials.
Choose a Method
There are a few methods that can help you find diamonds. One method is surface searching, where you look for diamonds on the ground that might have been uncovered by erosion. This is simple but requires careful observation. Another method is sifting, which involves using a sieve to filter through soil and gravel to find diamonds – it is commonly done in riverbeds and alluvial deposits. The best method depends on the specific conditions of the area you are searching in.
Identify Real Diamonds
After you have collected stones, the next step is to identify real diamonds. Diamonds are the hardest natural material, so you can perform a simple scratch test: if the stone scratches glass, it is likely a diamond. They are usually transparent but can have some impurities, which do not greatly affect their value. Diamonds also uniquely refract light, creating a sparkling effect that can be seen under bright light.
Finding diamonds is an exciting and potentially profitable hobby, but it needs good knowledge, patience, and the right tools. By using the tips mentioned in this guide, beginners can improve their chances of discovering these precious gems. Remember that every diamond you find has a unique story, adding to the adventure and satisfaction of the hunt.
